The characteristics of living things – an investigation



The characteristics of living things – an investigation

Background:

We are living creatures and are surrounded by other living organisms. Although we interact with these organisms on a regular basis, we rarely contemplate how amazing these other creatures are. Organisms are complex, highly structured machines that have the ability to execute intricate tasks. In this lab we will observe a group of living organisms, and attempt to determine some of the common characteristics of all living things.

NOTE:

We will be working with living organisms in this lab. When working with living creatures, the utmost respect for the organisms MUST be observed. Do NOT harass or harm these organisms in any way.

Procedures:

1) Break into lab groups and move to appropriate lab station.

2) Observe the organism at each station and follow procedures posted there.

Also, place the name of the organism at the top of our observations.

3) Log these observations in your lab at the appropriate station location.

4) Rotate through all six stations, then answer the analysis questions in full

sentences.

Station # 1 _____________________

Observations-

Station # 2 _____________________

Observations-

Station # 3 _____________________

Observations-

Station # 4 _____________________

Observations-

Station # 5 _____________________

Observations-

Station # 6 _____________________

Observations-

Analysis:

Answer all questions and definitions in full sentences on white lined paper.

Define the following

Adaptation –

Development –

Growth –

Homeostasis –

Metabolism –

Reproduction –

Species -

1) What did you observe that was common to all the creatures observed?

2) Give two examples of a homeostatic process in your body.

3) Why is metabolism so important to all living creatures?

4) How are organisms interdependent on each other?

5) Give an example as to how your body reacts to stimuli.

6) The life cycle of the Monarch butterfly - Danaus plexippus, shows both growth

and development. Explain the difference between the two.

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