Overview
This lecture introduces the definition of life and outlines the criteria used to determine if something is considered living.
Defining Life
- Life is defined by specific characteristics that distinguish living things from nonliving things.
- Scientists use a set of criteria to determine if something is alive.
- The question "What is life?" involves understanding what properties make organisms living.
Criteria for Life
- Something is considered alive if it meets certain biological criteria.
- These criteria help scientists and students identify living organisms.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Life — The condition that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving matter based on certain characteristics.
- Criteria — Standards or rules for judging if something qualifies as living.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full list of characteristics of life in the next lecture or reading assignment.
- Prepare to discuss examples of living and nonliving things in class.