Biological Classification - Characteristics of Living Things

The video discusses the existence of simple organisms on Earth over three and a half billion years ago, focusing on stromatolites as a significant part of the fossil record. It explains that early organisms resembled modern bacteria and were ancestors to current and extinct species. The video outlines seven basic characteristics shared by all living organisms: cellular structure, energy use, homeostasis, growth, response to stimuli, reproduction, and adaptation to environmental changes.

What significant role did early simple organisms play in Earth's history?

• They caused the extinction of dinosaurs.

• They were the first to use photosynthesis.

• They created stromatolites, important in the fossil record.

• They formed the first oceans.

Which of the following is a basic characteristic shared by all living organisms?

• They are all capable of photosynthesis.

• They all have a backbone.

• They all have a nervous system.

• They are all made of one or more cells.

What is the term for the balanced state of internal stability maintained by living organisms?

• Homeostasis

• Photosynthesis

• Metabolism

• Evolution

How do living organisms typically respond to their environment?

• By changing their DNA immediately

• By responding to stimuli

• By stopping all metabolic processes

• By becoming extinct

What ability allows organisms to survive changing environmental conditions over generations?

• Adaptation

• Photosynthesis

• Migration

• Immediate mutation