• About
  • Partners
  • Glossary
  • Email
  • Twitter

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Menu
  • Home
  • How to use this website
  • What is Global Change?
    • Close
    • Understanding Global Change 101
    • Understanding Global Change Infographic
    • How the Earth System Works
      • Atmosphere
      • Biosphere
      • Elemental Cycles
      • Geosphere
      • Global Energy Budget
      • Hydrosphere
    • Causes of Global Change
      • Human causes
      • Non-human causes
    • Measurable Changes
      • Atmosphere
      • Biosphere
      • Geosphere
      • Hydrosphere
      • Quality of human life
      • Weather / extreme events
    • Close
  • Teaching Resources
    • Close
    • Planning for Instruction
    • Example Units and Lessons
    • Downloadable Graphics
      • Infographic
      • Icon Sets
      • Earth Scene
    • Close
  • Construct a Model
Home → Glossary → life cycles & traits

life cycles & traits

The life cycle of an organism describes its development from a juvenile into a reproductive stage (sexually or asexually). Traits are anatomical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics that shape the way organisms interact with other organisms and their environment. Traits and the timing of life cycle events can change due to environmental factors and evolution.

Learn more about life cycles and traits.

A project of the University of California Museum of Paleontology  |  © 2025 University of California Regents. All Rights Reserved.