Characteristics of Living Things.
1
Time to Read!
Living things are all around us, from the tiniest bacteria to the largest mammals. But what
makes something a living thing? There are several characteristics that define living organisms.
Firstly, living things are made up of cells. These are the basic building blocks of life and are
responsible for carrying out all of the functions necessary for survival. Some organisms, like
bacteria, are unicellular, meaning they only have one cell, while others, like humans, are
multicellular, with many different types of cells working together.
Secondly, living things are capable of growth and development. This means that they can
increase in size and complexity over time. For example, a seed can grow into a plant, or a baby
can develop into an adult.
Thirdly, living things are able to respond to their environment. They can sense changes in their
surroundings and adjust their behavior accordingly. For example, a plant will grow towards a
source of light, while an animal might run away from danger.
Fourthly, living things require energy to carry out their functions. They obtain this energy
through various means, such as eating food or photosynthesis (in the case of plants).
Lastly, living things are able to reproduce. This means that they can create new individuals of
their own kind. Reproduction can occur either sexually or asexually, depending on the
organism.
In summary, the characteristics of living things include being made up of cells, capable of
growth and development, able to respond to their environment, requiring energy, and able to
reproduce. Understanding these characteristics is essential for studying biology and
understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
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Pick the Right Answer!
1 What is the main topic of the text?
a The importance of studying biology
b The characteristics of living organisms
c The diversity of life on Earth
d The functions necessary for survival
2 What are cells responsible for in living organisms?
a Growth and development
b Responding to the environment
c Obtaining energy
d Carrying out all necessary functions
3 How do unicellular organisms differ from multicellular organisms?
a Unicellular organisms are smaller than multicellular organisms
b Multicellular organisms are made up of more cells than unicellular organisms
c Unicellular organisms can only carry out one function, while multicellular organisms
can carry out many
d Unicellular organisms only have one cell, while multicellular organisms have many
different types of cells working together
4 What is an example of growth and development in living organisms?
a A plant growing towards a source of light
b An animal running away from danger
c An organism obtaining energy through photosynthesis
d An organism carrying out all necessary functions
5 How do living things respond to their environment?
a They can sense changes in their surroundings and adjust their behavior accordingly
b They obtain energy through various means
c They require cells to carry out all necessary functions
d They can create new individuals of their own kind
6 How do living things obtain energy?
a Through photosynthesis
b By eating food
c By reproducing
d By responding to their environment
7 What is the final characteristic of living things mentioned in the text?
a Being made up of cells
b Capable of growth and development
c Able to respond to their environment
d Able to reproduce
8 What does it mean for an organism to reproduce?
a It can create new individuals of its own kind
b It can sense changes in its surroundings and adjust its behavior accordingly
c It requires energy to carry out its functions
d It is made up of cells
9 What is an example of asexual reproduction?
a A seed growing into a plant
b A baby developing into an adult
c A bacteria splitting into two identical cells
d A plant growing towards a source of light
10 Why is understanding the characteristics of living things essential for studying biology?
a To understand the diversity of life on Earth
b To learn about the functions necessary for survival
c To understand how organisms obtain energy
d To understand what defines living organisms
Correct Answers
2 Correct Answers:
1 b
2 d
9 c
10 d
3 d
4 a
5 a
6 b
7 d
8 a