Characteristics of Life
Big Idea: All living things have certain traits in common: Cellular organization, the ability to reproduce, growth & development, energy use, homeostasis, response to their environment, and the ability to adapt. Living things will exhibit all of these traits. Nonliving things may exhibit some, but not all, of these traits.
Next
Unicellular v. Multicellular
All living things share the same basic characteristics of life, but unicellular and multicellular organisms carry them out in different ways.
Viruses are not considered living as they are not made of cells.
Comparison
Back
Next
Have DNA
Grow and Develop
Reproduce
Obtain and Use Energy
8 Characteristics of Living Organisms
Select a blue dot to reveal more details.
Made of Cells
Adapt Over Time
Maintain Homeostasis
Respond to Stimuli
Back
Click on the blue dots for more information.
Multicellular Organism
Multicellular organisms are made of many cells that work together. Different cells have specialized jobs which allow the organism to perform all life functions.
Examples:
Unicellular Organism
Unicellular organisms are made of one cell. All life functions are performed by one cell.
Examples:
- bacteria
- amoebas
- some algae
Stability and Change
Stability and Change is about understanding that systems have two opposing tendencies:
Stability: Things tend to stay the same, resist change, maintain equilibrium
Change: Systems evolve, transform, respond to forces, and develop over time
The real power is recognizing that both happen simultaneously, systems are never purely static or purely chaotic.
Stability refers to how organisms maintain consistent internal conditions and structures, while Change describes how organisms adapt, grow, and evolve over time.
2.01 Characteristics of Life
Teaching and Learning
Created on May 21, 2026
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Transcript
Characteristics of Life
Big Idea: All living things have certain traits in common: Cellular organization, the ability to reproduce, growth & development, energy use, homeostasis, response to their environment, and the ability to adapt. Living things will exhibit all of these traits. Nonliving things may exhibit some, but not all, of these traits.
Next
Unicellular v. Multicellular
All living things share the same basic characteristics of life, but unicellular and multicellular organisms carry them out in different ways.
Viruses are not considered living as they are not made of cells.
Comparison
Back
Next
Have DNA
Grow and Develop
Reproduce
Obtain and Use Energy
8 Characteristics of Living Organisms
Select a blue dot to reveal more details.
Made of Cells
Adapt Over Time
Maintain Homeostasis
Respond to Stimuli
Back
Click on the blue dots for more information.
Multicellular Organism
Multicellular organisms are made of many cells that work together. Different cells have specialized jobs which allow the organism to perform all life functions.
Examples:
Unicellular Organism
Unicellular organisms are made of one cell. All life functions are performed by one cell.
Examples:
Stability and Change
Stability and Change is about understanding that systems have two opposing tendencies: Stability: Things tend to stay the same, resist change, maintain equilibrium Change: Systems evolve, transform, respond to forces, and develop over time The real power is recognizing that both happen simultaneously, systems are never purely static or purely chaotic.
Stability refers to how organisms maintain consistent internal conditions and structures, while Change describes how organisms adapt, grow, and evolve over time.