Key characteristics:
* Organization: Made up of different parts, each with a specific function. For example, plants have roots, stems, and leaves, while animals have organs like the heart, lungs, and brain.
* Metabolism: The chemical processes occurring within the organism, including breaking down nutrients for energy and building new structures.
* Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment, like regulating temperature, pH, and water balance.
* Growth and Development: Increase in size and complexity over time.
* Reproduction: The ability to create offspring, ensuring the continuation of the species.
* Adaptation: The ability to change over time to suit a particular environment.
* Response to stimuli: Reacting to changes in the environment.
Examples of whole organisms:
* Humans: Complex organisms with highly specialized systems.
* Plants: Photosynthetic organisms that produce their own food.
* Bacteria: Single-celled organisms that are ubiquitous in nature.
* Animals: Multicellular organisms with diverse body structures and behaviors.
Key Concept: A whole organism is more than just the sum of its parts. The interaction and coordination of all its systems create a unique and complex entity capable of life.
