π What Defines Living Things?
Living things are organisms that exhibit certain characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. These characteristics include the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, metabolize, and adapt. Think of plants, animals, and even tiny bacteria β they all share these traits!
𧱠What Defines Non-Living Things?
Non-living things, on the other hand, do not possess these characteristics. They are inanimate objects or substances that lack the ability to perform life processes. Rocks, water, air, and even things like cars and computers fall into this category.
π¬ Living vs. Non-Living: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Characteristic |
Living Things |
Non-Living Things |
| Movement |
π± Can move independently or have internal movement. |
β°οΈ Generally cannot move independently unless acted upon. |
| Reproduction |
π£ Can reproduce to create offspring. |
βοΈ Cannot reproduce. |
| Growth |
π¦ Grows and develops over time. |
𧱠Does not grow or may increase in size by accumulation. |
| Respiration |
π¨ Exchanges gases (e.g., oxygen and carbon dioxide). |
π§ Does not respire. |
| Nutrition |
π Requires nutrients for energy and growth. |
π‘ Does not require nutrients. |
| Excretion |
π© Eliminates waste products. |
ποΈ Does not excrete. |
| Response to Stimuli |
π€ Reacts to changes in the environment. |
π« Does not react to stimuli. |
π Key Takeaways
- π± Living things have life processes like growth, reproduction, and respiration.
- 𧱠Non-living things lack these life processes.
- π Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the complexity of life!
