Characteristics of Life in Biology

What is one characteristic that all living things must have?

Which type of reproduction involves only one parent?

What is the genetic material that is found in every living cell?

How do living things primarily obtain energy?

What term describes the process of maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism?

What is a stimulus that comes from inside an organism called?

What is the term used to describe the chemical processes by which living things use materials?

Which aspect of life describes the change in living things over generations?

Characteristics of Life

Biology is defined as the study of life, comprising living organisms and their interactions.
Eight fundamental characteristics signify what it means to be alive; all must be present in living things.

Eight Characteristics of Life

Cellular Composition: All living organisms are made of cells; can be unicellular (single cell) or multicellular (multiple cells).
Reproduction: Organisms reproduce either asexually (single parent) or sexually (two parents).
Genetic Code: Life is based on a universal genetic code, DNA, which is inherited and dictates traits.
Growth and Development: Living beings grow and develop at some stage in their lifecycle.
Energy and Materials: Organisms require a continuous supply of materials and energy. Metabolism refers to the processes by which they utilize these resources.
Environmental Response: Living things respond to stimuli from their environment, distinguished as internal stimuli (originating within) and external stimuli (from the outside).
Homeostasis: Organisms maintain a stable internal environment, ensuring balance despite external changes.
Evolution: Over time, groups of living organisms exhibit changes, reflecting evolution and adaptation to their environments.

Explore the eight fundamental characteristics that define living organisms in this quiz. From cellular composition to reproduction and metabolism, test your understanding of what it means to be alive. Ideal for students of biology seeking to reinforce their knowledge.