As an expert in the field of biology, I can provide a detailed explanation of what constitutes a living thing and how an apple fits into this classification.

Living things, also known as organisms, are characterized by certain fundamental characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. These characteristics include:


1. Cell Structure: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.


2. Metabolism: Living organisms have the ability to carry out metabolic processes, which involve the conversion of nutrients into energy and the synthesis of the molecules needed for growth and cellular repair.


3. Growth: Growth is a universal characteristic of life, where organisms increase in size or complexity.


4. Response to Stimuli: Living organisms can react to changes in their environment, demonstrating responsiveness.


5. Reproduction: The ability to produce offspring is a key feature of living organisms.


6. Heredity and Variation: Living organisms have genetic material that allows for the transmission of traits to their offspring, along with the potential for variation.

7.
Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Now, let's consider an apple. When it is still attached to the tree, it is part of a living organism - the apple tree. The apple itself is composed of cells and is involved in the tree's metabolic processes, growing and developing as the tree provides it with nutrients. It responds to stimuli, such as light and temperature, which can affect its growth and ripening. While the apple does not reproduce on its own, it is part of the reproductive cycle of the tree, as it can be dispersed and potentially lead to the growth of a new tree if its seeds are planted.

However, once the apple is picked from the tree, it is no longer receiving nutrients from the tree and its cells begin to die off. It does not grow, reproduce, or maintain homeostasis independently. At this stage, the apple is considered a non-living thing in the sense that it is no longer part of a living organism and does not exhibit all the characteristics of life on its own.

The statement that "decomposers slowly begin to break down the apple" refers to the process of decomposition, which is a natural part of the life cycle of organic matter. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the cycle of life.

In conclusion, whether an apple is considered living or non-living depends on its context. While part of the tree, it is living; once detached, it transitions to a non-living state as it no longer sustains the characteristics of life independently.

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While on the tree, an apple is part of a living thing, but once it is picked,decomposers slowly begin to break down the apple and it is no longer alive.read more >>