living organism
Definition
A living organism is a system that is made up of cells. Cells are the smallest units of life. They are able to carry out all of the functions that are necessary for life, such as metabolism, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
Living organisms are also able to grow and develop. They start out as small cells and then they grow larger and more complex. They also reproduce, which means that they make new copies of themselves. This is how living organisms ensure that their species continues to exist.
Living organisms are also able to adapt to their environment. This means that they can change in order to survive in different conditions. For example, a plant that lives in a desert will have different features than a plant that lives in a rainforest.
Living organisms are complex and amazing systems. They are able to do things that non-living things cannot do. They are able to grow, reproduce, adapt, and respond to their environment.
Here are some of the defining properties of living organisms:
- Organization: Living organisms are made up of cells, which are the smallest units of life. Cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
- Metabolism: Living organisms are able to convert energy from food into the energy that they need to live. This process is called metabolism.
- Growth and development: Living organisms grow and develop over time. They start out as small cells and then they grow larger and more complex. They also reproduce, which means that they make new copies of themselves.
- Response to stimuli: Living organisms are able to respond to their environment. They can sense changes in their environment and then they can make changes to their own behaviour in order to cope with those changes.
- Adaptation: Living organisms are able to adapt to their environment. This means that they can change in order to survive in different conditions. For example, a plant that lives in a desert will have different features than a plant that lives in a rainforest.
These are just some of the defining properties of living organisms. Living organisms are complex and amazing systems that are able to do things that non-living things cannot do.
How can the word be used?
Living organisms reproduce.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A living organism is a biological entity that exhibits signs of life such as growth, reproduction, adaptation, and response to stimuli.
Adjective: Living organism can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is related to living organisms. For example, a living organism cell is a cell that is part of a living organism.
Verb: To live is the process of being alive, and it is the defining characteristic of living organisms.
Etymology
The word "living organism" is a compound word, made up of two words:
Living: A word that describes something that is alive.
Organism: A complex structure that is made up of cells and that can perform its own functions.
The word "living" comes from the Old English word "lif", which also means "life". The word "organism" comes from the Greek word "organon", which means "tool" or "instrument".
Question
What is a living organism?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define a living organism and provide three characteristics that distinguish living organisms from non-living things.
Answer:
- A living organism is a complex, self-contained system capable of carrying out essential life processes. It is characterized by various traits that differentiate it from non-living matter.
- Firstly, living organisms exhibit organisation. They are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life, organised into tissues, organs, and systems that work together to maintain the organism's structure and function.
- Secondly, living organisms possess the ability to grow and develop. They undergo a series of changes throughout their lifespan, progressing from a simple form to a more complex and mature state.
- Thirdly, living organisms demonstrate responsiveness to their environment. They can sense and respond to external stimuli, adjusting their behaviours or physiological processes to maintain homeostasis and ensure their survival.
- Furthermore, living organisms are capable of reproduction, producing offspring through processes like sexual or asexual reproduction. This ability ensures the continuation of their species.
In summary, living organisms display organisation, growth and development, responsiveness, and the capacity for reproduction. These characteristics collectively distinguish them from non-living entities and showcase the intricate and dynamic nature of life on Earth.