Characteristics of Life

biology

study of life

biophilia

the love of living things

Describe why a living character needs hierarchy of organization to be alive

organization causes progress and complexity to a living thing.

ex: atoms → molecules → organelles → cells → tissues→ organs → organ systems → organisms

What is the basic unit of structure and function?

cells; living things need cells to reproduce & carry out functions

Reproduction

life is continued through DNA and RNA, there is no such thing as spontaneous generation

what is a metabolism and how does it correlate to a living thing?

metabolism: chemical reactions that cause energy conversion from the environment in order to use it for growth, repair, and reproduction (which are all characteristic’s of life)

For something to be considered living, what type of interaction is needed within the environment?

a controlled cellular response to the environment & response to stimuli

ex: nervous & hormonal responses

homeostasis

maintaining constant internal environment, regardless of external environment

what changes / processes does something need to go through to be considered living?

• growth & development

• adaptations & evolution

• be able to move

• be able to take in water

what does adaptation / evolution lead to?

variation within the species / environment