characteristics of organisms

• What are the characteristics of living things also known as?


  Organisms
• What acronym can help remember the seven key features of living organisms?

  • M: Movement
  • R: Respiration
  • S: Sensitivity
  • G: Growth
  • R: Reproduction
  • E: Excretion
  • N: Nutrition
• Why is it important to note that only living things have all seven features?


  Because non-living things may exhibit some features but not all seven
• What does movement refer to in living organisms?


  The ability of organisms to move
• Can you give an example of movement in plants?


  Plants can turn their leaves towards the sun
• What is respiration in living organisms?


  A set of chemical reactions that break down nutrients to release energy
• What does metabolism refer to?


  All the chemical processes that occur within an organism
• How does sensitivity manifest in living organisms?


  As the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment
• How do plants demonstrate sensitivity?


  By detecting changes in water, light intensity, and temperature
• What does growth mean in the context of living organisms?


  A permanent increase in size and dry mass
• How would you describe the growth of a kitten to an adult cat?


  As an example of growth in living organisms
• What is reproduction in living organisms?


  The process that makes more of the same kind of organism
• What does excretion refer to?


  The removal of waste products of metabolism
• Why is it important to remove excess substances in excretion?


  To maintain balance and prevent toxicity in the organism
• What is nutrition in living organisms?


  The taking in of materials for energy, growth, and development
• How do fungi and bacteria obtain nutrients?


  By absorbing nutrients from their surroundings
• What are the seven features that all living things have in common?


  1. Movement
  2. Respiration
  3. Sensitivity
  4. Growth
  5. Reproduction
  6. Excretion
  7. Nutrition
• What is a common characteristic of all living organisms regarding their cellular structure?


  They are made up of one or more cells
• Why are viruses not considered living organisms?


  Because they do not meet the seven requirements of living things
• What are two features that viruses lack that prevent them from being classified as living organisms?


  Growth over time and excretion of waste