Characteristics of Life
CER
Examples of Characteristics of Life
Viruses
Other
100

What is DNA? 

Deoxyribonucleic acid - it is the genetic hereditary material - stores information of the genome that codes for traits. 

100

What does our claim answer? 

A scientific question 

100

The earthworm length we measured and compared to the rest of the class showed which characteristic of life? 

Growth and Development 

100

What is Virology?

The study of viruses

100

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables? 

Independent - what the scientist changes (ex: How much water we but on the earthworm) 

Dependent variable - what is being measured (ex: the worms reaction) 

200

Define two types of reproduction in living organisms. 

Sexual (needs a mate; like the earthworm) and Asexual (able on out - produces identical offspring) 

200

What does each part of the acronym CER stand for? Describe each 

The claim is the argument the student is making. It is a one-sentence statement that answers the question.

The evidence is the data that the student uses to support their claim. This can be quantitative or qualitative.

The reasoning explains “how” or “why” the evidence supports this claim. This is often the most difficult part for students. They struggle to tie together the claim and evidence scientifically.

200

The earthworm changing over time to support the segmented self and both female and male parts supports which characteristic of life? 

Adapting and evolving

200

Are viruses made up of cells? 

No- they are subatomic particles, or infectious particles 

200

Describe quantitative and qualitative data

Qualitative data is description (i.e., the color).

Quantitative data is numerical (i.e. measurements of length).

300

Define Response to stimuli and give an example 

Living organisms are able to respond to stimuli (i.e., light, moisture, temperature, etc.).  These responses are behaviors for survival.

300

What is this an example of? C,E, or R? 

Burning fossil fuels is harmful to the environment.

300

The earthworm having a clitellum supported which characteristic of life?

Sexual Reproduction 

300

What type of genetic material do viruses have? 

DNA or RNA 

300

List the following in order from smallest to largest: Tissues, Cells, Organs, Organelles, Molecules, Atoms, Organ Systems

Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems

400

Define Homeostasis and give one example. 

Internal regulation of certain conditions so set point (stability); maintaining a balance

Ex: Body temp in humans 

400

What is this an example of? Claim, Evidence, or Reasoning? 

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, methane, and particles into the air according to an air report.

400

The earthworm getting more active when placed in water supported which characteristic of life?

Homeostasis because need to regulate water inside body. 

400

In what way are viruses NOT like living organisms? (3) 

They do not contain cells, no organelles, and are unable to reproduce without a host cell. Some can even form crystals and still function. 

400

Explain what a vaccine is and how it works 

  • The process or state of changing to fit a new environment or different conditions.
  • Modification of an organism or its parts enhances its fitness/survival under specific environmental conditions.
500

Define Metabolism and give 1 example. 

Energy use & all chemical reactions that allow for life processes

500

What is this an example of? C/E/R? 

These greenhouse gases are harmful to the environment. They can cause climate change by trapping heat, and they also contribute to respiratory disease from smog and air pollution.

500

The earthworm having a stomach and intestines supported which characteristic of life?

metabolism 

500

What way are viruses LIKE living organisms? What characteristics of life to they SHARE? (3)

Viruses can respond to stimuli, they have DNA or RNA, and they evolve 

500

What are the differences between Bacteria and Viruses? 

Bacteria - LIVING, made of cells, Can reproduce on own, has DNA


Viruses - Sub-cellular (no cells), can not reproduce on own (needs host), has DNA/RNA