Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Ohio Assessments for Educators Early Childhood Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and insights. Excel in your exam!

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A characteristic of living things that distinguishes them from nonliving things is that only living things:

Absorb energy from sunlight
Are made up of cells
Change physically over time
Contain carbon atoms

The correct answer is: Are made up of cells

Living things are fundamentally characterized by their cellular structure; they are made up of one or more cells, which are the basic unit of life. This cellular organization is essential for a variety of biological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Nonliving things, on the other hand, do not possess this cellular organization, which is a key distinction. While other options mention characteristics that some living organisms may exhibit—like absorbing sunlight, changing physically over time, or containing carbon atoms—these are not universal traits found in all living organisms. The presence of cells is a defining characteristic present in all forms of life, making it the most accurate choice in distinguishing living things from nonliving things.