Characteristics of Life Vocab

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Biology

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The scientific study of living things and how they interact.

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Biosphere

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All the parts of Earth where life exists (land, water, air).

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Biodiversity

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The variety of different living organisms in an area.

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Species

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A group of similar organisms that can reproduce and have fertile offspring.

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Cell

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The basic unit of life; the smallest structure that can carry out all life’s processes.

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Energy

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The ability to do work or cause change; living things need it to grow and function.

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Metabolism

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All the chemical reactions inside a cell or organism that build up or break down materials.

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Heterotroph

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An organism that must eat other organisms for food (like animals and fungi).

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Autotroph

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An organism that makes its own food, usually using sunlight (like plants).

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Stimulus

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Anything in the environment that causes a reaction or response from an organism.