The living organisms can be unexceptionally distinguished from non-living things on the basis of their ability to respond to touch and other stimuli. Growth and movement: Even non-living things like sand dunes and mountains show growth, i.e. increase in size. Reproduction: Sterile couples do not reproduce. Responsiveness to touch: A person in a coma does not respond to touch Interaction with the environment: A person in a coma can hear things, can see things, i.e. his body is interacting with the environment.