Lecture Notes: Living and Non-Living Things

Introduction

• Focus on living and non-living things on Earth.
• Key characteristics of living organisms.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

1. Growth

   • All living organisms grow.
   • Example: Humans grow into adults.
   • Note: Growth is not exclusive to living organisms; non-living things can also grow (e.g., crystals).

2. Reproduction

   • Most living organisms reproduce, but not all (e.g., infertile humans, mules).
   • Exceptions exist, so reproduction is not a defining feature of living organisms.

3. Metabolism

   • Refers to all chemical reactions in an organism (anabolic and catabolic).
   • Metabolism is a defining feature of living organisms.

4. Organization

   • Living organisms have organized systems (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems).
   • Organization is a defining feature of living organisms.

5. Consciousness

   • Refers to being aware of surroundings.
   • This characteristic is a defining feature of living organisms, as non-living things lack consciousness.

6. Response to Stimuli

   • Living organisms respond to external stimuli.
   • This is also a defining characteristic.

Biodiversity

• Definition: Total number and types of organisms present on Earth.
• Importance of recognizing diversity among living organisms.

Nomenclature

• Nomenclature: System of naming organisms.
• Importance of standard names in biology to avoid confusion.
• Binomial Nomenclature:
  • Two names: Generic name and specific epithet.
  • Example: Mangifera indica (mango).
• Rules of Nomenclature:
  • Names are italicized.
  • First word (genus) capitalized, second word (species) in lowercase.

Classification

• Taxonomy: Science of naming and classifying organisms.
• Hierarchy of Classification:
  • Levels: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
  • Phylum vs. Division: Phylum is used for animals; division is used for plants.

Taxonomical Aids

1. Herbarium: A storehouse for preserved plant specimens.
2. Museum: Collection of preserved plants and animals for study.
3. Zoological Parks: Facilities for the study of animal behavior and preservation.
4. Flora Manuals: Provide information on plant species in a specific area.
5. Monographs/Catalogs: Detailed accounts of specific taxa.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding living organisms through their characteristics, classification, and nomenclature.
• The topic covered includes essential definitions and processes related to living organisms.

Final Remarks

• Engage with the material learned and apply it in future studies.
• Stay curious and explore further about biodiversity and taxonomy.