Characteristics of living organisms
Characteristics of Living Organisms
Movement
- Movement is the ability of an organism to change position or place.
- Animals move to find food, escape predators, and find mates.
- Plants move by growing towards light and open their leaves to capture sunlight.
Respiration
- Respiration is the chemical process that releases energy from nutrients.
- Oxygen is often used in this process, especially in aerobic respiration.
- The energy released is used for growth, repair, and other life processes.
Sensitivity
- Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.
- Organisms respond to stimuli like light, temperature, and sound.
- This helps them to survive and thrive in different environments.
Growth
- Growth involves an increase in size and mass.
- It occurs through cell division and differentiation.
- Organisms build new cells and tissues as they grow.
Reproduction
- Reproduction is the process of creating offspring to ensure species survival.
- Can be sexual, involving two parents, or asexual, involving one parent.
- Reproduction allows for genetic diversity in species.
Excretion
- Excretion is the removal of waste products from the body.
- These wastes result from metabolic processes like respiration.
- Organisms need to excrete to avoid the build-up of harmful materials.
Nutrition
- Nutrition involves obtaining food for energy, growth, and maintenance.
- Autotrophs, like plants, make their own food through photosynthesis.
- Heterotrophs, like animals, obtain food by consuming other organisms.
Control of internal conditions
- Organisms maintain a stable internal environment, known as homeostasis.
- This includes regulation of temperature, pH, and water balance.
- Homeostasis is crucial for the proper functioning of cells and organs.