Living and Nonliving Things

Living things are organisms that have the characteristics of life, such as growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. Nonliving things, on the other hand, do not exhibit these characteristics and are not considered to be alive.

Characteristics of Living Things

• Growth: Living things can grow and increase in size.
• Reproduction: Living things can produce offspring.
• Response to Stimuli: Living things can respond to changes in their environment.
• Movement: Living things can move on their own.
• Respiration: Living things can take in and use energy from their surroundings.
• Excretion: Living things can get rid of waste products.
• Nutrition: Living things can obtain and use nutrients for energy.

Characteristics of Nonliving Things

• No Growth: Nonliving things do not grow or increase in size.
• No Reproduction: Nonliving things do not produce offspring.
• No Response to Stimuli: Nonliving things do not respond to changes in their environment.
• No Movement: Nonliving things do not move on their own.

Study Guide

Here are some questions to help you study the differences between living and nonliving things:

1. What are the characteristics of living things?
2. How do living things differ from nonliving things?
3. Give examples of living things and nonliving things.
4. Explain why a rock is considered a nonliving thing.
5. Describe how a plant demonstrates the characteristics of living things.

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