The document explores the unique characteristics of living creatures, detailing their abilities to move, grow, breathe, excrete, respond to stimuli, reproduce, and die, contrasting them with non-living things. It outlines the life cycles of various organisms, including plants and animals such as mosquitos and frogs, emphasizing stages like birth, growth, reproduction, and death. The importance of conserving habitats and promoting biodiversity for ecosystem balance is also highlighted.

1. Living
Creatures:
Exploring Their
Characteristics
Living creatures have unique characteristics that set them apart from
non-living things. This chapter explores the essential features of living
beings and their life cycles.
by sandeep swamy

2. Identifying Living and Non-Living
Things
Living Things
Move, eat, grow, breathe, excrete, respond to stimuli,
reproduce, die
Non-Living Things
Lack one or more essential characteristics of living
beings

3. Movement in Living Things
Animals
Animals are able to move from place
to place. This movement is essential
for finding food, escaping predators,
and reproducing.
Plants
Plants also exhibit movement,
although it is often slower and less
obvious than animal movement.
Examples include the opening of
flowers and the climbing of vines.
Non-Living Things
Non-living things may appear to
move, but they lack the other
characteristics of living things, such
as growth, respiration, and
reproduction.

4. Growth and Nutrition
Seed/Egg
Beginning stage of life
Young
Period of rapid growth and
development
Adult
Fully grown and capable of
reproduction

5. Respiration and
Excretion
Respiration
All living beings take in air for energy production
Excretion
Removal of waste products from the body
Examples
Breathing in animals, stomata in plants

6. Response to Stimuli
1
Stimulus
External trigger like touch or light
2
Response
Reaction of living being to the stimulus
3
Example
Touch-me-not plant folding leaves when touched

7. Reproduction and
Death
1 Birth/Germination
The life cycle of an organism begins with birth or
germination. This is the stage when a new individual
emerges from an egg, seed, or a parent organism.
2 Growth
Following birth, an organism undergoes a period of growth
and development. This is the time when the organism
increases in size, complexity, and maturity.
3 Reproduction
As an organism reaches adulthood, it becomes capable of
reproducing. Reproduction is the process by which
organisms produce new individuals of the same species.
This ensures the continuation of life and the survival of the
species.
4 Death
The final stage of the life cycle is death. This marks the end
of an organism's life processes. Death is a natural part of
life and allows for the cycle to continue.

8. Seed Germination
Water
Softens seed coat and
enables growth
Air
Necessary for respiration
Soil
Provides support and
nutrients
Light/Dark
Some seeds require
specific light conditions

9. Plant Growth and Movement
Root
Roots grow downwards due to
geotropism, absorbing water and
nutrients for survival.
Shoot
The shoot grows upwards towards
light (phototropism), enabling
photosynthesis.
Leaves
Leaves capture sunlight for
photosynthesis and facilitate gas
exchange through stomata.

10. Life Cycle of a Plant
Seed
The plant's life begins as a
dormant seed.
Seedling
The seed sprouts, growing
into a young plant.
Mature Plant
The plant grows and
develops, producing
flowers and fruits.
New Seeds
The plant produces new
seeds, starting the cycle
again.

11. Life Cycle of a Mosquito
1
Egg
The mosquito life cycle begins with eggs that
are laid in stagnant water.
2 Larva
The eggs hatch into larvae, which are aquatic
worm-like creatures. Larvae feed on algae and
other organic matter in the water.
3
Pupa
The larvae then transform into pupae, a non-
feeding stage where they undergo
metamorphosis. 4 Adult
After several days, the pupae emerge as adult
mosquitos, which can fly and reproduce,
starting the cycle anew.

12. Life Cycle of a Frog
1
Egg
Laid in clusters within water, eggs are
vulnerable to predators and rely on
suitable water conditions.
2
Tadpole
Aquatic larval stage with a tail and
external gills, resembling a small fish.
Tadpoles feed on algae and grow limbs.
3
Froglet
Transitional stage with developing lungs
and limbs, transitioning from aquatic to
semi-aquatic life. The tail shortens as
legs and lungs develop, enabling
breathing air and movement on land.
4
Adult Frog
Amphibious creature living on land and
in water. Adult frogs have legs for
hopping and adapted skin for both
environments. They feed on insects and
play an important role in the ecosystem.

13. Comparing Life
Cycles
Stage Plant Animal
Beginning Seed Egg/Birth
Growth Seedling Young
Reproduction Flowers/Fruits Adult
Next Generation Seeds Offspring

14. Importance of Life Cycles
Survival
Adaptations for different life
stages
Continuity
Reproduction ensures species
survival
Biodiversity
Diverse life cycles contribute to
ecosystem balance

15. Preserving the Living
World
1 Habitat Protection
Preserve natural environments
2 Conservation
Protect endangered species
3 Education
Raise awareness about living creatures
4 Sustainable Practices
Minimize human impact on ecosystems