MRSGREF is an acronym that helps us remember the seven characteristics of living things. Each letter stands for a different characteristic. Let us explore each one with examples.
M - Movement
Living things can move, either by themselves or parts of their bodies.
Example: A cat chasing a ball or a sunflower turning towards the sun.
R - Respiration
Respiration means exchanging gases with the environment. Most living things breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Example: Humans breathing or fish using gills to take in oxygen from water.
S - Sensitivity
Living things respond to changes in their environment.
Example: A rabbit running away from a predator or a plant bending towards light.
G - Growth
Living things grow and develop over time.
Example: A puppy growing into a dog or a seed sprouting into a tree.
R - Reproduction
Living things can produce offspring, either sexually or asexually.
Example: Birds laying eggs or plants producing seeds.
E - Excretion
Excretion is the process of removing waste products from the body.
Example: Humans sweating or trees releasing oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
F - Food
Living things need food or energy to survive.
Example: Humans eat meals or plants using sunlight for photosynthesis.
By remembering MRSGREF, we can easily recall what makes something alive!