Question

Discuss the characteristics of the living organisms.

Answer 1

Characteristics of living organisms are:

1. All living organisms exhibit a definite shape and size. For example - Mango trees can be identified among all the other trees. Also tigers can be identified among other animals.
2. All living beings show some type of body organization. Their body may be made of one cell in case of unicellular organisms or many cells in the case of multicellular organisms. In multicellular organisms, cells are further organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
3. Living organisms show autotrophic or heterotrophic modes of nutrition.
4. All living organisms respire continuously. During respiration, most organisms use up oxygen from the environment and release carbon dioxide. This oxygen oxidizes food materials to release energy which is used to carry out the various life processes of the organism.
5. In all living organisms, many chemical processes occur in order to maintain life and this is called metabolism. Some of these processes are constructive called anabolic processes whereas others are destructive called catabolic processes.
6. All living organisms show a characteristic feature of growth. From a small size at birth, living organisms grow due to the formation of new cells and the building up of protoplasm within cells. Example - A seedling growing into a small plant and then into a big tree.
7. Reproduction helps in producing offsprings similar to parents and thus helps in maintaining continuity of the race.
8. All living organisms show some form of movement or another. This may be movement of the entire body from one place to another as seen in most animals, few plants and certain plant organs, or movement of a part of the body only.
9. All living organisms excrete waste products of metabolism from their body.
10. Every living organism shows a definite life-cycle including four stages i.e. birth, growth, maturity, and death. Every living organism has a definite life-span.