2nd Q: Lesson 4: Theories Basic Characteristics of Life

Two Key Scientific Ideas About How Life Began:

This theory states that life can only come from pre-existing life.

This theory suggests that life originated from non-living matter through natural processes over a long period of time.

This theory states that life was created by a divine or supernatural being.

This idea proposes that “seeds of life” or basic building blocks—like microorganisms, spores, or organic molecules—could have traveled through space on comets, asteroids, or meteorites and eventually landed on Earth.

Life originated naturally from non-living substances.

Life may have originated on another planet or celestial body where conditions were suitable, and it may have later reached Earth.

Scientists summarize these essential life functions using the acronym _______

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE: (7)

Helps organisms find food, escape danger, and interact with their environment.

It is a chemical process that releases energy from food. This energy is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining body functions.

they can detect and respond to stimuli in their environment, such as light, temperature, and touch.

involves an increase in size and number of cells, while development includes changes in form or function.

All living things can produce offspring to continue their species. Reproduction can be sexual (involving two parents) or asexual (one parent).

Living things must remove waste products created by chemical reactions inside their bodies to stay healthy.

All living things need ______ and energy to survive. Is how organisms obtain and use food