Characteristics of Life

A car uses fuel to run, moves on wheels, and takes in air to function, almost as if it's alive. But is it alive? Let's explore what separates living things from non-living ones.

First, living things need energy to function and survive. Just as you eat food for energy, a car needs fuel to drive. But unlike the car, we use that energy to carry out life functions.

Next, living organisms are made of cells, the building blocks of life. For example, If you look at a leaf under a microscope, you see cells, but cars are made of metal, plastic, and other materials.

Living things also respond to their surroundings, reacting to light, heat, sound, and contact. For instance, you might wake up in the morning to the sound of an alarm.

Additionally, living things can grow and produce younger ones, whereas cars can't grow bigger or create another vehicle.

Finally, living things maintain balance within their bodies to survive. You sweat when it's hot and shiver when it's cold.