Characteristics of Living Things

What living things have in common? Characteristics Movement Respiration Growth Nutrition

Movement Animals move in many ways. Even plants move, such as a flower bud opens into a flower, sunflower turns toward sunlight Different animals have different organs for movement like – a) fish –uses fins and tail b) horse ,cow--both fore limbs and hind limbs c) birds –walk with help of two feet and fly with the help of wings d) human beings –use two legs to walk

Respiration: intake of oxygen ,using it and throwing out of carbon di –oxide Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and give off oxygen. Different animals have different organs of respiration like – a) fish – have gills for breathing b)Whales and dolphins do not have gills but blowholes c) plants –breathe through stomata on leaves d) earthworm- through skin e) human beings –through nostrils f) insects – through spiracles or air holes

Growth: all living things grow

Nutrition/Feeding Animals have to eat food and drink water to live. Plants make their own food in presence of sun light by using water –minerals ,carbon di-oxide in leaves. Animals depend on plants directly or in directly for food.

Respond to stimuli All living things respond to stimuli; Stimuli- any change in the surrounding that makes us react or respond to them. Ex. Mimosa leaves close down on being touched we close our eyes when bright light is flashed Deer run away to protect themselves from lion

EXCRETION All living organisms produce some waste products and they are removed or thrown out of our body ,this process of getting rid of these wastes is known as excretion . Ex . Wastes from blood are removed through urine , Removal of carbon di-oxide Large intestine removes undigested food from our body

REPRODUCTION Reproduction –it is the ability of living things to produce individuals of their own kind or type. Plants reproduce by seeds, buds etc. Animals reproduce by laying eggs or by giving birth to young ones. Ex .birds –lay eggs Cat, dogs ,cow –give birth to young ones