Characteristics of living beings

The Definition of living beings describes them as Complex molecular organization organizations characterized by developing multiple and different communications, both internal (within their own anatomical structures) and external (with the environment and other living beings with which they relate).

In addition, it is possible to define the biological composition of these living beings, since each and every one of them is constituted of Four bioelements Very abundant in nature, namely:

• Carbon.
• Hydrogen.
• Oxygen.
• Nitrogen.

If you are wondering how it is possible that from simple bioelements, living beings have been able to evolve and survive in the different corners of the planet, continue reading the next sections of this article, in which you will discover the main characteristics of living beings.

We also recommend reading this other article about the difference between living beings and inert beings.

Beyond the vital functions of living beings (nutrition, relationship and reproduction), multiple characteristics allow to recognize living beings within the composition of nature. The characteristics of living beings include the following:

• Cellular organization, homeostasis and anatomical structure.
• GENETIC REPRODUCTION AND HERITAGE.
• Development, growth and death.
• Food and metabolism.
• Breathing.
• Interaction with the environment.
• Evolution and adaptation.

In the next sections we will detail each and every one of these characteristics of living beings, to know better what defines and makes living beings so surprising.

If we use a microscope to know with the slightest detail the organization and structure of living beings, we will discover that cells flood each of their corners. These are considered the smallest element within the complex structure of living beings. However, despite its microscopic size, The cells They are really complex and constitute the first link of the organization levels of living beingsin which these cells are grouped together forming tissues, they make it to lead to vital organs, and organs in turn constitute systems with various functions within the anatomy of the living being.

Now that we already know what the cellular organization and general structure of living beings consists of, it is important to highlight how the biological process of Homeostasis It allows to keep such organization in balance. It is a surprising and complex biological mechanism based on the self -regulation of the concentration of the chemical elements that constitute living beings in their different levels of organization.

We advise you to take a look at this other article on cell types.

Reproduction is, without a doubt, one of the characteristics of the most striking living beings and at the same time. It is vital for the survival of the many species of living beings that inhabit the earth, since, thanks to it, each and every one of the living organisms are capable of multiply their number of individuals existing and thus create new generations, while transmitting their genetic information (genetic inheritance).

There are a wide variety of types of reproduction, which are mainly grouped into sexual reproduction (being necessary the intervention of two individuals of different sex) and the asexual reproduction (No mating between individuals is necessary). For example, here you can meet the plants with asexual reproduction: characteristics and examples.

To know much more about the reproduction function: what it consists of and why it is important, we recommend you read this other article.

In order for individuals to be able to carry out their other vital functions, after the reproduction of their parents and the consequent creation of new living organisms, they will follow marked development and growth patterns.

Each living being contains in its Genetic materialall the necessary information to Develop and growacquiring energy and subject of the environment, which is responsible for transforming within its body for its use. The life of every living being is biologically destined to end at a certain time, being Death a natural process more within their characteristics.

Here you can learn about the life cycle of a frog: stages and images, to learn about a simple example of these characteristics of living beings.

Through food, living beings fulfill one of their three vital functions, since without nutrition it is not possible to grow and develop. To do this, numerous and different Types of food (autotroph or heterotroph) They allow living beings to acquire the necessary nutrients To develop their tissues and organs, which serve as energy to the cells that compose them. From them, an amazing enzymatic machinery is responsible for transforming and transporting to the different parts of the organism the usable and vital energy products.

Subsequently, The excretion process He will be in charge of complying with the elimination of waste substances, those that the organism itself cannot assimilate or is not beneficial, but that will remain useful within the cycles of nutrients and chains or trophic networks.

Learn more about the feeding of living beings with these other posts of ecology see on autotrophic organisms: what are, characteristics and examples and heterotrophic organisms: what are, characteristics and examples.

The third vital function of every living being is breathing. Through it, organisms are capable of capture gases from different physical media (atmosphere and water), with the ultimate goal of incorporating certain chemical molecules into their cells, tissues and organs. The great diversity of living beings that exist on the planet is directly related to the diversity of types of Respiratory organs That exist, such as fish gills, mammalian lungs, insect tracheas, skin pores of amphibians or plants stomach.

To expand this interesting information, you can consult each of the Types of breathing In this set of Ecology Verde:

• +40 animals that breathe by gills.
• +105 animals that breathe by lungs.
• Animals with tracheal breathing: examples and names.
• 16 animals that breathe through the skin.
• What are plants stomata.

To ensure their survival, in addition to fulfilling their vital functions, living beings need interact with the environment that surrounds them. In this way, they are capable of respond to different stimuli (Chemical and sensory), counting for it with the development of specific organs or simply, with cells responsible for emitting and receiving signals from the environment and other organisms.

This surprising communication skill of some living beings, specifically of animals, is reflected in the existence of sense organs and a cognitive nervous system that allows them to receive and transmit information abroad. On the other hand, plants use other mechanisms to relate to the environment and thus, for example, avoid growing near other organisms that could damage them or even “respect” the area of ​​sunlight of other plants. If you want to know more about these mechanisms of chemical interaction of plants, you can consult this interesting article about a very widespread doubt: do plants feel pain?

Also, in the relationship of living beings with their environment, the interaction with other living beingsto learn more on this topic you can enter this link on interspecific relationships: types and examples.

The different and interesting characteristics of living beings that we have discovered throughout this article are the result of millions of years of biological evolution.

In nature, nothing happens randomly or without meaning, and the characteristics of living beings are constituted as a Survival instrument More, allowing the different organisms and elements of nature to remain in balance and fulfill their biological functions. Thus, the adaptation of living beings The environment in which they live is logical and effective thanks to the biological characteristics that define them.

We recommend reading these other related articles about the origin and evolution of animals and origin and evolution of plants.

If you want to read more articles similar to Characteristics of living beingswe recommend that you enter our biology category.