Chapter 1

Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms

The seven characteristics of living things (MRS GREN) and how organisms are classified and named — with an interactive exercise.

All living organisms share seven characteristics, remembered as MRS GREN: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion and Nutrition.

Organisms are classified into groups such as kingdoms and named using the two-word binomial system (genus and species).

Remember

  • MRS GREN = the 7 life processes.
  • Binomial name = Genus + species.

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