MRS GREN

The Seven Characteristics of Living Things

All living things do these seven things: Move, Reproduce, Sense, Grow, Respire, Excrete, Need nutrition. Sometimes the characteristics are easy to see, sometimes hard. Watch this video to find out more about these actions and how they are defined for living organisms.

What is a Living Thing?

DK Find Out! has some basic explanations and definitions for MRS GREN.

MRS GREN

The site Basic Biology has another basic explanation of the processes in MRS GREN. It also includes an extra process that is sometimes considered, called Control.

MRS GREN | Basic BiologyMRS GREN is an acronym often used to help remember the seven life processes of living things beginning with Movement, Respiration and Sensitivity.

Characteristics of living things

This page on Science Learning Hub has an intermediate level explanation of the characteristics of living things using earthworms as an example.

The site also has an explanation on how earthworms are classified in the tree of living things.

This site is designed for New Zealand children and teachers.

Characteristics of living thingsWhen you look at the world around you, how do you categorise or group what you see? One of the broadest groupings is 'living' and 'non-living'. This may sound simple, but it is sometimes difficult to decide whether something is truly alive or not. So why would we say earthworms are living?

MRS GREN and examples

This YouTube video is a good intermediate to advanced level explanation of MRS GREN with examples. It is also made by a New Zealander.

MRS GREN quiz

This BBC BiteSize page has advanced information about MRS GREN. It also has a quiz to help you learn and remember.