4 Needs and 8 Characteristics of

Living Things

4 needsO WaterO FoodO Air O Shelter

8 CharacteristicsO Disclaimer: Not all living things can

completely claim these characteristics BUT this is the general rule of thumb.

Have CellsO Cells are organized into tissues.

O Tissues accomplish a shared function, and form organs.

O A number of organs working together forms an organ system.

Metabolism and EnergyO When the organism eats, a rapid

turnover of chemical materials are released and used to energize the body.

Respond To Their Environment

O Respond to light, heat, sound, and chemical/mechanical contact from the external environment.

O Use of 5 senses.

MoveO Essential for getting around, finding

food, escaping from danger, and living their daily lives.

O Swim, walk, run, jump, etc.

Reproduce O Asexual:

O Only one parent and the offspring look identical to that parent.

O Sexual:O Two parents and a new combination

of traits for the offspring.

Grows and DevelopsO Take in material from the

environment and organize the material into its own structure.O Metabolism and energy (nutrients)

O Must expend energy in order to grow and develop.

Excrete Wastes and Exchange Gases

O CO2 is exhaled and O2 is inhaled.

O Feces and urine.

O Removed to maintain homeostasis within the body.