What is one characteristic that distinguishes living things from non-living things?

One key characteristic that distinguishes living things from non-living things is that living organisms have organized structures. This means that they consist of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life. These cells are organized into complex structures and systems that perform specific functions necessary for survival, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

In contrast, non-living things lack this cellular organization and do not exhibit the functional complexity observed in living organisms. For example, while a rock or a piece of wood might have a form, they do not have biological structures organized in a way that allows them to carry out life processes. The organization at the cellular and molecular levels is fundamental to life, enabling organisms to maintain homeostasis, grow, develop, and adapt to their environments.