Which of the following are characteristics of living beings?
(1) Respiration
(2) Reproduction
(3) Growth
(4) Excretion

The correct option (A):

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. ​Living things have some common characteristics that distinguish them from the non-living things.
2. Growth occurs in the organism where it develops from the younger stage to the adult stage, due to growth in cell size or cell division.
   
3. Reproduction is the process of producing the new generation of organisms.
   
4. Movement is a character of the organism to locomote from one place to another in search of food and shelter.
   
5. Respiration is the process of breaking down of nutrient molecules inside the cell to produce energy required by the body.
   
6. Excretion is the process of removal of unnecessary materials that are not useful to the body system.
   

Final answer: Respiration, reproduction, growth and excretion are all characters of living organisms.