Study Notes
Living organisms are defined by their ability to perform seven key processes: movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition. These characteristics distinguish them from non-living things.
- Movement — the ability to change position or place. Example: A cheetah running fast or plants growing towards sunlight.
- Respiration — the process of releasing energy from food. Example: Animals take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
- Sensitivity — the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment. Example: Plants bending towards light.
- Growth — the process of increasing in size and maturing. Example: Tadpoles growing into frogs.
- Reproduction — the ability to produce offspring. Example: Plants reproducing through seeds.
- Excretion — the removal of waste products from the body. Example: Animals exhaling carbon dioxide.
- Nutrition — obtaining food to provide energy and materials for growth. Example: Plants making food through photosynthesis.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Movement: The ability to change position or place.
- Respiration: The process of releasing energy from food.
- Sensitivity: The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.
- Growth: The process of increasing in size and maturing.
- Reproduction: The ability to produce offspring.
- Excretion: The removal of waste products from the body.
- Nutrition: Obtaining food to provide energy and materials for growth.
Common Confusions
- Confusing respiration with breathing.
- Thinking that all movement is visible, forgetting that plants also move.
Typical Exam Questions
- What are the seven characteristics of living organisms? Answer: Movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition.
- How do plants demonstrate sensitivity? Answer: By bending towards light and growing in response to gravity.
- What is the difference between respiration and breathing? Answer: Respiration is the release of energy from food, while breathing is the physical process of taking in oxygen.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of each characteristic of living organisms.
- Ability to provide examples of each characteristic.
- Differentiating between living and non-living things based on characteristics.