8 Characteristics of Life

Made of one or more cells

a living thing can be unicellular or multicellular. Ex: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Hierarchical organization

the organizational hierarchy of cells. Ex: complex organisms > organ systems > organs > tissues > cells > large molecules > small molecules

Reproduces independently

A species reproducing viable offspring. Ex: sexual vs. asexual reproduction

Responds to stimuli

A reaction to an organism's internal and external environment. Ex: an eye reacting to adjust to light

Maintains homeostasis

The regulation of an organism's internal conditions to maintain life Ex: the human body regulating temperature

Grows and develops

Growth: increase in mass

Development: natural changes in life

Ex: humans grow and develop through life

Adaptations over time

Any heritable train that results in change to a species over time Ex: the thickness of fur

Requires energy

When an organism requires energy to survive Ex: what humans need to stay awake.