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Biology

Lesson Notes

Characteristics of Living Things

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

identify the vital functions characteristic of all living things

recognize the cell as the basic unit of any living organism

comprehend the common features of all cells as well as the basic differences between animal and plant cells

analyze the relation between the structure and function of specialized cells

understand that cells, tissues, organs and systems represent increasing degree of organization in living organisms

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Characteristics of Living Things

Biology

Lesson Notes

The Seven Vital Functions

Living things include microbes, plants and animals. They live on the land and in the lakes, rivers, and seas.

All very different but all are alive. All can perform some common features These are the Seven Vital Functions. Only living things have all of these features

They are "tests" of being alive.

The Vital Functions are processes that all living organisms do. They tell you whether something is alive or not.

Form 3/SS+NS/ss/12-13

Characteristics of Living Things

Biology

Lesson Notes

Movement

Living things move without outside help. Non-living things move under external forces (e.g. machines, something falling).

Organisms like animals can move their whole body

(E.g. walking, running, etc.)

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Organisms like plants can only move parts

of their body (E.g. opening and closing

of flower petals)

Characteristics of Living Things

Biology

Lesson Notes

Can you match these types of movement to the pictures?

Flying

Venus fly-trap catching insects

Swimming

Chasing for food

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Migration

Turning flower towards sun

Characteristics of Living Things

Biology

Lesson Notes

Sensitivity (Irritability)

Living things respond to conditions around them. Organisms can identify stimuli in their surroundings and respond to them.

Stimulus

Organism

Response

Green plants growing toward sunshine

Blinking when light shines Jumping up when stepping

into their eyes

on a sharp pointed object

like a pin

Form 3/SS+NS/ss/12-13

Characteristics of Living Things

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