1. Organization: Living organisms are highly organized, with complex structures like cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. This organization is not random but follows specific patterns and functions.
2. Metabolism: Living organisms carry out chemical reactions, including breaking down nutrients (catabolism) and building complex molecules (anabolism). This constant flow of energy sustains life.
3. Growth: Living things increase in size and complexity through the process of growth, involving cell division and the production of new organic material.
4. Adaptation: Living organisms can adapt to their environment over time, either through short-term adjustments or long-term evolutionary changes. This adaptability enhances their survival.
5. Response to Stimuli: Living organisms react to changes in their environment, like light, temperature, or chemical signals. This responsiveness allows them to adjust to their surroundings.
6. Reproduction: Living organisms are able to produce offspring, passing on their genetic information to the next generation. This ensures the continuation of life.
7. Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment, despite external fluctuations. This balance is essential for survival.
Examples:
* Living matter: A tree, a dog, a bacterium
* Non-living matter: A rock, water, air
Key Points to Remember:
* Non-living matter lacks the defining characteristics of life.
* The transition from non-living to living matter is not absolute, but rather a gradual progression of complexity and organization.
* Some features of life, like organization and metabolism, can be found in non-living systems to a limited extent.
Therefore, the presence of these characteristics, functioning in a coordinated way, is what sets living matter apart from non-living matter.
