8 Characteristics of Life

Understand that there are 8 characteristics that all living things share.

​I will

Explore how scientist determine is something is living or not.

​We will

Today

Categorize

Options (8)

Human

Water

Euglena

Rocks

Sponge

Fire

Virus

Tree

Organize these options into the right categories

Living

Non-living

Open Ended

How did you decide which things were living (biotic) and which things were not living (abiotic)?

Open Ended

List at least 2 characteristics that you think identifies a living thing.

Living things are made of one or more cells.

All cells have structural components that keep them alive.

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Unicellular or Multicellular

Living things respond to external environmental stimuli.

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​Respond to stimuli

All living things grow and develop over time.​

Grow & Develop

All living things must contain genetic material to pass on to offspring.

This is called heredity.

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Have genetic material

All living this reproduce, have offspring.

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Reproduce

Because living things respond to external stimuli, they must have processes to maintain stability (balance) within their cells.

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Maintain homeostasis

Living things must be able to metabolize molecules to make energy for cells, or the cells will die.

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Metabolize energy

Multiple Choice

Which characteristic of life has not yet been discussed?

• Reproduce (offspring)

• Homeostasis (balance)

• Respond to stimuli

• Evolve (adapt)

Living things must be able to adapt to external environmental changes.

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​Evolve/Adapt

Open Ended

Explain one of the eight characteristics of life.