How do you know if something is living?
Living things have five characteristics:

·        Organization

o       All living things (organisms) are organized.  This means that they are specially designed to perform different life functions.  The smallest level of organization of living things is cells.  Cells are the smallest unit of life.

·        Reproduction

o       All organisms have the ability to reproduce.  Organisms produce new organisms that are similar to them.

·        Adjust to Surroundings

o       All organisms have the ability to adjust (change) to their surrounding.  An example of this is that organisms respond to stimuli.  For example, if a flea made a dog’s nose itch (the stimulus), the dog would scratch its nose (response to stimulus).

·        Growth and Development

o       Most organisms grow.  When they grow, they go through changes known as development.

·        Energy, water and minerals

o       All organisms need these items to function.  If they do not get any of these, organisms die.

If something does not have all of the characteristics listed above, then it is not a living thing!