Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics:
* Living Individual: This means it is a self-contained entity that is not simply a part of something larger.
* One or More Cells: All organisms are made up of at least one cell, and many are composed of billions of cells.
* Life Processes: Organisms carry out all the necessary functions for life, such as:
* Metabolism: Taking in energy and using it to grow and repair.
* Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
* Growth: Increasing in size and complexity.
* Adaptation: Adjusting to changes in the environment.
* Reproduction: Creating offspring.
* Reproduction: Organisms have the capacity to reproduce, either sexually or asexually, to pass on their genetic material and create new individuals.
Examples of organisms:
* Animals (like cats, dogs, and humans)
* Plants (like trees, flowers, and grasses)
* Fungi (like mushrooms and yeast)
* Bacteria (like E. coli)
* Viruses (though debated as they are not truly "living" in the same way as other organisms)
Things that are NOT organisms:
* Rocks
* Water
* Clouds
* Buildings