A.
B.
Which of the above is living? Talk with your neighbor…
HOW do you know which is living? What made you choose
one over the other?
A: A radiolarian is a tiny living thing that is
covered with a glasslike shell and lives in the
ocean.
B. A snowflake is a crystal made of frozen water.
THE
CHARACTERISTICS
OF LIFE
Biology


The organized study of living things and
their interactions with the environment
around them
In other words, The study of life!
Themes in Biology







Organization
Cells
Correlation between structure & function
Interaction between organisms & their
environment
Unity in diversity
Evolution (change over time)
Scientific Processes
Living things don’t exist in
isolation…

All living things depend on other living (and
non-living) things in a variety of ways



Examples:
Plants and Humans
Humans and water.
Time to think….

On your own, think of some characteristics
you would look for to determine if
something is alive or not.

Now, share your ideas with one neighbor.

Finally, let’s share as a whole group….
WHAT IS LIFE?


Living things are called ORGANISMS
All organisms must have ALL of the following
NINE Characteristics of Life…
Remember:
FRED H. GARC
“FRED”

F – Use and need Food


Organisms need nourishment as they grow and change
Organisms go through METABOLISM:


R – Must be capable of Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction


Offspring result from and resemble TWO parents
E – Must be able to transfer Energy


Offspring result from and resemble ONE parent
Sexual Reproduction


The combination of chemical reactions through which organisms build up or
breakdown materials as it carries out its life processes
Different organisms obtain energy in different ways (plants vs. animals
vs. bacteria)
D – Develop and Grow


Organisms undergo a series of stages to reach maturity
Infant  Toddler  Young Adult  Adult
“H”

H – Homeostasis

Is a Steady internal balance




H+
Blood Pressure
Respiration rate
Body Temperature
“GARC”

G – Genetic code



All organisms are based on virtually the same genetic code
Inheritance of traits is carried and directed by DNA
A – Adapt to change and EVOLVE

ADAPTATION





Any structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to
stimuli and better survive in an environment
Structural – wings, arms, ect.
Physiological – internal body processes
Behavioral – innate, learned
R – Respond to stimuli

Variables (both living & nonliving) cause organisms to make internal as well as
external adjustments

STIMULUS


RESPONSE


A condition in the environment that requires an organism to change or adjust
A reaction to a stimulus
C – Made of at least one (1) Cell
Made up of Cells

Cell


A collection of matter
enclosed by a barrier
that separates the cell
from its surroundings
Organisms can be
unicellular (singlecelled) or multi-cellular
(many-celled)
Levels of Organization
From smallest to largest:









1.) Atom
2.) Molecule
3.) Macromolecule
4.) Organelle
5.) Cell
6.) Tissue
7.) Organ
8.) Organ System
9.) Organism