Topic 1: Characteristics of Living Organisms

Question 1

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Answer 1

Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition (MRS GREN).

Question 2

Movement (M)

Answer 2

Movement is an action by an organism or part of an organism that causes a change in position or place.

Question 3

Respiration (R)

Answer 3

Respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism.

Question 4

Sensitivity (S)

Answer 4

Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Question 5

Growth (G)

Answer 5

Growth is a permanent increase in size and dry mass due to cell division and expansion.

Question 6

Reproduction (R)

Answer 6

Reproduction is the process that makes more organisms of the same kind to ensure the survival of the species.

Question 7

Excretion (E)

Answer 7

Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.

Question 8

Nutrition (N)

Answer 8

Nutrition is the intake of materials for energy, growth, and development (e.g. plants make food by photosynthesis; animals eat plants or other animals).