1. Organization: Living organisms are highly organized structures with specialized parts that work together to carry out specific functions.
2. Growth and development: Living organisms grow and develop over time, undergoing changes in size, shape, and function.
3. Reproduction: Living organisms have the ability to reproduce and pass on their genetic material to offspring.
4. Response to stimuli: Living organisms can respond to changes in their environment through behaviors or physiological processes.
5. Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes, through processes such as temperature regulation and nutrient balance.
6. Energy utilization: Living organisms require energy to carry out their life processes, which is obtained through the consumption of food or other sources.
7. Adaptation: Living organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment through genetic changes or behavioral responses.
8. Evolution: Living organisms have the capacity to evolve over time through natural selection, leading to changes in populations and species.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 1 week ago
Characteristics of Life
1. Organization: - All living organisms consist of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life. - Cells are composed of complex molecules organized into organelles, tissues, and organs.
2. Metabolism: - Living organisms transform energy from their environment to sustain their activities. - They break down food molecules (catabolism) for energy and synthesize new molecules (anabolism).
3. Reproduction: - Living organisms reproduce to create new individuals of the same species. - Reproduction can be either sexual (involving two parents) or asexual (involving only one parent).
4. Growth and Development: - Living organisms increase in size and complexity through growth. - They develop specialized structures and functions that allow them to adapt to their environment.
5. Response to Stimuli: - Living organisms react to changes in their environment by responding to stimuli. - They may respond by changing their behavior, physiology, or morphology.
6. Homeostasis: - Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in their external conditions. - Homeostasis includes regulating temperature, pH, ion concentration, and other essential parameters.
7. Evolution: - Living organisms change over time due to genetic inheritance, variation, and selection. - Evolution allows populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
8. Complexity: - Living organisms are highly complex systems with multiple levels of organization. - This complexity allows for a wide range of behaviors and interactions within ecosystems.
Additional Characteristics:
- Cellular Basis: All living organisms are composed of cells. - DNA: DNA carries genetic information that determines an organism's traits. - Adaptation: Living organisms possess specific adaptations to their habitats that enhance their survival. - Entropy Decrease: Living organisms maintain a state of low entropy, counteracting the natural tendency toward disorder. - Energy Acquisition: Living organisms require energy to carry out life processes.