Chapter 2: Diversity in the Living World

Science • Class 6

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Chapter Analysis

Beginner6 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'Diversity in the Living World' discusses the rich variety of plants and animals around us, known as biodiversity. It explains how living organisms can be grouped based on similarities and differences in features such as roots, stems, leaves, and habitats. The chapter highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this biodiversity, underlining the impact of human activities on natural habitats. It also emphasizes how adaptations enable organisms to survive in their specific environments.

Key Topics

  • Biodiversity
  • Plant and animal grouping
  • Adaptations in living organisms
  • Conservation of habitats
  • Effects of human activities on biodiversity
  • Different types of roots and leaves in plants
  • Sacred groves and traditional conservation methods
  • Role of prominent figures in biodiversity conservation

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of biodiversity and its importance
  • Identify different ways to group plants and animals
  • Recognize adaptations in organisms for survival
  • Realize the impact of habitat destruction on biodiversity
  • Learn methods to conserve natural habitats
  • Comprehend the relationship between leaf venation and root types

Questions in Chapter

Here are two types of seeds. What differences do you find among the roots and leaf venation of their plants?

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Names of some animals are given below. Group them based on their habitats. Write the names of aquatic animals in the area marked ‘A’ and terrestrial animals in the area marked ‘B’. Enter the names of animals living in both habitats in part ‘C’.

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Examine a radish and write what type of root it is. What type of venation would you observe in the leaves of radish plant?

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Point out the similarities and differences between a mountain goat and a goat found in the plains. What are the reasons for these differences?

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What questions can Sanjay ask for clarification to Raj's argument that ‘Gudhal (hibiscus) plant is a shrub’?

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Group the following animals into two groups based on any feature other than those discussed in the chapter—cow, cockroach, pigeon, bat, tortoise, whale, fish, grasshopper, lizard.

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How does the cutting down of forests affect our surroundings and what can be done to address this challenge?

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Analyse the flowchart. What can be examples of ‘A’ and ‘B’?

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Additional Practice Questions

Explain the concept of biodiversity and its importance.

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Answer: Biodiversity refers to the vast variety of life forms on Earth, including different plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is crucial because it boosts ecosystem productivity, where each species, no matter how small, has an important role to play. Biodiversity provides us with essential resources such as food, medicinal ingredients, and raw materials, while also ensuring a balance in nature.

How are plants grouped based on root types?

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Answer: Plants can be grouped based on root types as having either taproots or fibrous roots. Taproots are typically a single, thick, primary root like in carrots, while fibrous roots form a dense network like in grasses, providing plants stability and efficient nutrient absorption.

Describe how adaptations help organisms survive in their environments with examples.

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Answer: Adaptations are special features or behaviors that enable organisms to survive in their particular environments. For instance, camels have humps to store fat and are adapted to desert conditions, while aquatic animals like fish have streamlined bodies and gills for fishing in water.

Why is it important to conserve natural habitats?

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Answer: Conserving natural habitats is essential to maintain biodiversity, which ensures the stability of ecosystems and their ability to provide for the needs of living organisms, including humans. Destruction of habitats can lead to extinction of species, loss of genetic diversity, and disrupted ecological balance.

Discuss how human activities are leading to loss of biodiversity.

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Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and climate change are significant contributors to the loss of biodiversity. These activities destroy habitats, introduce pollutants, and alter climatic conditions, making it difficult for many species to survive, thereby decreasing biodiversity.

What are sacred groves and how do they contribute to biodiversity conservation?

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Answer: Sacred groves are forest areas protected by local communities due to their cultural and religious significance. These groves serve as reservoirs of biodiversity, preserving various species of plants and animals, and play a crucial role in the conservation of gene pools.

How does leaf venation relate to the type of root system in plants?

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Answer: Leaf venation is often related to the root system of plants. Plants with reticulate venation typically have taproots, as seen in dicotyledons like beans, while those with parallel venation usually have fibrous roots, as found in monocotyledons like grasses.

Explain the role of Salim Ali in biodiversity conservation.

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Answer: Salim Ali, known as the 'Birdman of India,' was instrumental in the study and conservation of birds in India. He documented numerous bird species and their habitats, and his efforts led to the establishment of several bird sanctuaries, promoting avian biodiversity conservation.