Biology: Characteristics of Living Things

Vocabulary terms and definitions based on introductory biology notes covering the seven fundamental characteristics of living things.

Biology

The study of life, described as the study of plants and animals.

Living things

Organisms that include humans, animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi.

Movement

The ability of an organism to move its body from one place to another.

Respiration

The breakdown or burning of food substances by aerobic or anaerobic respiration to release energy needed for all processes of life.

Aerobic respiration

A form of respiration that involves using oxygen to break down food substances and release energy.

Anaerobic respiration

A form of respiration that occurs without oxygen to break down food substances and release energy.

Sensitivity

The ability to detect and respond to changes around you.

Growth

An increase in size or number of cells.

Reproduction

Producing new offspring of their own kind.

Excretion

Removing waste products from the body.

Nutrition

Taking in and using nutrients for energy, growth, and repair.

MRS-GREN

A mnemonic representing the seven characteristics of living things: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.