Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of all living organisms?
Which type of reproduction involves only one parent?
What serves as the genetic code in living organisms?
What term describes the process by which living things obtain and use energy?
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How do living organisms maintain a stable internal environment?
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What describes how living organisms respond to stimuli from their environment?
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What is a characteristic that indicates living organisms can change over time?
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Which of the following is NOT considered one of the eight characteristics of life?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Life
- Biology is defined as the study of life, encompassing all living organisms.
- Eight characteristics are essential for defining what it means to be alive; all must be present.
Eight Characteristics of Life
- Cellular Composition: All living organisms are made of cells, which can be unicellular (one cell) or multicellular (more than one cell).
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Reproduction: Living things reproduce to pass on genetic information. This occurs via two methods:
- Asexual reproduction: involves one parent.
- Sexual reproduction: involves two parents.
- Genetic Code: Living organisms rely on DNA as their universal genetic code, which is inherited and directs the development of traits.
- Growth and Development: Living organisms experience growth and development at some stage, transforming as they age.
- Metabolism: Living things require a continual intake of materials and energy to function; the process of using these materials is known as metabolism.
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Response to Stimuli: Organisms respond to internal and external stimuli, enabling them to react to their surroundings.
- Internal stimuli: signals originating from within the organism.
- External stimuli: signals from the environment.
- Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain stable internal conditions, despite external changes, to ensure survival.
- Adaptation Over Time: Collectively, living organisms exhibit changes and adaptations over generations, contributing to evolution.
Additional Notes
- Understanding these characteristics helps differentiate living organisms from non-living entities.
- These attributes serve as a framework for studying the complexity of life forms and their interactions with the environment.
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Description
Explore the eight essential characteristics that define life. This quiz covers cellular composition, reproduction methods, genetic coding, growth, and metabolism. Test your knowledge on what makes living organisms unique.
