Introduction:
Living organisms are distinguished from non-living organisms by specific characteristics that make them unique. These characteristics are essential for life and include reproduction, responsiveness, interaction with the environment, growth, and movement.

Reproduction:
Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce offspring. It is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms that distinguishes them from non-living organisms. Living organisms reproduce through sexual or asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes, while asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring without the fusion of gametes.

Responsiveness:
Living organisms are responsive to changes in their environment. They can detect changes in their surroundings and respond to them accordingly. This characteristic enables living organisms to adapt to changes in their environment and to survive in different conditions.

Interaction with the Environment:
Living organisms interact with their environment through various mechanisms such as feeding, respiration, excretion, and locomotion. These interactions enable living organisms to obtain nutrients, eliminate waste products, and move from one place to another.

Growth:
Living organisms grow and develop over time. Growth is the result of an increase in the number and size of cells in an organism. This characteristic enables living organisms to change and adapt to their environment.

Movement:
Living organisms can move independently. Movement is essential for survival, as it enables organisms to find food, escape predators, and reproduce.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, living organisms are distinguished from non-living organisms by their ability to reproduce, respond to changes in their environment, interact with their surroundings, grow and develop, and move independently. These characteristics are essential for life and enable living organisms to adapt to changes in their environment and to survive in different conditions.