Life’s Organization*Student Learning Target:

I can define and identify living things based on their ability to carry out life functions.

*Aim:What makes something living?

Characteristics of Life*1. Cellular organization2. Reproduction that passes hereditary

information to offspring3. Growth and development4. Adjusting to surroundings to maintain

internal stability (homeostasis)

Organism – def: anything that possesses ALL of the characteristics of life

1. Cellular OrganizationOrderly cellular structure of an organismAll living things are made up of one or more cellsThis structure allows the parts of an organism to

work together as a living system

2. ReproductionLiving organisms can pass their hereditary

information to offspring through reproductionContinuity of hereditary information through

generations

3. Growth and DevelopmentAll living things begin as one cellCells undergo growth and developmentDifferent cells of different organisms grow

and develop differently

4. Homeostasis(Maintaining stability/Adjusting to surroundings)Organisms constantly interact with the nonliving

and living surroundingsAll living things respond to changes in their

environment in order to survive

Do Now, RevisitedNow knowing the characteristics of life, are

the following living or not?

Are the following things living or not?

Fire E. Coli Bacteria