Overview
This lecture introduces the fundamental characteristics that define living organisms and distinguish them from nonliving things.
Characteristics of Life
- Living things are made of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.
- All living organisms obtain and use energy to carry out life processes.
- Living things respond to stimuli in their environment.
- Growth and development occur in all living organisms.
- Living things reproduce to pass on genetic material to their offspring.
- All living organisms maintain homeostasis, keeping internal conditions stable.
- Living things adapt to their environment over time through evolution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cell — the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
- Stimulus — any change in the environment that an organism can respond to.
- Homeostasis — the maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.
- Reproduction — the biological process of producing new individuals.
- Evolution — genetic change in a population of organisms over generations.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each characteristic in real organisms.
- Prepare to identify and explain characteristics of life on an upcoming quiz.