Seventh Grade Science: Living Things

Welcome to the study guide for the topic "Living Things" in seventh grade science. In this guide, we will explore the characteristics of living things and their classification.

Characteristics of Living Things

• Cellular Organization: All living things are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.
• Reproduction: Living things can produce offspring either sexually or asexually, ensuring the continuation of their species.
• Growth and Development: Living organisms grow and undergo changes throughout their lifespan, following a pattern of development.
• Response to Stimuli: Living things can respond to external and internal stimuli in their environment, such as light, temperature, and food.
• Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment through processes like temperature regulation and waste removal.
• Metabolism: Living things obtain and use energy to carry out their life processes, such as growth, movement, and reproduction.
• Heredity: Living things inherit traits from their parents through genetic material, ensuring continuity of characteristics within a species.
• Adaptation: Living things can adapt to their environment over time, developing traits that increase their chances of survival.

Classification of Living Things

Living things are classified into different groups based on their characteristics. The classification system includes the following hierarchy:

1. Kingdom: The highest level of classification, grouping organisms into broad categories based on fundamental similarities.
2. Phylum: Organisms within a kingdom are further divided into phyla based on shared characteristics.
3. Class: Each phylum contains multiple classes, organizing organisms with similar traits and features.
4. Order: Classes are subdivided into orders, grouping organisms based on similarities in anatomy and behavior.
5. Family: Orders are further divided into families, categorizing organisms that share common ancestry and evolutionary history.
6. Genus: Families contain multiple genera, which group together closely related organisms with shared characteristics.
7. Species: The most specific level of classification, defining individual organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

By understanding the characteristics of living things and their classification, we can explore the diversity of life on Earth and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living organisms.

Now that you have reviewed the characteristics of living things and their classification, you can use this study guide to prepare for your upcoming seventh grade science assessments. Good luck!