Growth:
Growth is one of the characteristics of a living thing. Living organisms have the ability to increase in size and develop over time. This can be observed in both plants and animals, as they go through various stages of development and increase in size and complexity.

Movement:
Movement is another characteristic of living things. Living organisms have the ability to move either on their own or by using external means. Animals can move their body parts to change their position, while plants grow towards sources of light or move their leaves to capture sunlight.

Decay:
Decay is also a characteristic of living things. When living organisms die, their bodies undergo a process called decay or decomposition. This process involves the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers, which release nutrients back into the environment.

Respiration:
Respiration is a vital characteristic of living things. It is the process by which organisms obtain energy from food and convert it into a usable form. In animals, respiration usually involves the exchange of gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the organism and its environment. In plants, respiration occurs in the cells and involves the breakdown of glucose to release energy.

Decay is not a characteristic of a living thing:
Decay, or decomposition, is not a characteristic of living things. It is a process that occurs after the death of an organism. Once an organism dies, it no longer exhibits the other characteristics of living things, such as growth, movement, and respiration. Decay occurs as a result of the activity of decomposers, which break down the organic matter of the dead organism into simpler substances.

In conclusion, while growth, movement, and respiration are characteristics of living things, decay is not. Decay is a process that occurs after the death of an organism and is carried out by decomposers.