Define th seven characteristics of living organisms?
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The seven characteristics of living organisms, also known as the seven signs of life, are the key features that distinguish living things from non-living things. These characteristics are:
1. Organization: Living organisms have a high level of structural organization, meaning they are composed of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. These structures work together to maintain life processes.
2. Metabolism: Living organisms have the ability to carry out metabolic activities, which include obtaining energy from food through processes like digestion, respiration, and photosynthesis.
3. Homeostasis: Living organisms can regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable and balanced condition. They can adjust their body temperature, pH levels, and other physiological factors to ensure optimal functioning.
4. Growth and development: Living organisms undergo growth, which involves an increase in size or number of cells. They also develop and mature over time, undergoing changes in form, structure, and function.
5. Response to stimuli: Living organisms are capable of responding to various external and internal stimuli. They can detect and react to changes in their environment, such as temperature, light, sound, or touch.
6. Reproduction: Living organisms are capable of reproducing, either sexually or asexually, to produce offspring. Reproduction ensures the continuation of the species and the passing on of genetic information.
7. Adaptation: Living organisms have the ability to adapt and evolve over generations in response to changes in their environment. This adaptation helps them survive and thrive in different conditions.
To get the list of the seven characteristics of living organisms, you can refer to biology textbooks, online resources, or ask a biology teacher or expert. These characteristics are widely accepted in the scientific community and form the basis of understanding life.