Laboratory Investigation: Observing the Characteristics of Life
Level 3
Purpose: In this lab, students will observe various specimens for evidence of different characteristics of life. Some characteristics
that will be observed include: growth and development, homeostasis, and cellular organization. Other physical and behavioral
characteristics will also be observed. Then, comparisons and generalizations can be made about living organisms.
Materials: Microscope, microviewer, microslides, prepared slides, various preserved specimens
Procedure:
1. Select 8 specimens and answer the following questions for each specimen. You will record your answers to each question on the
chart on the attached page. Answer the questions only on the basis of your observations. If you cannot answer a questions from
your observations, write “CA” (cannot answer) in the table.
1. Describe the physical characteristics of the specimen. (ex: # of legs, feathers or fur, color, size, any distinguishing feature).
2. What evidence do you see of
a. growth?
b. development?
c. Reproduction?
3. Is the organism unicellular (composed of one cell) or multicellular (composed of many cells)? Remember, cells make up
all living things and they are microscopic. If we can see the specimen, it must therefore be composed of many cells.
4. Is the specimen a producer (an organism capable of making its own food) or a consumer (an organism unable to produce its
own food)?
5. List any organs you can observe.
6. An adaptation is a special feature that enables the organism to survive in its environment. List 1 adaptation you can
observe.
7. What community or communities might the specimen be able to live in – forest, grassland, desert, pond, etc.?
Analysis:
You have just completed a series of observations of living things. Some of the specimens were probably familiar to you;
others were not. Your collected data now becomes important because you can formulate generalizations about the specimens.
Answer the following questions about your observations of the specimens.
1. How many of the observed specimens can probably live in more than one community? List them.
2. What feature(s) helped you identify the specimen as a producer or consumer?
3. How could you tell whether an organism was unicellular or multicellular? Which organisms were considered unicellular?
4. Name an organism that showed evidence of growth. Describe what you saw.
5. Name an organism that showed evidence of development. Describe what you saw.
6. Name an organism that showed evidence of reproduction. Describe what you saw.
7. Give an example of an adaptation that you saw. How does that adaptation help the organism to survive in its environment?