Characteristics of Living Things
1. Cellular organization: Living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of structure and function.
2. Growth and development: Living organisms have the ability to grow and develop, changing from one life stage to another.
3. Reproduction: Living organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, to produce offspring.
4. Response to stimuli: Living organisms can perceive and respond to changes in their environment through various sensory systems.
5. Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in their external environment.
6. Metabolism: Living organisms carry out metabolic processes, such as the conversion of energy and the synthesis of molecules necessary for life.
7. Adaptation: Living organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and evolve over time to enhance their chances of survival and reproduction.
8. Evolution: Living organisms exhibit genetic variation and can undergo evolution through natural selection.
9. Interdependence: Living organisms are interconnected and depend on each other for resources and survival in ecosystems.
10. Possession of genetic material: Living organisms contain genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, which carries the instructions for their structure and function.