Living and non-living things form the foundation of how we understand the world around us. From humans, animals, and plants to stones, chairs, and cars, everything we see can be classified into these two basic categories. This topic is one of the first concepts introduced in science because it helps learners observe, compare, and think logically about nature and man-made objects.
Living things are organisms that have life. They grow, breathe, need food and water, respond to their surroundings, and reproduce. Non-living things, on the other hand, do not have life. They do not grow on their own, do not breathe, and cannot reproduce. Even though some non-living things can move (like cars or machines), they still lack life processes.
Understanding the difference between living and non-living things is important not only for school exams but also for building scientific thinking. It helps students recognize patterns in nature, understand ecosystems, and develop curiosity about biology and the environment. This guide explains the concept in a simple, clear, and structured way with definitions, real-life examples, comparisons, and frequently asked questions.
Whether you are a student, a beginner, or a parent helping a child learn science, this article will give you complete clarity—step by step—using easy language and practical explanations that remain useful for years.
What Are Living and Non-Living Things?
What Are Living Things?
Living things are organisms that have life and carry out essential life processes. These processes include nutrition, respiration, growth, movement, reproduction, and response to stimuli. All living things are made of cells and depend on their environment to survive.
Examples of living things include humans, animals, plants, birds, insects, and microorganisms.
Living things can exist independently and show changes throughout their life cycle—from birth to growth and finally death.
What Are Non-Living Things?
Non-living things are objects that do not have life. They do not perform life processes such as breathing, growing, or reproducing. Non-living things can be natural (like stones, water, air) or man-made (like chairs, cars, books).
They do not need food or water for survival, although some may require energy or fuel to work.
Characteristics of Living Things
Living things share common features that clearly separate them from non-living things.
1. Living Things Need Food and Water
All living organisms need food for energy and growth. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals and humans depend on plants or other animals.
2. Living Things Breathe (Respiration)
Living things breathe to release energy from food. Animals breathe using lungs or gills, while plants respire through tiny openings called stomata.
3. Living Things Grow
Growth is a permanent increase in size or number of cells. Plants grow throughout their life, while animals grow up to a certain age.
4. Living Things Can Reproduce
Living things can produce new organisms of the same kind. This helps continue life on Earth.
5. Living Things Respond to Stimuli
They react to changes in their surroundings, such as light, heat, sound, or touch.
6. Living Things Have a Life Span
Every living organism is born, grows, and eventually dies.
Characteristics of Non-Living Things
Non-living things lack life and do not show life processes.
1. Non-Living Things Do Not Need Food
They do not consume food for growth or energy.
2. Non-Living Things Do Not Breathe
They do not perform respiration.
3. Non-Living Things Do Not Grow
Any increase in size happens only due to external factors, not natural growth.
4. Non-Living Things Cannot Reproduce
They cannot produce their own kind.
5. Non-Living Things Do Not Respond
They do not react to environmental changes.
Examples of Living Things
Humans
Humans breathe, eat, grow, think, and reproduce. They are highly developed living organisms.
Animals
Animals such as dogs, cats, birds, and fish need food, breathe oxygen, and can move independently.
Plants
Plants are living things even though they cannot move like animals. They grow, make food, breathe, and reproduce.
Microorganisms
Bacteria and fungi are tiny living things that cannot be seen without a microscope.
Examples of Non-Living Things
Natural Non-Living Things
Stone, water, air, soil, sand, mountains
Man-Made Non-Living Things
Chair, table, car, book, computer, building
Living vs Non-Living Things: Comparison Table
| Feature | Living Things | Non-Living Things |
|---|---|---|
| Have life | Yes | No |
| Need food and water | Yes | No |
| Breathe | Yes | No |
| Grow naturally | Yes | No |
| Reproduce | Yes | No |
| Respond to stimuli | Yes | No |
| Examples | Humans, animals, plants | Chair, stone, car |
How to Identify Living and Non-Living Things (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check for Growth
If it grows naturally, it is living.
Step 2: Look for Breathing or Respiration
Breathing indicates life.
Step 3: Observe Food Requirement
Living things need food and water.
Step 4: Check Reproduction Ability
If it can produce offspring, it is living.
Step 5: Observe Response to Environment
Movement or reaction to stimuli confirms life.
Common Confusions Explained
Is a Car a Living Thing?
No. A car moves but only with fuel and a driver. It does not grow, breathe, or reproduce.
Is Fire Living or Non-Living?
Fire is non-living. It needs fuel and oxygen but cannot reproduce or grow biologically.
Are Seeds Living or Non-Living?
Seeds are living but dormant. They show life when conditions are suitable.
Importance of Learning Living and Non-Living Things
Understanding this concept helps students:
- Build strong science basics
- Understand nature and environment
- Learn biology easily in higher classes
- Develop observation and reasoning skills
Real-Life Applications
Environmental studies: Understanding ecosystemsFAQs on Living and Non-Living Things
1. What is the main difference between living and non-living things?
Living things have life and perform biological processes, while non-living things do not.
2. Can non-living things move?
Yes, but only with external force. Movement alone does not mean life.
3. Are plants living things?
Yes, plants grow, breathe, reproduce, and make food.
4. Is water a living thing?
No, water does not grow, breathe, or reproduce.
5. Do living things always move?
Not always. Plants are living but do not move from place to place.
6. Can non-living things grow?
No. Any increase in size is due to external addition, not natural growth.
7. Are viruses living or non-living?
Viruses show characteristics of both but are generally considered non-living.
8. Why do living things need food?
Food provides energy for growth, repair, and survival.
9. Can machines think like humans?
No, machines operate on instructions and do not have life or consciousness.
Related Articles
- Living and Non-Living Things – Characteristics & Differences
- Levels of Organization in Biology – Cell to Organism
- Introduction to the Human Body – Structure & Organization
- Basic Needs of Living Organisms – Food, Water, Air & Shelter
- Cell – Basic Structure, Components & Functions
- Animal Cell and Plant Cell – Structure & Key Differences
- Animal Tissues – Types, Structure & Functions
- Human Body Systems – Overview of Major Systems
- Organs and Organ Systems – Definition, Examples & Functions
