What Makes Something Alive?

Living things grow, need food and water, move, and can have babies. People, animals, and plants are all living things.

• Grow: Plants get bigger, and puppies become dogs.
• Need food and water: All living things eat or drink.
• Move: Animals walk, and plants turn to face the sun.
• Reproduce: Living things can make more of their kind.

Nonliving Things

Nonliving things do not grow, need food, or reproduce. Rocks, water, and toys are nonliving.

How to Tell the Difference

Ask these questions:

• Does it eat or drink?
• Can it grow?
• Can it have babies?
• Does it move on its own?

If the answer is no, it's probably nonliving!

Why It Matters

Knowing if something is living or nonliving helps us take care of pets and plants, and understand our environment.