The major criterion which is used to decide whether something is alive is movements. Movements may be that of locomotion (e.g., running of dog), movements of a part (e.g., chewing cud by cow), breathing movements, growth, growth movements (in plants) and movement of molecules in metabolic reactions, maintenance and repair of cellular structures.

Besides movements, other criteria found in living beings that distinguish them from the non-living are presence of protoplasm, self built organisation, self repair, reproduction and various life processes like metabolism, nutrition, respiration, growth, exchange of materials, transportation, excretion and irritability. All living beings have a definite life span and life cycle.