Living and Non-Living Things - Class 1 Notes

We see many things around us. These things are categorised as:

a) Living things
b) Non-living things

Chart of Living and Non-Living Things

Living and Non-living things chart is given below:

Definition of Living Things

Living things are things around us that are alive. All living things are natural things. There are many different types of living things, like animals, plants and bacteria.

Here are some pictures of different types of living things.

Each of these groups has their own unique characteristics and ways of living. All living things need certain essential things to survive, like food, water and air.

Characteristics of Living Things

All living things share certain characteristics. Such as:

a) Living Things Grow

Living things are capable of growing and developing. Like little plants grow up to be trees.

b) Living Things Reproduce

Living things can reproduce to make more of their kind. Some lay eggs to produce babies. Plants generally reproduce by seeds. For example, dogs have puppies and chickens lay eggs.

c) Living Things need Food and Water to Survive

All living things require some form of energy and nutrients to survive. Plants make their own food while animals depend on plants and other animals for their food.

d) Living Things Move

All living things show some kind of movement. For example, a bird can fly through the air, fishes can swim in the water, a person can walk or run. Even plants show movement like a sunflower moves towards sunlight and a mimosa plant curls its leaves when touched.

e) Living Things Feel

Living things can respond to changes around them. For example, a plant grows toward sunlight, an animal runs away from danger.

Definition of Non- Living Things

Non-living things are things that are not alive. These things do not have the ability to move, eat, or breathe on their own. Examples of non-living things are rocks, water, toys and cars.

Even though non-living things do not have the characteristics of life, they are still very important. For example, water is essential for many living things to survive and rocks can provide shelter for animals.

Characteristics of Non-Living Things

Some characterstics features of non-living things are:

a) Non-Living Things don't Grow

Unlike living things, non-living things don't grow or change over time.

b) Non-Living Things don't Reproduce

Non-living things can't make more of their own kind. For example, a rock can't make more rocks.

c) Non-Living Things don't Need Food or Water to Survive

Non-living things don't need food or energy to survive.

d) Non-Living Things do not Move

Unlike living beings, non-living things do not have the ability to move or change their position on their own.

e) Non-Living Things don't Feel

Non-living things can't react to things around them like living things.

Non-living things can be classified as natural non-living things and man-made non-living things. It is to be noted that all man-made things are non-living.

Definition for Natural Non-Living Things

Things that are found naturally around us and not made by humans are called natural non-living things. They come from the earth, water, air or living things.

Some examples of natural non-living things are trees, rocks, mountains, rivers, etc.

Definition for Man-Made Non-Living Things

Things that are created by humans are called man-made non-living things. They are made from natural materials or other man-made materials. Examples of man-made non-living things include buildings, roads, cars, toys and clothes.

It's important to remember that many man-made things use natural things to be created.

For example, buildings are made from materials like wood and metal that come from nature. Even toys can be made from materials like wood or plastic, which come from natural resources.

Differences Between Living Things and Non-Living Things

List of Living and Non-Living Things