characteristic
Definition
A characteristic is a quality or feature that makes something different from other things. In science, characteristics are often used to describe different types of organisms or objects. For example, the characteristic of having wings is used to describe birds, while the characteristic of having fur is used to describe mammals.
Characteristics can be physical, such as the colour of an object or the shape of an organism. They can also be behavioural, such as the way an organism moves or the way it interacts with its environment.
Characteristics are important because they can be used to identify different types of organisms or objects. They can also be used to make predictions about how organisms or objects will behave. For example, if you know that a bird has wings, you can predict that it will be able to fly.
Here are some examples of characteristics:
- Physical characteristics: Colour, shape, size, texture, weight, temperature
- Behavioural characteristics: Movement, diet, reproduction, communication
- Chemical characteristics: Composition, reactivity, solubility
- Characteristics can be used to describe anything, from living things to inanimate objects. They are a valuable tool for scientists who are trying to understand the world around them.
How can the word be used?
The scientist was able to characterise the new element by its chemical properties.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
Singular: characteristic.
Plural: characteristics.
Adjective:
Characteristic: relating to or denoting a distinguishing feature or quality.
Characteristically: in a characteristic manner.
Verb:
Characterise: to describe the distinguishing features of (something).
Etymology
The word “characteristic” comes from the Greek word “charaktêr”, which means “mark, stamp, or seal”. The word “charaktêr” was also used to refer to the distinguishing features of something.
Question
What characteristics might a dog breeder look for when breeding a dog?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
What are the characteristics of living things?
Answer:
There are seven characteristics that all living things share:
Organisation: Living things are made up of cells, which are the basic units of life.
Reproduction: Living things can reproduce, which means they can create new copies of themselves.
Growth: Living things grow and develop over time.
Metabolism: Living things use energy to carry out their life processes.
Homeostasis: Living things maintain a stable internal environment, even when the external environment changes.
Response to stimuli: Living things can sense and respond to changes in their environment.
Adaptation: Living things can adapt to their environment over time.
These characteristics are what makes living things different from non-living things. They allow living things to survive and reproduce in their environment.