Biology Characteristics of Life Quiz

Characteristics of Life

• Growth and Development: All living things begin as a single cell. Growth is an increase in the amount of living material (cells) – a quantitative change. Development is a qualitative change, involving cell differentiation and tissue specialization (metamorphosis). Both growth and development occur throughout the life of an organism, even in single-celled organisms.

• Made of Cells: All living organisms are composed of cells. Cells are the basic units of life. There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. All cells contain DNA.

• Levels of Organization: Living things exhibit a hierarchical structure. Starting with atoms and molecules (non-living), the levels of organization include cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.

Responding to Stimuli

• Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This is a crucial life process. Homeostasis is reflected by physiological responses such as sweating, shivering, and digestive processes. External stimuli include temperature changes, sounds, or physical contact. Internal changes like temperature fluctuations or nutrient deficiencies are also regulated to maintain homeostasis.

Requiring Energy

• Autotrophs: Organisms that produce their own food using natural processes, mainly utilizing solar energy (phototrophs). A different group, chemotrophs, create energy from chemical reactions. Not all autotrophs use photosynthesis, but all phototrophs use photosynthesis.

• Heterotrophs: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms (or dead organic material). Different types include herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, detritivores (feeding on dead organisms), and decomposers. All heterotrophs use cellular respiration to obtain energy.

Reproduction and Evolution

• Reproduction: The creation of offspring. While essential for the survival of a species, reproduction isn't necessary for an individual organism's survival.

• Asexual Reproduction: A single organism creates offspring without the need for another.

• Sexual Reproduction: Involves two parent organisms contributing genetic material (sperm and egg).

• Evolution: The process of adaptation and change over time by which organisms adapt to their environment, impacting future generations' DNA. This results in the survival of the fittest. Extinction occurs when a species disappears completely.

Test your knowledge on the fundamental characteristics of life, including growth, cellular organization, and homeostasis. This quiz covers essential concepts vital for understanding biology and living organisms. Perfect for students studying life sciences.