Living things and nonliving things are two categories of objects that can be found in the world around us. While living things possess certain characteristics that enable them to grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment, nonliving things lack these qualities. Let's delve into the differences between living and nonliving things.

**Living Things:**

Living things, also known as organisms, exhibit the following characteristics:

1. **Organization**: Living things are composed of cells, which are the basic structural units of life. These cells combine to form tissues, organs, and organ systems, ultimately leading to the organization of the whole organism.

2. **Growth**: Living things have the ability to grow and develop. They increase in size and complexity as they age, often following a specific pattern or life cycle.

3. **Reproduction**: Living things reproduce, either sexually or asexually, to produce offspring that share similar characteristics with their parents. This ensures the continuation of their species.

4. **Metabolism**: Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within living organisms to obtain energy and carry out essential functions. It includes activities such as respiration, digestion, and circulation.

5. **Response to Stimuli**: Living things can respond to changes in their environment. They exhibit behaviors or reactions in response to external stimuli like light, temperature, or touch.

6. **Homeostasis**: Living things have the ability to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in the external environment. This process is known as homeostasis and ensures the proper functioning of the organism's body.

**Nonliving Things:**

Nonliving things, on the other hand, lack the characteristics of living organisms. They include objects or substances that do not possess life or the ability to grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli. Some examples of nonliving things are rocks, water, air, and furniture.

While nonliving things may interact with living things or have an impact on them, they do not possess life themselves. They are governed by physical and chemical forces rather than biological processes.

In conclusion, the main difference between living and nonliving things lies in the presence or absence of life processes and characteristics. Living things possess organization, growth, reproduction, metabolism, response to stimuli, and homeostasis, while nonliving things lack these qualities.

Living things : which have life. Example - Human, Tree, plant, animals, insect etc.


Non living things : which have not life. Example - Table, chair, bottle, car, fan, etc.