Living and Nonliving Things Worksheets
All About These 15 Worksheets
This collection of 15 worksheets is designed to help students learn about the differences between living and nonliving things. The exercises focus on developing an understanding of the characteristics of living things, and how to distinguish them from nonliving things. By completing these worksheets, students will:
- Identify the needs and characteristics of living things;
- Distinguish living things from nonliving things;
- And exercise their creativity by drawing pictures of living things and nonliving things, or use pictures as clues on whether to classify them as living or nonliving.
These worksheets are suitable for students of different ages and levels of proficiency in English and can be used as classroom activities or as homework assignments. By engaging with these worksheets, students can develop their knowledge of living and nonliving things, improve their vocabulary and language skills, and gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of life in the natural world.
How to Tell If Something Is Living
Determining whether something is living can be done by observing its characteristics and behaviors. To identify if an object or entity is a living organism, look for the following signs:
Cellular Organization
Living organisms are made up of one or more cells. These cells are the basic units of life, containing genetic material and carrying out essential life processes.
Growth, Development, and Reproduction
Living organisms undergo growth and development, changing in size and complexity over time. This may involve cell division, differentiation, and the development of specialized structures.
Living organisms have the ability to reproduce, either sexually or asexually, creating offspring that inherit traits from their parent(s).
Response to Stimuli
Living organisms can respond to external stimuli in their environment. This may include reacting to changes in temperature, light, or chemical signals, and allows organisms to adapt and survive in different conditions.
Metabolism
Living organisms carry out various chemical reactions to maintain life. This includes processes like converting food into energy, synthesizing new molecules, and breaking down waste products.
Homeostasis
Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment, despite fluctuations in their external environment. This involves regulating factors such as temperature, pH, and the concentration of various substances within their cells.
Adaptation and Evolution
Living organisms can adapt to their environment and evolve over time. Through the process of natural selection, populations of organisms develop traits that help them survive and reproduce more effectively in their specific environment.
If an object or entity displays these characteristics, it is likely a living organism. However, it is important to note that some nonliving things may exhibit one or more of these traits (e.g., crystals can grow), so it’s essential to consider multiple characteristics when determining if something is living or not.