Non-living Things
Living things are organisms that have the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. Non-living things, on the other hand, do not possess these characteristics. Here are five reasons why non-living things are different from living things:

1. Lack of Metabolism
Non-living things do not have the ability to carry out metabolic processes like living things do. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. Non-living things do not require energy to function or grow.

2. Inability to Reproduce
One of the key characteristics of living things is the ability to reproduce and pass on genetic information to offspring. Non-living things do not have this ability, as they do not have cells or genetic material.

3. Lack of Growth and Development
Living things have the ability to grow and develop over time. Non-living things do not exhibit this characteristic, as they do not have cells or the ability to increase in size or complexity.

4. Inability to Respond to Stimuli
Living things have the ability to respond to stimuli in their environment, such as light, temperature, or touch. Non-living things do not have this ability, as they do not have sensory organs or nervous systems.

5. Lack of Homeostasis
Living things have the ability to maintain a stable internal environment, known as homeostasis. Non-living things do not have this ability, as they do not have the mechanisms to regulate their internal conditions.
In conclusion, non-living things are fundamentally different from living things due to their lack of metabolism, inability to reproduce, lack of growth and development, inability to respond to stimuli, and lack of homeostasis. These differences highlight the unique characteristics that define living organisms.