The Characteristics Of Living Things Flashcards
Metabolism
The sum of all the chemical reactions in an organism
Organism
The name given to any living thing
Anabolism
Reactions forming large complex molecules from smaller molecules
Catabolism
Reactions breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules
Continuity of life
Living things arise from other living things of the same species
Life
Defined as possessing: Organisation into cells Nutrition Excretion Response Reproduction
Unicellular
Single cell eg bacteria
Multicellular
Many cells eg human
Tissue
A group of similar cells working together to carry out a function
Organ
A number of tissues that work together to carry out a function
System
A number of organs working together to carry out a function
Nutrition
The way organisms obtain and use their food
Organisation
Living things are composed of cell, tissues, organs and organ systems
Autotrophs
Organisms that make their own food
Heterotrophs
Organisms that cannot make their own food
Herbivores
Eat plant material only
Carnivores
Eat other animals only
Omnivores
Eat both plants and animals
Excretion
The removal of waste products of metabolism from the body
Response
The ability of organisms to detect changes in their environment and respond
Reproduction
The production of new individuals of the same species
Asexual reproduction
Involves only one parent
Sexual reproduction
The Union of two sex cells / gametes
Two parents involved of the opposite sex
Detrivore
Organism that feeds on dead plant/ animal material and waste
Example: worm
Decomposer
Micro organisms that cause plants/ animal decay
