Living Things & Non-Living Things – Definition, Examples, And Characteristics

Unveil the differences between living and non living things with easy and simple definitions, fun examples, and clear characteristics for children. Let kids learn what makes something alive and what doesn’t in a simple and engaging way!

Introduction

We have so many things around us like plants, oceans, animals, and mountains. Our Earth has a lot of things. These things are divided into two categories- living and non living things. Living things mean that the organisms that live. Non living things don’t breathe, grow, or move. They do not have any life. 

While growing up, kids are taught about a lot of things. Living and non living things are one of the main things taught to the kids. This concept is taught to kids from a very young age. Living things bring about the best definition of life. Both, living and non living things are very important for Earth. 

Let's understand all about living things and non living things. 

Living and Non Living Things Definition

It is important to know the living things and non living things definition from the initial stage. This would play an important role in better learning. Here are the definitions for living and non living things:

Living Things: 

Living things have a life, they exist and are alive. They are made of cells. Living things grow in size and can move too. They also experience catabolic and anabolic reactions. Living things also breathe. They also reproduce as they produce a new life. Living things are immortal. They come with a particular lifecycle. 

Non Living Things:

Non-living things are the ones that are no longer alive. They have no life or cells which is why they can't move or grow. They do not go through any anabolic or catabolic process. Moreover, non living things have no life span and aren't able to reproduce too. They do not need food to subsist. External forces have a huge influence on non living things as they contribute towards creation. 

Characteristics of Living Things

It is important to be familiar with the characteristics of living things. This would play an important role in the long run. Some of the common characteristics of living things are as follows:

• Living things are capable of moving. They have specialized locomotory organs which help them in movement. We consider plants living beings too because they move. These plants move to get sunlight. 
• Living things are very sensitive. They are capable of the changes in their environment. They can be sensitive to touch.
• Living things breathe and respire. It is important for growth, wherein there will be transport of gas. Food is ingested which further undergoes digestion. The process of respiration helps to produce water and carbon dioxide. 
• Living things mature with time and grow. They undergo different stages of development.
• Living things are capable of reproducing. The process of reproduction is when they can produce offspring. In this process, they pass on their genetic information to the kids. 
• Living things eliminate the digested food from their body. This is because of the process of excretion. 
• Living things have a limited lifespan. After their lifespan is over, they die. Therefore, living things are mortal.

Characteristics of Non Living Things

Non living things, as known, are very different from living things. There are no similarities between the same at all. Some of the major non living things characteristics that you need to look into are as follows:

• Non living things do not have any life. They don’t have any cells which is the sole reason why they are lifeless.
• The non living cells do not contain any protoplasm. This is a major reason why they have no metabolic activities. 
• Non living things do not undergo any important process like living things. For example, they don't have nutrition, excretion, or reproduction.
• Non living things can grow too. However, this is only possible if any external force acts upon it. 
• Since non-living things do not have any cells, they do not have any definite lifespan. Therefore, non living things do not die. 
• Non living things do not have any specific size. They take the shape of any container they are poured into. Therefore, an external influence is very important on non living things, especially regarding changing shape and size. 

Example of Living and Non Living Things

To understand these two better, it is important to know the examples of non living things and living things. Teaching the kids with examples can contribute to better learning. Moreover, it will also help the students grasp even the most complex concepts simply. 

Here are some of the major examples of both, living and non living things. 

Living things:

Animals

Plants

Humans

Fishes

Bacteria

Germs

Non living things:

Chair 

Mountain

Clothes

Cars

Gadgets

Tablets

Living Things and Non Living Things Difference

To learn about living things and non living things, knowing about their differences is crucial. Being familiar with the difference is a great way to grasp the concept. 

Below are the living things and non living things difference that you must know of:

Final Thoughts

Living and nonliving things are very crucial for kids to understand. Kids should be taught about these concepts from a young age. Each of them has its own benefits and characteristics. Knowing the living things and non living things difference can be helpful. It will allow the kids to distinguish between different things. 

FAQs

Q: Why are plants an example of living things when they are unable to move?

Ans: A major reason why plants are known as living things is that they are made from living cells. They also grow. It may be surprising, but some plants grow too.

Q: Is water a non-living thing?

Ans: Yes, we consider water as a living thing. Water is crucial for all living beings. However, it does not have a life of its own. Some living beings also use water as their habitat. Therefore, it is not an organism in itself. 

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