* No longer part of a living organism: A fallen leaf is detached from the tree, which is the living organism.

* No metabolic processes: Leaves need to be connected to the tree to receive nutrients and water. Once detached, they no longer carry out processes like photosynthesis or respiration.

* No growth or reproduction: Fallen leaves don't grow or reproduce. They are simply decaying and breaking down.

While a fallen leaf might look like it's still part of the tree, it's actually a dead part that has been shed.