CHARACTERISTICS OF
LIVING THINGS
The 8 Characteristics of Life
All Living Things…
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are made up of cells
(one cell = unicellular / many cells = multicellular)
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reproduce
(on their own = asexual / with another parent = sexual)
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have a genetic code (DNA) with instructions for growing
and reproducing
grow and develop
use energy and materials
respond to their environment
control the conditions inside their bodies (maintain homeostasis)
Groups of living things adapt/evolve/change over time.
Objectives for Class:
• List 6 of 8 characteristics that all living things share
Two Main Cell Types

Eukaryotic
(eu = true; karyote = kernel/nucleus)
 Cells
that have a nucleus in which their DNA/
chromosomes are stored
 Cells that are larger and more complex

Prokaryotic
(pro = before; karyote = kernel/nucleus)
 Cells
that don’t have a nucleus (DNA just floats around
in the cell)
 Cells that are smaller and simpler
Class Objective:
Distinguish between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Two main cell types:
PROKARYOTES and EUKARYOTES
White Blood Cell w/
Cocci (bacteria)
Class Objective:
Distinguish between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Epithelial Cells w/
Bacilli (bacteria)
Two main cell types:
PROKARYOTES and EUKARYOTES
Prokaryotes
Eukaryotes
Class Objective:
Distinguish between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
DOMAINS & KINGDOMS
OF LIFE
Domain Bacteria
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unicellular/microscopic
prokaryotic (tiny cells with no nucleus)
very diverse – live and eat in many
different ways
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Domain Archaea
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unicellular/microscopic
Prokaryotic (no nucleus)
live in extreme environments
(very hot, salty, or acidic places)
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Domain Eukarya
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unicellular OR multicellular
all have nucleus
eukaryotic (bigger cells w/ nucleus and organelles)
includes 4 Kingdoms:
Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Kingdom Protista
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all are eukaryotic; most are
unicellular
most live in water
“miscellaneous” category – some
are like plant cells, some are like
animal cells
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Kingdom Fungi
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mostly multicellular
decomposers (feed on dead/decaying
things)
ex: mushrooms, mold, yeast
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Kingdom Plantae
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multicellular
use photosynthesis to make food from
sunlight, CO2, and water
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
Kingdom Animalia
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multicellular
eat other living things for food
most can move
Objectives for Class:
1. Identify and explain two defining characteristics of each kingdom and domain.
BIOLOGICAL
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Hierarchical
Classification System:
Largest category
 Domain
 Kingdom
 Phylum
 Class
 Order
 Family
 Genus
Smallest & most
 Species
specific category
DOMAIN
Eukarya
Species Definition and Examples
Species – a specific group of living things that have similar
characteristics, similar DNA, and can reproduce with each
other to make fertile offspring (this means their babies can also
have babies)
Example: tiger + tiger = baby tiger (which grows up to
reproduce)
lion + tiger = liger (a hybrid which can’t reproduce)
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Every species has a 2-part Latin name:
Ex: Canis lupus (wolf)
Genus name Specific name
Genus species