An organism is said to be living, if it shows certain
characteristic features that make it different from
non-living things.
The following properties are defining features ofa living
organisms
(i) Growth All liV,ng organisms show growth either by
multiplication or by increase in size. Growth in living things is
internal.
(ii) Reproduction All living things produce offsprings.
possessing features similar to their parents. Thus.
reproduction is essential to maintain the continuity of life on
earth.
(iii) Metabolism It is the sum total of reactions occurring inside
the body by which living things assimilate energy and use it
for growth.
(iv) Cellular Organisation The cells are the structural and
functional unit of every living organism.