The following are the essential characteristics of living things:
1. Locomotory Motion
2. Respiration
3. Sensitivity
4. Growth
5. Reproduction
6. Nutrition
7. Excretion
The important characteristics of non-living things are mentioned below:
Lifeless
Non-living things do not have life. They lack cells and protoplasm, which are essential for life to exist.
No Metabolic Activities
Since they do not have protoplasm, non-living things do not undergo any metabolic processes, such as growth or energy production.
No Fixed Size
Non-living things do not have a definite size. They take the shape of the container they are in; for example, a liquid will adapt to fit the shape of its container. Stones, rocks, and boulders can change shape due to environmental factors.
Growth by Accretion
Non-living things can "grow" through a process called accretion, which means they increase in size by adding external materials. For instance, a snowball gets larger as it gathers more snow on its surface.
Immortality
Non-living things do not die because they lack cells and do not have a lifespan. They can exist indefinitely unless altered or destroyed by external forces.
Absence of Life Processes
Non-living things do not perform any fundamental life processes, such as reproduction, digestion, or excretion. They do not have the capabilities that living beings possess.
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To easily tell apart living and non-living things, scientists have identified specific traits for each category. This classification helps prevent confusion and ensures accurate understanding.
The criteria to identify living things include the following:
Criteria to identify living things
If something does not meet all these criteria, it cannot be classified as a living thing. For example, an icicle may grow in size, but it is considered non-living because it cannot reproduce or respond to stimuli.
Non-living things do not have any life processes. They do not grow, reproduce, or respond to their environment. Examples include stones, mountains, and watches. These objects do not possess the qualities that define living beings.
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1. What are the main characteristics of living things? | ![]() |
2. How do we define non-living things? | ![]() |
3. What are the key differences between living and non-living things? | ![]() |
4. Can you provide examples of living and non-living things? | ![]() |
5. What criteria can be used to differentiate living things from non-living things? | ![]() |