Which of these is NOT a characteristic of living things?

**The reasoning** Living things share seven key characteristics that define life: **MRGREN** (Movement, Respiration, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition, Sensitivity). These are biological processes carried out by organisms to survive and continue their species. - **Growth** (A) ✓ All living things increase in size and complexity - **Reproduction** (B) ✓ Living things produce offspring - **Respiration** (D) ✓ Living things break down food to release energy - **Erosion** (C) ✗ This is a *geological process* where wind, water, or ice wears away rocks and soil over time. It has nothing to do with biology! **Why the wrong options tempt you** If you're rushing, Growth, Reproduction, and Respiration all *sound* scientific and important. Your brain might gloss over "Erosion" because it's also a process you've studied in Geography. But erosion affects non-living landscapes, not organisms. **Quick takeaway** Remember: **Living things carry out life processes; erosion is what the environment does to rocks and land.** If the characteristic doesn't involve an organism actively doing something biological, it's not a sign of life!