Does everything die?

Living things die because bodies stop working. Flowers, bugs, pets, and people can die. Rocks and toys do not die. New flowers and babies can grow.

Not everything dies, because not everything is alive. People, pets, bugs, and plants are alive, so one day their bodies stop working and they die. Rocks and toys are not alive, so they do not die. They can break or wear out, like a crayon that gets smaller when you use it.

Not everything dies. Only living things die: plants, animals, fungi, and tiny microbes. Living things are made of cells, tiny pieces that do the work of life. Over time, cells get worn out or damaged, and the body can no longer fix enough of them to keep going. Nonliving things, like rocks, can break or change, but they do not die. Fun fact: some bristlecone pine trees have been alive for over 4,800 years.