# Describe four characteristics of living organisms.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Movement — living organisms can move all or part of themselves
2. Respiration — living organisms release energy from nutrients / food
3. Excretion — living organisms remove waste products of metabolism from the body
4. Any ONE further valid characteristic: nutrition (taking in nutrients / food for energy or growth); sensitivity / responding to stimuli; reproduction (producing offspring); growth (permanent increase in size / dry mass); homeostasis (maintaining a stable internal environment)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-four-characteristics-of-living-organisms-8579feb6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.