Characteristics of living organisms

How many characteristics do all living things share?

8

What are the 8 characteristics all living things share?

(MRS H GREN)

M - movement

R - respiration

S - sensitivity

H - homeostasis

G - growth

R - respiration

E - excrete

N - nutrition

What does M - movement mean?

They move

Organisms move towards things like water and food, and away from things like predators and poisons.

What does R - respiration mean?

They respire

Organisms release energy from their food by a process called respiration

What does S - sensitivity mean?

They respond to their surroundings

Living organisms can react to changes in their surroundings

What does H - homeostasis mean?

They can control their internal conditions

Internal conditions include temperature and water content

What does G - growth mean?

They grow and develop

Even the smallest organisms have to grow and develop into their adult form

What does R - reproduction mean?

They reproduce

Organisms have to produce offspring in order for their species to survive

What does E - excretion mean?

They excrete their waste

Waste products such as carbon dioxide and urine have to be removed. The removal of waste is called excretion

What does N - nutrition mean?

They need nutrition

Living organisms need nutrients to provide them with energy and the raw materials for growth repair. Nutrients include things like proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals