Biodiversity forms the foundation of life on Earth, ensuring ecological balance and species survival. Understanding the diversity of plant structures, animal adaptations, and environmental changes helps us appreciate the complexity of nature. Below are Bodhiclasses’ well-explained answers to key questions related to plant classification, animal habitats, adaptations, and conservation efforts.
1. Here are two types of seeds. What differences do you find
among the roots and leaf venation of their plants?
Wheat and kidney beans belong to two distinct categories of plants—monocots and dicots—each with specific structural differences.
- Wheat (Monocot)
- Contains a single cotyledon (seed leaf).
- Has fibrous roots, which spread out just below the soil surface.
- Exhibits parallel venation in its leaves, where veins run parallel to each other.
- Kidney Beans (Dicot)
- Contains two cotyledons in the seed.
- Has a taproot system, where a main root grows deep into the soil with smaller branching roots.
- Exhibits reticulate venation, where veins form a branching network.
These differences help in identifying and classifying plant species based on their structural features.
2. 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’.
Horse, Dolphin, Frog, Sheep, Crocodile, Squirrel, Whale,
Earthworm, Pigeon, Tortoise
Animals are classified into three groups based on where they live:
- Aquatic Animals (A) – Live in water and have adaptations for swimming. Examples: Dolphin, Whale, Crocodile
- Terrestrial Animals (B) – Live on land and depend on legs or other structures for movement. Examples: Horse, Sheep, Squirrel, Earthworm, Pigeon
- Amphibians (C) – Can survive both on land and in water. Examples: Frog, Tortoise
This classification helps in understanding how animals are adapted to different environments.
3. Manu’s mother maintains a kitchen garden. One day, she
was digging out radish from the soil. She told Manu that
radish is a kind of root. Examine a radish and write what
type of root it is. What type of venation would you observe
in the leaves of radish plant?
- Radish is a modified taproot, which stores nutrients and grows deep into the soil.
- The leaves of the radish plant exhibit reticulate venation, where veins spread in a branched pattern.
- This aligns radish with dicot plants, which typically have taproots and reticulate venation.
The presence of a taproot allows radish plants to store water and nutrients efficiently, making them well-suited to various growing conditions.
4. Look at the image of a mountain goat and a goat found in the
plains. Point out the similarities and differences between
them. What are the reasons for these differences?
Mountain goats and plain-dwelling goats have evolved distinct physical features based on their respective habitats.
- Mountain Goat
- Lives in rocky and steep terrains.
- Has strong, muscular legs and sharp hooves to grip uneven surfaces.
- Develops thick fur to survive in cold mountain climates.
- Goat in the Plains
- Lives in flat, open areas with abundant grass.
- Has longer legs and broader hooves for easier movement on soft ground.
- Has shorter fur as it does not require protection from extreme cold.
These differences highlight how environmental factors influence animal adaptations.
5. 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.
Instead of habitat, animals can also be classified based on their mode of movement:
- Walking and Crawling Animals – Cow, Lizard, Grasshopper, Tortoise, Cockroach
- Swimming Animals – Whale, Fish
- Flying Animals – Pigeon, Bat
Each group showcases unique adaptations that help animals move efficiently in their respective environments.
6. As the population grows and people want more comfortable
lives, forests are being cut down to meet various needs.
How can this affect our surroundings? How do you think
we can address this challenge?
Effects of Deforestation
- Loss of Biodiversity – When forests are cleared, species lose their natural habitats, leading to extinction.
- Climate Change – Trees absorb carbon dioxide; cutting them increases greenhouse gases.
- Soil Erosion – Roots bind soil together; deforestation leads to loss of fertile topsoil.
- Disruption of Water Cycle – Less tree cover reduces rainfall and increases desertification.
Solutions to Combat Deforestation
- Afforestation – Planting trees in deforested areas.
- Sustainable Living – Reducing paper use, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting eco-friendly products.
- Wildlife Conservation – Strengthening laws and national parks to protect endangered species.
- Community Awareness – Educating people on the importance of forests and promoting conservation efforts.
Stopping deforestation is essential to maintaining ecological balance and preventing climate-related disasters.
7. Analyse the flowchart. What can be examples of ‘A’ and ‘B’?
The given flowchart classifies plants based on leaf venation:
- If a plant has reticulate venation, it belongs to the dicot group (A). Examples: Mango, Rose, Sunflower, Pea.
- If a plant has parallel venation, it belongs to the monocot group (B). Examples: Wheat, Rice, Maize, Bamboo.
This classification helps in identifying plant types based on their structural features.
8. Raj argues with his friend Sanjay that “Gudhal (hibiscus)
plant is a shrub”. What questions can Sanjay ask for
clarification?
Raj argues that the Hibiscus plant (Gudhal) is a shrub. To verify, Sanjay can ask the following questions:
- Does the plant have multiple woody stems growing from the base? (Shrubs generally have this characteristic.)
- Is it larger than a herb but smaller than a tree? (Shrubs fit between these two categories.)
- Does it have a lifespan of several years? (Shrubs are typically perennial.)
- What kind of leaf venation does it have? (Hibiscus has reticulate venation, indicating it is a dicot.)
The answers to these questions confirm that Hibiscus is a shrub, not a tree or herb.
9. Based on the information in the table, find out examples of
these plants for each group.
Plants can be classified into two groups based on their seed type and root system:
- Group A (Dicots – Taproot System)
- Examples: Mango, Rose, Sunflower, Pea
- Group B (Monocots – Fibrous Root System)
- Examples: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Bamboo
Dicots typically have broader leaves with branching venation, while monocots have long, narrow leaves with parallel venation.
10. Observe the labelled part of a duck in the picture given
below. What differences do you observe in the feet of the
duck compared to the other birds? Which activity would the
duck be able to perform using this part?
Bird feet are adapted based on their lifestyle and habitat.
- Duck Feet
- Webbed structure, which helps in swimming.
- Acts like paddles to push water backward while moving forward.
- Suited for aquatic environments.
- Pigeon Feet
- Strong, clawed toes, which help in gripping branches.
- Adapted for perching and flying rather than swimming.
- More suited to land environments.
These differences show how foot structure is linked to an animal’s survival needs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding biodiversity through plant and animal classification, habitat adaptations, and conservation efforts provides a deeper insight into the diversity of natural world. This chapter highlights:
- The importance of diversity and classification in botany and zoology.
- How plants and animals adapt to their environments.
- The need for conservation to protect ecosystems.
By observing nature and applying these concepts, we can appreciate the complexity of life and the need to safeguard biodiversity.
What is the most fascinating plant or animal adaptation you have observed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
