What Are the Characteristics of Life: Understanding Biology

One of the core components in the study of biology is the understanding of the characteristics of life. There are several characteristics that all life displays: all living things are organized, living things have to acquire materials and energy, living things respond, living things reproduce and develop, and all living things have adaptations.

Firstly, all living things organized. They start simple, with the smallest part being a cell, which is the most basic unit of life. However organisms can be either unicellular or multicellular. These cells then in turn make up tissues, which are groups of similar cells. These tissues then make up organs. Finally all these organs work together to form organ systems.

Additionally, all living things acquire materials and energy. For example, food is an energy source that all living things need. Energy is the capacity to do work. Metabolism is what takes place within the cell through chemical reactions. The main source of energy for is the sun. Living things like plants use photosynthesis to transform the energy that's given by the sun into food. Living things also must be homeostatic, which means that they maintain their internal conditions within certain areas. Another characteristic of life is that all living things respond. Living things find energy throughout the requirement by exploring.

In order for organisms to display characteristics of life it must also reproduce and develop. Every living thing has the ability to make another organism that is similar to itself or to reproduce. For example, bacteria can simply split into two parts to reproduce. The joining of an egg and sperm also produces an embryo. This embryo is formed and grows based on the genes that were passed down by the parents. In all organisms, these genes are made of DNA, which is the basic building block of life.

Finally, all living things have adaptations. Adaptation is a modification that makes organisms better suited to how they live. For example some birds of prey catch fish, but others are better at catching small mammals. These birds have different adaptations, some which make them better at flight for the specific prey that they are catching. Another example are polar bears, which have adaptations that allow them to swim and survive freezing temperatures.

All of these characteristics are necessary in order for something to live. Without any of these things, the organism would cease to be alive, so it is essential that they have them.

Source:
Benitz, Bill. Lecture: Biology. September 7, 2009