Features of Life

• Defined: the study of life• Organism: anything that can

carry on the processes of life• Species: organisms that can

create fertile offspring– Over 2 million known

species– More diverse along

equator• Oldest life (bacteria) = 3.5

billion years old

Biology

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

Is this biology?

1) Made of cells

2) Reproduces

3) Grows and Develops

4) Has organization

5) Requires energy

6) Responds to environment

Is Fire Alive?no

no

yes

yes

yes

yes

So are fires alive?

No!

1) Made of cells

2) Reproduces

3) Grows and Develops

4) Has organization

5) Requires energy

6) Responds to environment

Are Cars Alive?yes

yes

no

no

yes

yes

So are cars alive?

No!

• All life has a few common characteristics

1) Made from cells– Cell = most basic unit of life capable of carrying on

life processes– Cells are specialized for specific duties

• Ex: Red blood cells carry O2

Life Characteristics

2) Requires energy– Energy = ability to do work or cause change– Energy controls metabolism (ability to break down

materials)– Energy obtained from the sun

• Autotrophs: create sugars directly from the sun– Photosynthetic organisms (plants & algae)

• Heterotrophs: consumes others for energy– Can’t performs photosynthesis (ex: fungi & animals)

Life Characteristics

3) Responds to environment– Stimulus =

environmental factors

– Stimulus examples: Sound, light, touch

Life Characteristics!*%!?%&#

• 4) Reproduces and develops– Genetic material (DNA)

passed to next generation

Types of Reproductiona) Asexual reproduction:

• Genetically identical offspring produced from a single parent

• Ex: bacteria, protista, some plants & animals

b) Sexual reproduction:• Offspring is a genetic mixture of

two parents• Ex: Most fungi, plants, animals

Life Characteristics

REview1) Name 4 features common to all life?

2) Which type of reproduction creates identical offspring?

3) In general, which group of life performs photosynthesis to make their own food?

4) What is the ability to break down food called?

5) A loud noise or a sharp pain is an example of a _____.

6) Which type of reproduction creates genetic diversity?