Characteristics of Living Organisms

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What are the eight characteristics of living organisms?

The eight characteristics are: growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, homeostasis, metabolism, cell structure, heredity, and adaptation.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment.

How do living organisms grow?

Living organisms grow by increasing in size or cell number through processes like cell division.

Why is reproduction important for living organisms?

Reproduction is important for producing offspring, ensuring the survival of the species.

What does it mean to respond to stimuli?

It means reacting to environmental changes or signals.

Can non-living things have one or more characteristics of living organisms?

Yes, non-living things can exhibit characteristics like movement, but they lack all eight characteristics together.

What is metabolism in living organisms?

Metabolism refers to all chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

What role does cell structure play in living organisms?

Cell structure provides the basic unit of life, forming the tissues and organs of an organism.

What is adaptation in living organisms?

Adaptation is the process through which organisms change over time to better survive in their environment.

How do genes contribute to the characteristics of living organisms?

Genes carry hereditary information that determines an organism's traits and characteristics.

Why is energy important for living organisms?

Energy is crucial for carrying out life processes such as growth, movement, and reproduction.

What is the role of DNA in living organisms?

DNA stores genetic information necessary for the development and function of living organisms.

How do organisms maintain homeostasis?

Organisms maintain homeostasis through regulatory systems like temperature control and pH balance.

What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?

Unicellular organisms have one cell, while multicellular organisms consist of many cells working together.

What characteristic helps living organisms evolve over time?

Adaptation helps living organisms evolve as they undergo changes suited to their environment over generations.