Chapter 10 of Class 6 Science, Living Creatures: Exploring Characteristics, explains the basic features that make an organism live. Through simple questions and answers, students can easily understand this chapter.
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Question – Answer
1. List the similarities and differences in life cycles of plants and animals.
Answer:
Similarities:
- Both plants and animals start their life from a small stage (seed in plants, egg or baby in animals).
- Both grow and develop into adults.
- Both reproduce to produce young ones.
- Both respire and need food.
- Both have a definite life span.
Differences:
- Plants grow throughout their life, but animals grow only up to a certain age.
- Plants remain fixed at one place, while animals can move from place to place.
- Plants prepare their own food, but animals depend on others for food.
- Plants grow from seeds, while animals grow from eggs or are born alive.
2. The table shows some data. Find suitable examples. If not possible, explain why.
Answer:
- Does it grow? – No
Does it respire? – No
Example – Stone
Remark – It is a non-living thing. - Does it grow? – No
Does it respire? – Yes
Example – Dry seed
Remark – It respires slowly but does not grow without water. - Does it grow? – Yes
Does it respire? – No
Example – Not possible
Remark – Growth without respiration is not possible because energy is required for growth. - Does it grow? – Yes
Does it respire? – Yes
Example – Human / Plant
Remark – It is a living thing.
3. How can knowledge of seed germination help in proper storage of grains and pulses?
Answer:
Seeds need air, water and suitable temperature to germinate.
To store grains and pulses properly:
- They should be kept dry.
- They should be stored in airtight containers.
- They should be kept in a cool place.
This prevents germination and keeps grains safe for a long time.
4. What is the advantage of having a tail in the tadpole stage?
Answer:
A tadpole lives in water and uses its tail for swimming.
The tail helps it:
- To move in water.
- To escape from enemies.
- To search for food.
When it becomes an adult frog, the tail disappears because it develops legs for movement.
5. Charan says that a wooden log is non-living as it cannot move. Charu says it is living because it is made of wood from trees. Give your arguments.
Answer:
Charan is correct because a wooden log:
- Does not grow.
- Does not respire.
- Cannot reproduce.
Therefore, it is non-living.
Charu is incorrect because although wood comes from a living tree, once it is cut, it no longer shows characteristics of life.
6. What are the similarities and differences in the life cycles of a mosquito and a frog?
Answer:
Similarities:
- Both lay eggs.
- Both undergo metamorphosis.
- Both have aquatic early stages.
Differences:
Mosquito life cycle: Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Frog life cycle: Egg → Tadpole → Adult
Mosquito has four stages, while frog has three main stages.
7. A plant is provided with all suitable conditions for growth. What changes will be seen after one week?
Answer:
After one week:
- The shoot will grow upward towards light.
- The roots will grow downward into the soil.
Reason: Shoots grow towards light and roots grow towards gravity.
8. Tara and Vijay set up an experiment. What do they want to find out? How will they know if they are correct?
Answer:
They want to find out whether air is necessary for seed germination.
They will compare two sets of seeds:
- Seeds getting air will germinate.
- Seeds not getting air will not germinate.
If this happens, their conclusion will be correct.
9. Design an experiment to check if temperature affects seed germination.
Answer:
Steps:
- Take two sets of seeds.
- Keep one set in a warm place.
- Keep the other set in a cold place.
- Provide equal water and air to both.
- Observe for a few days.
Observation: Seeds in warm places will germinate faster.
Conclusion: Suitable temperature is necessary for seed germination.