Characteristics Of Living Organisms
Overview
What separates a living cat from a stone? Both are made of atoms, yet the cat breathes, grows and responds to the world around it. Biologists have identified eight processes that every living organism carries out, and recognising them is the first step toward understanding the rest of the course.
In this lesson you will learn each of the eight life processes, explore how they apply to both plants and animals, and practise using the mnemonic MRS C GREN to recall them quickly under exam conditions.
Objectives
- Understand how living organisms share the following characteristics: they require nutrition, they respire, they excrete their waste, they respond to their surroundings, they move, they control their internal conditions, they reproduce, they grow and develop
Mind map
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Flashcards
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Characteristics Of Living Organisms. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following is NOT one of the eight characteristics of living organisms? A) Respiration B) Photosynthesis C) Excretion D) Reproduction Answer: B
- What does the letter 'S' stand for in the mnemonic MRS C GREN? A) Synthesis B) Sensitivity C) Secretion D) Selection Answer: B
- Which of the following best describes excretion? A) Removal of undigested food from the gut B) Removal of toxic waste products from metabolic reactions C) The breakdown of food molecules in the stomach D) The absorption of nutrients into the blood Answer: B
- Why are viruses not classified as living organisms? A) They are too small B) They do not carry out all eight life processes independently C) They do not contain any genetic material D) They can only be seen with a microscope Answer: B
- A green plant makes its own food by photosynthesis. What term describes this type of nutrition? A) Heterotrophic B) Saprotrophic C) Autotrophic D) Parasitic Answer: C
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