Chapter 1 : The Living World

Revision Concepts 

Organism (Microorganism, plant and animals) who posses life is living.

Life is a complex organisation expressing itself through chemical reactions and exhibit characteristics of living organisms.

Characteristics of Living Organisms : Growth, reproduction, metabolism, cellular organisation, consciousness (abi8lity to sense environment), selfreplicating and self regualation.

Reproduction and growth are NOT defining properties.

Metabolism, cellular organization and consciousness are defining properties.

Living organisms are self-replicating, evolving and self-regulating interactive and systems capable of responding to external stimuli.

Biodiversity: Term used to refer to the variety of microorganisms, plant and animals on earth.

Need for classification : To organise the vast number of microorganisms, plants and animals into categories that could be named, remembered, studied and understood.