can nonliving things grow?

Answer 1

Non-living things can increase in size, but only in response to external factors. Non-living things cannot "grow" from within as living things do. Stalagmites and stalactites "grow" by the deposition of minerals from without. Crystals "grow" by adding layers of the same mineral from without. A riverbed can enlarge as a result of erosion of its banks. A mountain range or volcanic peak can "grow" as a result of pressures pushing it up from beneath. A living thing grows by creating more of itself from within, by duplication of its own matter - its own cells.

Answer 2

Yes, if you accept a broad definition of grow as meaning the thing gets larger by adding to its own mass by any process. Crystal grow by adding atoms or molecules deposited from a solution, for example. In some cases, this crystal growth can produce a branched structure which might remind you of a tree.

Answer 3

You can grow crystals at home, collections can grow and dead wood can swell.

It all depends on your definition of grow. A loose definition of life suggests the subject needs to possess a capacity to grow.

Answer 4

Well a rock can grow larger by sedimentation over 1000s of years but generally, NO

Answer 5

Yes, crystals grow. Also Viruses grow and they aren't considered to be livings things.

Answer 6

Yes crystals do.