The correct spelling of "living thing" is easy to remember once you break it down phonetically. The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription of the word is ˈlɪvɪŋ θɪŋ, which consists of two syllables. The first syllable, "liv," rhymes with the word "give" and the second syllable, "ing," rhymes with the word "ring." The spelling follows the general rules of English pronunciation, with the "v" representing a voiced sound and the "th" representing an unvoiced dental fricative. So, next time you're writing about a "living thing," remember to spell it with an "i" and not an "e."
A living thing, also known as an organism, refers to any entity that possesses life characteristics, displaying vital functions and processes commonly associated with life. Being an essential concept in biology, the definition of a living thing includes a wide range of organisms found across various domains, including plants, animals, fungi, protists, and microorganisms. Living things typically exhibit several fundamental characteristics including reproduction, growth and development, metabolism, response to stimuli, adaptation, and the ability to maintain homeostasis. These characteristics collectively differentiate living things from non-living entities.
Reproduction encapsulates the ability of living things to produce offspring through sexual or asexual means, allowing for the continuity of a particular species. Growth and development refer to the process of maturation and change in an organism's structure and function over time, often resulting in increased size and complexity. Metabolism denotes the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to acquire energy and convert it into usable forms for various biological processes. Response to stimuli enables living organisms to react and adjust to changes in their environment through behaviors or physiological changes. Adaptation represents the evolutionary process by which living things adapt to their environment, enhancing their chances of survival. Finally, homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external fluctuations.
Overall, living things encompass a remarkable diversity of forms and functions, ranging from the smallest microscopic organisms to complex multicellular organisms, all of which share these vital characteristics that define life.
The word "living" originates from the Old English word "līfend", which means "alive" or "having life". The word "thing" comes from the Old English word "þing", which referred to an assembly or a meeting. Over time, the word "thing" also came to encompass the broader meaning of an entity or an object. Therefore, when used together, "living thing" simply denotes an entity that is alive or possesses life.