How do you know if something is living or nonliving?
There are certain characteristics that can help determine if something is living or nonliving. Living things typically exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Made up of cells: Living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of life.
2. Growth: Living organisms have the ability to grow and develop in size and complexity.
3. Reproduction: Living organisms can produce offspring through a process of reproduction.
4. Response to stimuli: Living organisms can respond to changes in their environment or external stimuli.
5. Metabolism: Living organisms have metabolic processes that allow them to obtain and utilize energy.
6. Homeostasis: Living organisms can maintain a stable internal environment through a process known as homeostasis.
Nonliving things, on the other hand, do not exhibit these characteristics. They do not grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, have metabolic processes, or maintain homeostasis. Examples of nonliving things include rocks, water, air, and minerals.