Characteristics of Living Things

Living Things Need Food

Plants make their own food using air, water, and sunlight through a process called photosynthesis. In this process, the plant uses light from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the roots to make its food.

People, animals, and plants also need water.

Living Things Need Air

All living things need air to breathe. People and animals need oxygen for breathing while plants need carbon dioxide to make their own food. Both oxygen and carbon dioxide are gases that are part of air. Without them, these living things would all die.