1. CELLS 2. GROW & DEVELOP 3. REPRODUCE All living things are made up of at least one cell. Cells are the smallest unit of life. Cells can grow, reproduce, and respond to their surroundings. Some cells are small and simple, while others are larger and more complex. Organisms are either multicellular or unicellular.

Multicellular organisms are organisms made up of many cells, such as plants, animals, and humans.

Unicellular organisms are only made of one single cell. Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, are still living even though they are only made of one cell.

Throughout their lifetime, all living things will grow and develop.

Growth refers to an increase in size, weight, height, etc. The bacteria cell you see below is growing in size.

Organisms also go through a process called development. Development is referring to a change in shape or structure. For example, during its lifespan a caterpillar develops into a butterfly.

Reproduction is the process of creating more organisms. The purpose of reproduction is to pass down DNA (genetic information) to an offspring. The two types of reproduction are asexual & sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is when a single parent creates a new organism. For example, a bacteria cell divides, creating 2 new cells. Each cell is genetically identical to the original.

Sexual reproduction occurs in multicellular organisms. It is when 2 parents create a new, genetically unique organism. The organism receives ½ the mom’s and ½ the Dad’s DNA.

1. CELLS 2. GROW & DEVELOP 3. REPRODUCTION All living things are made up of at least one cell. Cells are the smallest unit of life. Cells can grow, reproduce, and respond to their surroundings. Some cells are small and simple, while others are larger and more complex. Organisms are either multicellular or unicellular.

Multicellular organisms are organisms made up of many cells, such as plants, animals, and humans.

Unicellular organisms are only made of one single cell. Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, are still living even though they are only made of one cell.

Throughout their lifetime, all living things will grow and develop.

Growth refers to an increase in size, weight, height, etc. The bacteria cell you see below is growing in size.

Organisms also go through a process called development. Development is referring to a change in shape or structure. For example, during its lifespan a caterpillar develops into a butterfly.

Reproduction is the process of creating more organisms. The purpose of reproduction is to pass down DNA (genetic information) to an offspring. The two types of reproduction are asexual & sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is when a single parent creates a new organism. For example, a bacteria cell divides, creating 2 new cells. Each cell is genetically identical to the original.

Sexual reproduction occurs in multicellular organisms. It is when 2 parents create a new, genetically unique organism. The organism receives ½ the mom’s and ½ the Dad’s DNA.

4. ENERGY 5. RESPOND & ADAPT 6. HOMEOSTASIS Energy is required to grow, develop, reproduce, etc. Organisms either get energy by producing their own food or consuming other organisms.

Producers, like plants, use the sun’s energy to make their own food by a process called photosynthesis.

Consumers, like animals & humans, get energy by eating plants & other animals. Food is broken down into energy by a process called cellular respiration.

Metabolism is all the chemical processes inside of an organism helping to keep the organism alive.

Organisms must respond to stimuli (or signals) in their environment. Organisms respond to stimuli such as light, temperature, sound, movement, etc.

Organisms are adapted to live in their environment. An adaptation is a special trait that allows an organism to survive & reproduce in its environment. Some adaptations include camouflage, protective coverings, mating calls, etc.

For example, when a skunk feels threatened by a predator, it responds by spraying its enemy so the skunk can escape.

While an organism’s external (outside) environment is always changing, its internal environment must remain stable.

Homeostasis is the balanced internal conditions of an organism. Internal means inside the body. Organisms must keep stable temperatures, water levels, etc. to survive.

When your body is not at homeostasis, it fights to get back to stability. An example of this is when your body falls below the

average temp. of 98ºF. Your body will shiver in order to warm back up. When your body temp. gets above 98ºF, you begin to sweat to cool yourself off.

4. ENERGY 5. RESPOND & ADAPT 6. HOMEOSTASIS Energy is required to grow, develop, reproduce, etc. Organisms either get energy by producing their own food or consuming other organisms.

Producers, like plants, use the sun’s energy to make their own food by a process called photosynthesis.

Consumers, like animals & humans, get energy by eating plants & other animals. Food is broken down into energy by a process called cellular respiration.

Metabolism is all the chemical processes inside of an organism helping to keep the organism alive.

Organisms must respond to stimuli (or signals) in their environment. Organisms respond to stimuli such as light, temperature, sound, movement, etc.

Organisms are adapted to live in their environment. An adaptation is a special trait that allows an organism to survive & reproduce in its environment. Some adaptations include camouflage, protective coverings, mating calls, etc.

For example, when a skunk feels threatened by a predator, it responds by spraying its enemy so the skunk can escape.

While an organism’s external (outside) environment is always changing, its internal environment must remain stable.

Homeostasis is the balanced internal conditions of an organism. Internal means inside the body. Organisms must keep stable temperatures, water levels, etc. to survive.

When your body is not at homeostasis, it fights to get back to stability. An example of this is when your body falls below the

average temp. of 98ºF. Your body will shiver in order to warm back up. When your body temp. gets above 98ºF, you begin to sweat to cool yourself off.