Characteristics of Living
Things
R. Bryant 2008 WSMS – Based on “Science Starters” by T. Trimpe at h<p://sciencespot.net Determine which objects are considered
living or nonliving.
A.
B. C. E. D. F. The solution …
Living
NonLiving Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things respond…… Respond/React to
Changes •  Organisms react to
change in their
surroundings. •  Any reaction to
change is called a
response. – For example: A bright light
may cause you to blink. Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things are organized…………. Organized from smallest unit which are
cells •  Organisms are
made up of one or
more cells.
•  A cell is the basic
unit of structure
and function in
living things.
– Cells = the
of life.
•  Cells are organized into =ssues •  Tissues are organized into organs •  Organs are organized into organ systems •  Organ systems are organized into organisms Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things grow and develop……. Grow and Develop •  Living things change, or develop, during
their lifetimes. •  One way organisms change is by growing.
•  Living things may also change
in appearance. For example: tadpoles and frogs Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things take in and use energy…… Use and Need Energy •  Sunlight is the source of
•  All organisms
energy for most living
need and use
things. energy to live.
–  Plants use the energy in
•  Energy is the
sunlight to make food
ability to do
–  Animals get energy by
work. eating plants or other
animals that have eaten
plants.
–  Bacteria and fungi get
energy from decaying plant
or animal matter
Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things reproduce………. Reproduce Reproduc=on is not essen=al for the survival of individual organisms, but must occur for a species to survive. Why is R.O.G.E.R.S. a living thing? •  Living things have Similar chemicals……. •  Most common elements in living things are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. These four elements cons=tute about 95% of your body weight. Adapted to Their
Surroundings •  Organisms are adapted, or suited, to
their surroundings.
•  All organisms have features that help
them survive in their surroundings. –  For example: fish have gills Other characteris=cs •  Movement –  Internal movement of organelles and fluids –  External movement-­‐ up or down –  Locomo=on •  Maintain Homeostasis –  Rela=vely constant internal environment, pH, temp, salinity (like humans body temperature stays right around 98.6) What do living things need? •  SHELTER •  AIR •  FOOD •  WATER