CHARACTERISTICS

OF
LIVING THINGS
What makes you say that an organism has
LIFE?

How would you characterize a LIVING

THING?
LIVING OR
NON-LIVING THING?
1. LIVING OR NON-LIVING THING?
1. A rice plant increases its height by 1.03 cm/week

2. A stalagmite in the cave increases its height by 1.35

cm/week
GROWTH
Growth
-is the process of becoming larger
- an increase in numbers/size

Accretion (occurs in non-living things)

- adding of minerals
- an increase in size or amount as a result of something
accumulating or being added gradually
DEVELOPMENT
Development
a. Development describes characteristic changes an organism
undergoes from origin to adult.
b. It involves changes in size and shape, and differentiation within
the organism.
c. Some animals have uniquely different embryonic and adult
forms.
d. The transformation from stage to stage is metamorphosis.

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2. LIVING OR NON-LIVING THING?

1. Jessica eating her favorite dinner: Adobo.

2. A rice on a paddy.
3. The famous computer game: PACMAN
METABOLISM
Metabolism
a. Metabolism is chemical process by which a plant or
animal uses food, water, etc. in order to grow or heal
and make energy.
b. Living organisms maintain themselves by acquiring
nutrients from the environment.

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3.LIVING OR NON-LIVING THING?

1. Makahiya closes its leaves once touched.

2. A toy teddy bear says “I love you” when pressed.

 RESPONSE/
IRRITABILITY
RESPONSE

Organism can sense changes in their surroundings and then

make responses.

IRRITABILITY
Organisms respond to stimuli in the environment, a
property called irritability
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4. LIVING OR NON-LIVING THING?

1. The thick fur of the polar bear protects it from extreme

coldness of the Arctic.
2. The stripes of a zebra.
3. The camouflage suit of the military.
ADAPTATION
ADAPTATION
- Modification of an organism or its parts that makes it
more fit for existence under the conditions of its
environment.

- the development of physical and behavioral

characteristics that allow organisms to survive
 . 5. LIVING OR NON-LIVING THING?

1. A cat giving birth.

2. A glass breaks into pieces.
3. A marcotted plant.
REPRODUCTION
Reproduction
b. Genes replicate genes, cells divide to produce new cells and
organisms produce new organisms sexually or asexually.
c. Reproduction is not necessary of individuals, but is necessary for a
lineage/species to survive.

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ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATION

The study of organisms ranges from macro to micro or vice

versa. This means that the study of life can be from the
planet earth as a planet that can host life to the molecular
level that comprises that life.
Table 1.1 Levels of Biological Organization
Levels Characteristics / Definition

1. Molecules
These refer to chemical structures that are composed of two or more atoms.

2. Organelles
These are parts of the cell which are responsible for function and integrity. Some
are membrane bound while others are not.
3. Cells
These are the basic working and structural unit of an organism. Different cells
work in different organs. They are structured according to function. Organisms can either be
single-celled or multicellular in nature.
4. Tissues
These are simply cells grouped together and performs a specialized function.
5. Organ
This this a body part or a part of an organism which is made up of a group of
tissues. An organ functions, specifically in a body.
Table 1.1 Levels of Biological Organization
Levels Characteristics / Definition
6. Organism
This refers to the individual living species. Each thriving plant or animal is an organism.
7. Populations
These refer to all individuals of a species living in a specific area. Let us take for example a
population of crabs living in a coastal area.
8. Communities
These are the variety of species inhabiting a specific area. An example would be a coastal
community. In this community, we would expect to see a variety of animal and plant species that thrives
in coastal areas. Thus, a community is a combination of different populations.
9. Ecosystems
These refer to the biotic and abiotic factors in an area. This includes not only the interaction
between living things but also the interaction between living and nonliving.
10. Biosphere
This consists of all the livable parts of the earth, by livable, we are referring to all spaces
which is inhabited by life. This includes spaces in land, water, and air.
 Population

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Biosphere Community
 CHARACTERISTIC OF A LIVING THING
1. Growth and Development
2. Metabolism
3. Adaptability
4. Irritability/Response
5. Reproduction
6. Biological organization