Made of Cells
What is the basic unit of life?
Pick a living thing and explain how it grows and develops.
As long as you provided a living thing and a justification, you're golden!
Name one organism that reproduces asexually.
Answers vary: plants, trees, etc
What is a stimulus?
Anything that causes an organism to respond or react
Define metabolism. (Check your notes for assistance!)
All the chemical reactions in the body
Are trees considered living? Justify your answer.
Made of Cells
Trees are made of plant cells, which have a cell wall, nucleus, and other organelles like chloroplasts.
Reproduce
Trees reproduce by producing seeds, cones, or spores depending on the species. For example, apple trees produce seeds inside apples.
Grow and Develop
Trees grow taller and wider over time. They develop leaves, branches, flowers, and fruit as they mature.
Obtain and Use Energy
Trees use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
Respond to Stimuli
Trees respond to light (growing toward it), gravity (roots grow downward), and even damage (some release chemicals when attacked by insects).
Maintain Homeostasis
Trees regulate water through their stomata and can close them to prevent water loss during drought.
Have a Genetic Code
Trees have DNA that determines their traits, like leaf shape, bark texture, and growth patterns.
Evolve Over Time
Tree species change over generations through natural selection, adapting to their environments.
Is there a difference between growth and development? Explain.
Growth is increase in size, development is the process of change
Why is reproduction important for species to survive?
It allows species to continue existing over time. Without reproduction:
New individuals would not be born.
There would be no way to pass on genetic traits to future generations.
Species would not be able to adapt or evolve.
Give an example of an animal responding to a stimulus? (How do they react when they see you walking toward their food bin, or the door?)
What do plants use to make their own food?
Sunlight, water, and CO2 (carbon dioxide)
What kinds of cells do humans have? Give at least one example.
1 bonus point will be awarded for each additional correct answer.
Nerve cells, blood cells, skin cells, bone cells, muscle cells, fat cells, stem cells, etc.
Why are cells necessary for growth and development?
BASIC UNIT OF LIFE! CELLS ARE REQUIRED!
Repair and maintenance, cell division (bonus points if you put mitosis!), specialized cells like red blood cells
What characteristic would describe a cat giving birth?
Reproduction
How do plants respond when they sense light?
Grow toward it
Grow into it
Why do living things need energy?
To grow, move, reproduce, and carry out life processes
Are viruses considered living? Justify your answer with an explanation.
No, they do not have cellular structure.
No, they require a host to reproduce. (Neither sexual or asexual reproduction)
Identify one specific way you and your partner have grown throughout your time at Boystown. (physical or emotional)
Answers will vary!
What role does DNA play in reproduction?
DNA carries information passed from parent to offspring
Why do humans pull their hand away from something hot?
True or false: Insects converting sugar from nectar is an example of metabolism.
True
Justify how an adult tabby cat shows at least 6 characteristics of life. Number your whiteboard 1-6 or 1-8 to ensure that answers are clear.
For example:
1. Made of cells- tabby cats have bone cells
2. Homeostasis- Cats regulate their body temperature and hydration levels to stay balanced
Made of Cells
The cat’s body is composed of trillions of cells.
Reproduction
Tabby cats can reproduce sexually, passing on genetic traits to their offspring.
Growth and Development
A tabby cat grows from a kitten to an adult, developing muscles, fur patterns, and behavioral traits.
Obtain and Use Energy
Cats eat food (like meat or cat kibble), which is broken down to release energy for movement, digestion, and other bodily functions.
Respond to Stimuli
A tabby cat reacts to sounds, sights, and touch like running when startled or purring when petted.
Maintain Homeostasis
Cats regulate their body temperature, and hydration levels to stay balanced internally.
Have a Genetic Code
The cat’s DNA determines its tabby coat pattern, eye color, and other inherited traits.
Evolve Over Time
Domestic cats, including tabbies, have evolved from wild ancestors and continue to adapt to human environments.
Justify how a frog shows at least 6 characteristics of life. Number your whiteboard 1-6 or 1-8 to ensure that answers are clear.
For example:
1. Made of cells- Frogs have muscle cells
2. Metabolism- Frogs eat insects for energy
Justify how a mushroom shows at least 6 characteristics of life. Number your whiteboard 1-6 or 1-8 to ensure that answers are clear.
For example:
1. Made of cells- Mushrooms are multicellular
2. Adaptation: Mushrooms have adapted to various environments
Justify how a Sunflower shows at least 6 characteristics of life. Number your whiteboard 1-6 or 1-8 to ensure that answers are clear.
For example:
1. Made of cells- Composed of plant cells
2. Reproduction- through pollination
Justify how a golden retriever dog shows at least 6 characteristics of life. Number your whiteboard 1-6 or 1-8 to ensure that answers are clear.
For example:
1. Made of cells- Made of animal cells with specialized functions
2. Reproduction- litters of 6-8 puppies with traits from their parents
Made of Cells
Dogs are multicellular organisms made of eukaryotic cells with specialized functions (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells, skin cells).
Reproduction
Dogs reproduce sexually, giving birth to puppies that inherit traits from their parents.
Growth & Development
A dog grows from a puppy to an adult, developing physically and behaviorally over time.
Energy Use
Dogs eat food (like kibble or meat), which is broken down to provide energy for movement, digestion, and other bodily functions.
Response to Stimuli
Dogs respond to sounds, smells, and touch—like barking at a stranger or wagging their tail when happy.
Homeostasis
Dogs regulate their internal temperature (panting when hot), maintain hydration, and balance other internal conditions.
Genetic Code
DNA in each cell determines the dog’s breed traits, coat color, size, and even temperament.
Evolution
Dogs have evolved from wolves through domestication and selective breeding, adapting to live alongside humans.