Living and Non-living Things Chapter Notes | Science Olympiad for Class 2 PDF Download

Introduction

Living things are those that eat, breathe, grow, and have babies. Examples include animals like cats, dogs, and birds, as well as plants.
Non-living things, on the other hand, don't eat, breathe, grow, or reproduce. They include objects like desks, benches, buildings, and TVs.

Characteristics of Living Things

1. Living things need food.

• All living things require food and water to live and also grow.
• It gives them energy to work.
• Both animals and plants need food.

2. Living things grow.

• All living beings grow.
• Example: A baby grows into a child and then into an adult.

3. Living things breathe.

• Living beings need air to breathe.
• We take in oxygen and take out carbon dioxide.

4. Living things move.

• Living things can move.
• Plants are living things as well but they cannot move. They are fixed to one place on the ground.
• Animals can move by walking, swimming, flying etc.

5. Living things reproduce.

• To reproduce means to have babies. 
• Animals like chickens, snakes, crocodiles, birds, etc. lay eggs which hatch into babies. Humans, elephants, dogs, etc. do not lay egg eggs. 
• They give birth to young ones. 
• For example, a cow gives birth to a calf and a cat gives birth to kittens. Plants have seeds which turn into little plants.

6. Living things can feel.

• Living things can feel. They feel hot during summer and cold during winter. When you eat something, you can feel its taste. 
• Do plants also feel? Yes, but they feel differently than animals. 
• For example, a sunflower feels the sunrays and turns towards the sun. Touch-me-not plants close their leaves when you touch them.

Characteristics of Non Living Things

1. Non-living things do not need food. 
2. Non-living things do not grow.
3. Non-living things do not breathe.
4. Non-living things cannot move on their own.
5. Non-living things cannot reproduce.
6. Non-living things do not feel.

Summary 

• Living things are those that eat, breathe, grow, and make babies. 
• Non-living things don't do any of those things. 
• Reproducing means having babies. Living things can do that. 
• Natural non-living things are those made by nature, like rocks and mountains. 
• Artificial things are made by people, like motorcycles, buses, houses, and refrigerators.