General characteristics of a system include:

  1. All systems have structure or organization.
  2. All systems function in some way
  3. Function implies the flow and transfer of material (mass) or energy
  4. Function requires the presence of some driving force, or source of energy.
  5. All systems show some degree of integration (components act together to form an integral whole)
  6. Changes in the value of one variable or reservoir is "sensed" throughout the system, resulting in regulation of variables