Subcategories
Correctly classify specimens into the following five subcategories of living or nonliving.
Specimens (objects) can be classified into five different subcategories depending on their traits.
Specimens (objects) can be classified into five different subcategories depending on their traits.
Alive (viva)– in order to fall into this category, it must be the entire organism (not a part) and be capable of carrying out all of the 8 characteristics of life.
Alive (viva)– in order to fall into this category, it must be the entire organism (not a part) and be capable of carrying out all of the 8 characteristics of life.
Example: This bird, a Robin, is acquiring energy by eating a worm. It also possesses the other 7 characteristics of living things, like having DNA and reproducing.
Dead (muerto) – In order to be dead, it must first have been alive. It is the whole organism. It no longer has any life processes or activities of life.
Dead (muerto) – In order to be dead, it must first have been alive. It is the whole organism. It no longer has any life processes or activities of life.
Example: This tree used to make its own food, reproduce, maintain homeostasis, and use energy, but it no longer carries out any of those life processes.
Alive, but dormant (latente) – It is capable of the 8 characteristics, but is not actively performing most of those functions at this time. It can produce new life or resume normal activities under the right conditions. The metabolism is very slow while the organism is dormant.
Alive, but dormant (latente) – It is capable of the 8 characteristics, but is not actively performing most of those functions at this time. It can produce new life or resume normal activities under the right conditions. The metabolism is very slow while the organism is dormant.
Examples: Seeds, nuts, fruits, and veggies are all capable of growing new plants which will be alive, but right now the seeds are dormant.
Product of a living thing (producto de un ser vivo)– It was once part of an organism, but is not the entire organism. It could be a by-product of a life function, or be left behind after the death of the organism.
Product of a living thing (producto de un ser vivo)– It was once part of an organism, but is not the entire organism. It could be a by-product of a life function, or be left behind after the death of the organism.
Examples: Shells, antlers, hair, and bones are all products of living things which were left behind after the death of the organism or when it was finished with them.
Non-living (sin vida)– it was never alive. It does not possess the 8 characteristics of life, however it could possess a few. It did not come from a living thing.
Non-living (sin vida)– it was never alive. It does not possess the 8 characteristics of life, however it could possess a few. It did not come from a living thing.
Example: An airplane uses energy, but does not possess all 8 characteristics of life, therefore it is non-living.