1. Movement: Both animals and plants have the ability to move. Plants are rooted and move slowly as they grow. Their roots move down into the soil and their stems move up towards the light. Animals on the other hand move quickly and can move their entire bodies. They can move in search of food, shelter or to avoid danger.
2. Respiration: Respiration is the process of extracting energy out of the food we eat. All living things respire because they need energy to grow, to replace worn out parts and to move. Respiration takes place in the mitochondria of the cell. There are two types of respiration, with and without oxygen. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and releases a large amount of energy. Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and releases a smaller amount of oxygen.
3. Sensitivity: All living organisms are sensitive, this means that they have an awareness of changes in their environment. Animals respond quickly to stimuli such as heat, light, sound, touch and chemicals which have taste and smell. On the other hand plants generally appear less sensitive and their response is slower. Plants respond to light by moving their leaves towards it, the flowers of some plants open in the morning and close at night when it is dark. Some plants, however, do respond quickly such as the Venus flytrap response to touch.
