Characteristics of Living Things: Identification and Differentiation, Schemes and Mind Maps of Biological Systems

Download Characteristics of Living Things: Identification and Differentiation and more Schemes and Mind Maps Biological Systems in PDF only on Docsity! Section 6 - Characteristics of Living Things ! of !1 2 Review the information below, and answer the questions to follow. This material will be included in your first test. ! Characteristics of Living Things 
 Scientists have identified certain characteristics that are found in all living things. If something in question does not possess ALL of these characteristics, it is considered nonliving. ! 1. All living things are made of one or more cells. A. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things. B. Organisms may be unicellular (like bacteria) or multicellular (like plants). 
! 2. All living things display organization. A. The levels of organization in biological systems begin with atoms and molecules and increase in complexity. B. Each organized structure in an organism has a specific function. C. Levels of organization: 
 cell g tissue g organ g organ system g organism a. Specialized cells are organized according to function into groups that work together, called tissues. b. Tissues are organized into organs. c. Organs then comprise organ systems that work together to support an organism. ! 3. All living things grow and develop. A. Growth results in an increase in mass. B. Development results in different abilities that the organism may acquire over time. 
! 4. All organisms reproduce. A. Organisms reproduce and pass along traits from one generation to the next. B. Reproduction may occur sexually or asexually. a. In sexual reproduction, DNA from two parent organisms combines to create offspring. This allows for various gene combinations. b. In asexual reproduction, no DNA is combined. One parent reproduces to create offspring with genetically identical DNA. Changes in DNA (causing genetic variation) only occur by mutations to the DNA. 
! 5. All living things respond to stimuli. A. Anything that is part of the internal or external environment that causes a reaction in the organism is called a stimulus. B. Reactions to external and internal stimuli are called responses. 
 
 
 
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