1. Characteristics of Life

2. Characteristics of Life Order Cells Reproduction Heredity Growth Metabolism Response to Environment Homeostasis Adaptation

3. Order Living things have order and complexity not found in lifeless objects Living things are organized on several levels, and each level higher up the hierarchy represents an increase in complexity

4. Cells The cell is the fundamental unit of life Unicellular organisms are made of one cell and self sufficient Multicellular organisms consist of multiple cells, and they are more complex than unicellular organism

5. Reproduction Living things make a copy of itself by the process of reproduction Asexual reproduction involves one parent producing offspring identical to the parent Sexual reproduction involves the union of gametes contributed by each parent of the opposite sex

6. Heredity Living things inherit trait from their parents Genes are the basic unit of inheritance DNA molecules contain genes that code for proteins important for proper functioning of an organism

7. Growth Living things grow by taking in material from the environment and incorporated it in their structure

8. Metabolism Living things need energy to maintain its complex structures and functions Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in an organism Some substances are broken down to yield energy, and some substances are synthesized

9. Response to Environment Living things must respond to external stimuli in the environment Light, heat, chemical and mechanical contact are some examples of external stimuli

10. Homeostasis Living organism must maintain internal environment within tolerable limit Feedback control comprising of receptors and effectors ensures condition remain favourable

11. Adaptation Living things are perfectly adapted to live in their changing environment Adaptation includes morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations