Chapter 2 Section 1
Objectives Describe 6 characteristics of living things Describe how organisms maintain stable internal
conditions Explain how asexual reproduction differs from sexual
reproduction
Living Things Have Cells All living things are composed of one or more cells Cells are membrane covered structures that contain
all the materials necessary for life Smallest unit that can perform all life processes Covered by membrane; have DNA and cytoplasm
Living Things Sense & Respond to Change All organisms have the ability to sense change in their
environment and respond to that change Stimulus: a change that affects the activity of the
organism (ex: your pupils responding to a change in light) Can you list some stimuli you experience??
Homeostasis Organisms maintain a stable internal environment in
order to survive Responding to external changes: Sweating Shivering How do reptiles do this??
Living Things Reproduce Sexual reproduction: 2 parents produce offspring that
will share the characteristics of both parents (ex: bear cubs) Asexual reproduction: a single parent produces
offspring that are identical to the parent (ex: hydra)
Living Things Have DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Controls the structure and function of cells
Copies are passed to offspring Heredity: passing of traits from one generation to the
next
Living Things Use Energy Activities of life: making food, breaking down food… Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes that
occur in an organism Can you name 2 other processes that require energy??
Quick Quiz Explain how you can tell an apple tree is a living thing? What is the difference between growth and
development? Name 3 activities of an organism that require energy.