Study Notes
Living organisms share seven basic characteristics: movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition. These characteristics help define what it means to be alive and are used to classify organisms.
- Movement — the ability to change position or place. Example: Animals moving or plants responding to stimuli.
- Respiration — a chemical process to release energy from food. Example: Cellular respiration in mitochondria.
- Sensitivity — detecting and responding to environmental changes. Example: Plants turning towards light.
- Growth — a permanent increase in size and mass. Example: Seedlings growing into mature plants.
- Reproduction — producing more of the same kind of organism. Example: Animals giving birth or plants producing seeds.
- Excretion — removal of waste products from metabolism. Example: Humans excreting urine.
- Nutrition — obtaining nutrients and energy from food. Example: Plants using photosynthesis to make glucose.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Movement: Change in position or place.
- Respiration: Energy release from food.
- Sensitivity: Response to environmental changes.
- Growth: Increase in size and mass.
- Reproduction: Production of new organisms.
- Excretion: Removal of metabolic waste.
- Nutrition: Obtaining nutrients and energy.
Common Confusions
- Confusing respiration with breathing.
- Thinking growth is temporary size increase.
Typical Exam Questions
- What are the characteristics of living organisms? Answer: Movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition.
- How do plants show movement? Answer: By responding to stimuli like light and touch.
- Why is respiration important? Answer: It releases energy needed for cellular processes.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of each characteristic of living organisms.
- Ability to provide examples for each characteristic.
- Differentiating between similar concepts like respiration and breathing.