CLASS VI SCIENCE

CHAPTER 2
DIVERSITY IN THE LIVING WORLD

Question I
What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity means all the different kinds of living things on Earth — like animals, plants, birds, insects, and even tiny
organisms like bacteria.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

1. Gives Us Food – Fruits, vegetables, grains, and animals we eat all come from nature.

2. Provides Oxygen – Trees and plants give us clean air to breathe.

3. Medicines – Many medicines are made from plants and animals.

4. Keeps Nature Balanced – Every living thing has a role. For example, bees help in pollination, and frogs eat
insects.

5. Beauty of Nature – The variety makes the world colorful and exciting!

Types of Biodiversity (with Examples):

1. Genetic Biodiversity
➤ This means differences within the same species.

Example: Different breeds of dogs (like a Pug, Labrador, or German Shepherd).

2. Species Biodiversity
➤ This means variety of different species (types of living organisms).
Example: Tigers, peacocks, elephants, and fish are all different species.

3. Ecosystem Biodiversity
➤ This means different types of natural environments where living things live together.

Example: Forests, oceans, deserts, and rivers are different ecosystems.

Question: II

What is the Importance of Grouping?

Meaning of Grouping:

Grouping means putting things into different groups based on their similar characteristics or features.
 Importance of Grouping:

1. Makes Study Easy:

Grouping helps us to study things easily by keeping similar items together.
Example: All flowering plants can be studied together.

2. Saves Time:
It helps us to find things quickly and saves time.
Example: In a shop, all fruits are kept in one place, so we can find them easily.

3. Better Understanding:
When things are grouped, it becomes easy to compare and understand their differences and similarities.
Example: We can compare mammals and birds if they are grouped separately.

4. Keeps Things Organized:

Grouping keeps our things neat and tidy.
Example: Books arranged by subject in a school bag help in finding the right one.

5. Helps in Learning:
In science, grouping living things helps us learn about them properly.
Example: Animals are grouped into reptiles, birds, mammals, etc.

Question III

Grouping of Plants Based on Height and Nature of Stem

Plants can be grouped into five types based on their height and the nature of their stem:

1. Herbs

Definition:
Herbs are small plants with soft, green, and tender stems.

Examples:
Wheat, Mint, Spinach

Features:

• They are small in size (usually less than 1 meter).

• The stem is soft and not woody.

2. Shrubs

Definition:
Shrubs are medium-sized plants with hard, woody stems and branches growing from the base.

Examples:
Rose, Hibiscus, Cotton

Features:

• Woody stems, but not very thick like trees.

• Many branches grow close to the ground.

 3. Trees

Definition:
Trees are tall and big plants with hard, thick, and woody stems. They have branches high above the ground.

Examples:
Mango, Neem, Banyan

Features:

• They have a strong, thick main stem (called trunk).

• Live for many years and grow tall.

4. Creepers

Definition:
Creepers are plants that grow along the ground because they have weak stems and cannot stand upright.

Examples:
Pumpkin, Watermelon, Muskmelon

Features:

• The stem is very weak and spreads on the ground.

• Usually have large fruits.

5. Climbers

Definition:
Climbers are plants with weak stems, but they climb on support to grow upwards.

Examples:
Money plant, Pea plant, Grape vine

Features:

• Have tendrils or hooks to climb.

• Grow upright with support.

Summary Table:

Plant Type Definition Examples 2 Features

Herbs Small, soft-stemmed plants Wheat, Spinach Small size, soft stem

Shrubs Medium-sized, woody stems Rose, Cotton Woody stem, branches near base

Trees Tall, thick, woody plants Neem, Mango Strong trunk, long life

Creepers Weak stems, grow along ground Pumpkin, Watermelon Spreads on ground, weak stem

Climbers Weak stems, grow with support Pea plant, Money plant Climb with support, have tendrils
Question IV

What are Veins?

Veins are the thin lines that you see on the surface of a leaf.
They carry water, minerals, and food to and from the leaf.

What is Venation?
Venation is the pattern of veins on the leaf blade (the flat part of the leaf).

Types of Venation:
There are two main types of venation:

1⃣ Reticulate Venation
Definition:
When the veins form a net-like pattern, it is called reticulate venation.
Example:
Mango, Guava, Peepal
Features:
• Veins are connected like a web or net.
• Common in dicot plants (plants with two seed leaves).

2⃣ Parallel Venation
Definition:
When the veins run parallel to each other, it is called parallel venation.
Example:
Banana, Grass, Wheat
Features:
• Veins are straight and do not form a net.
• Common in monocot plants (plants with one seed leaf).
Question V
Types of Roots
Plants have mainly two types of root systems:
1. Tap Root
2. Fibrous Root

1⃣ Tap Root
Definition:
Tap root is a main root that grows straight down from the seed and gives out small side roots.
Examples:
Mango, Neem, Pea, Mustard
Features:
• Has one main root.
• Side roots grow from the main root.
• Found in dicot plants (plants with two seed leaves).

2⃣ Fibrous Root
Definition:
Fibrous root is a type of root system where many roots of the same size grow from the base of the stem.
Examples:
Grass, Wheat, Maize, Onion
Features:
• No main root. All roots are almost the same size.
• Looks like a bunch of thin roots.
• Found in monocot plants (plants with one seed leaf).

Summary Table:

Root Type Main Root Present? Examples Features

Tap Root Yes Mango, Pea, Neem One main root with side roots; in dicots

Fibrous Root No Grass, Wheat All roots same size; in monocots

Question VI
Monocot and Dicot Plants
1. Monocot Plants
Definition: Monocot plants are plants that have only one seed leaf (called a cotyledon) in their seeds.
Two Features:
• Leaves have parallel veins.
• Roots form a fibrous root system.
Examples:
• Grass
• Banana
2. Dicot Plants
Definition: Dicot plants are plants that have two seed leaves (cotyledons) in their seeds.
Two Features:
• Leaves have branching or net-like veins.
• Roots form a taproot system.
Examples:
• Mango
• Rose

ANIMALS GROUPING
CASE I
Definition of Habitat:
A habitat is the natural home or environment where a plant, animal, or other organism
lives. It provides the organism with food, water, shelter, and proper conditions for
reproduction and survival.

Features of Habitat:
1. Food Availability: A habitat provides suitable food sources for the organisms living
in it.
2. Water Supply: Access to water is crucial for survival.
3. Shelter and Safety: It offers protection from predators and harsh weather.
4. Space: Enough area for organisms to grow, move, and reproduce.
5. Climate Conditions: Each habitat has a specific temperature, light, and humidity
level suitable for certain organisms.
6. Adaptability: Organisms living in a habitat are usually adapted to its conditions.
 Types of Habitats (with Examples):
1. Terrestrial Habitat (Land-based) : Organisms live on land.
• Forest – Dense area with trees, animals like tigers, monkeys, and birds.
• Desert – Hot, dry area with sand. Example: Camel, cactus.
• Mountain – Cold and snowy. Example: Snow leopard, yak.
• Grassland – Open fields with grass. Example: Lion, deer.
2. Aquatic Habitat (Water-based) : Organisms live in water.
• Freshwater Habitat – Rivers, lakes, ponds. Example: Frog, fish, lotus.
• Marine Habitat – Oceans and seas. Example: Whale, dolphin, seaweed.

CASE II – ADAPTATIONS

What is Adaptation?
Adaptation is the special feature or change in the structure or behavior of an organism
that helps it to survive and thrive in its specific habitat.
Organisms develop these features over a long period to adjust to their environment.

Adaptations in Fish (Aquatic Habitat):

1. Streamlined body – Helps in swimming smoothly in water.
2. Gills – For breathing underwater (absorbing oxygen from water).
3. Fins and tail – Help in movement and maintaining balance.
4. Slippery scales – Protect the body and reduce water resistance.

Adaptations in Desert Plants (e.g., Cactus):

1. Thick, fleshy stems – Store water.
2. Spines instead of leaves – Reduce water loss and protect from animals.
3. Deep roots – Absorb underground water.
4. Waxy coating on leaves/stems – Prevents evaporation.

Adaptations in Mountain Plants (e.g., Deodar Tree):

1. Needle-like leaves – Reduce water loss and prevent snow buildup.
2. Conical shape – Allows snow to slide off easily.
3. Thick bark – Protects against cold.
4. Evergreen nature – Makes food throughout the year even in snow.
 Adaptations in Desert Animals (e.g., Camel):
1. Hump – Stores fat (used for energy and water).
2. Long eyelashes and closable nostrils – Protect against sand.
3. Thick lips – Can eat thorny desert plants.
4. Wide feet – Prevent sinking in sand.

Adaptations in Camel Living in Cold Desert (e.g., Ladakh):

1. Thick fur coat – Keeps body warm in cold temperatures.
2. Two humps – Store more fat to survive long periods without food.
3. Narrow nostrils and bushy eyebrows – Protect from cold winds and dust.
4. Hard, padded feet – Adapted for walking on rocky, snowy land.

CASE III – AMPHIbIANS:

Definition of Amphibians:
Amphibians are animals that can live both on land and in water. They are cold-blooded
vertebrates and usually start their life in water with gills and later develop lungs to live
on land.

Features of Amphibians:
1. Live on land and in water – They are adapted to survive in both environments.
2. Moist and smooth skin – Helps in breathing through the skin (cutaneous
respiration).
3. Cold-blooded – Their body temperature changes with the surroundings.
4. Lay eggs in water – Eggs do not have a hard shell and are usually laid in water.
5. Metamorphosis – They go through a life cycle change from larva (tadpole) to adult.

Examples of Amphibians:
• Frog
• Toad
• Salamander
• Newt
CASE IV
What is the importance of biodiversity? How is it being destroyed and how can we protect
it?

Answer:

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms on Earth – plants, animals, fungi, and
microorganisms – and the ecosystems they form.

Importance of Biodiversity:

1. Maintains Balance in Nature – Each organism plays a role in the food chain and
ecosystem.
2. Provides Resources – Like food, medicine, wood, and raw materials.
3. Supports Ecosystem Services – Such as pollination, purification of air and water, and
climate control.
4. Cultural and Recreational Value – Many people depend on biodiversity for tourism and
spiritual practices.
5. Scientific and Educational Use – Helps in research and understanding life on Earth.

How is Biodiversity Being Destroyed?

1. Deforestation – Cutting trees destroys the habitat of many species.

2. Pollution – Air, water, and land pollution harm living organisms.
3. Climate Change – Changes in temperature and weather patterns affect species' survival.
4. Overhunting and Overfishing – Reduces animal populations and causes extinction.
5. Urbanization and Farming – Expands human activity into natural areas, disturbing
ecosystems.

How Can We Protect Biodiversity?

1. Plant More Trees – Reforestation helps restore habitats.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Less pollution and waste.
3. Protect Natural Areas – Create and maintain wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
4. Spread Awareness – Educate people about the importance of biodiversity.
5. Use Resources Wisely – Save water, reduce chemical use, and support eco-friendly
products.
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