NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 - Living Creatures: Exploring their Characteristics

1. List the similarities and differences in the life cycles of plants and animals.

Answer:

The table below shows the similarities and differences in the life cycles of plants and animals:

2. The table on the next page shows some data. Study the data and try to find out examples appropriate for the conditions given in the second and third columns. If you think that an example for any of the conditions given below is not possible, explain why

Answer:

Here's the table with examples to match the given conditions:

3. You have learnt that different conditions are required for seed germination. How can we use this knowledge for the proper storage of grains and pulses?

Answer:

Grains and pulses can be stored properly by ensuring they are kept in a cool, dry place with low humidity and limited air exposure. This prevents germination by depriving the seeds of the necessary moisture, oxygen, and temperature needed to sprout.

4. You have learnt that a tail is present in a tadpole, but it disappears as it grows into a frog. What is the advantage of having a tail in the tadpole stage?

Answer:

The tail in the tadpole stage is advantageous because it aids in swimming and movement in the aquatic environment. It allows the tadpole to propel itself through the water, find food, and evade predators.

5. Charan says that a wooden log is non-living as it cannot move. Charu counters it by saying that it is living because it is made of wood obtained from trees. Give your arguments in favour or against the two statements given by Charan and Charu.

Answer:

• Charan's statement: It is correct to say that a wooden log is non-living because it does not exhibit the key characteristics of living organisms, such as growth, reproduction, respiration, or response to stimuli.

• Charu's statement: Although wood comes from a living tree, the log itself is no longer living. The cells in the wood are dead, and the log cannot perform any life processes.

6. What are the similarities and distinguishing features in the life cycles of a mosquito and a frog?

Answer:

The table below shows the similarities and differences in the life cycles of a mosquito and a frog:

7. A plant is provided with all the conditions suitable for its growth (Fig. 10.9). Draw what you expect to see in the shoot and the root of the plant after one week. Write down the reasons.

Answer:

After one week, the shoot would have grown taller, with new leaves emerging. The existing leaves would have increased in size and turned a deeper green. The root system would have expanded, with new roots growing deeper and wider into the soil.

• Reasons: The plant has favorable conditions (light, water, nutrients) for photosynthesis and growth. The shoot grows to capture more sunlight, and the roots grow to absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

8. Tara and Vijay set up the experiment shown in the picture (Fig. 10.10). What do you think they want to find out? How will they know if they are correct?

Answer:

Tara and Vijay likely want to find out how light affects the direction of plant growth. They will know if they are correct if the plant stem bends towards the hole, demonstrating that plants grow towards a light source.

9. Design an experiment to check if temperature has an effect on seed germination.

Answer:

1. Materials: Bean seeds, pots, soil, thermometer, refrigerator, and a warm location.

2. Procedure:

   • Divide the seeds into three groups.

   • Plant each group of seeds in separate pots with similar soil.

   • Place one pot in a refrigerator (low temperature), one at room temperature, and one in a warm location.

   • Water all pots equally and regularly.

   • Monitor and record the number of seeds that germinate in each pot over a set period (e.g., 10 days).

3. Observation: Count the number of seeds that germinate in each pot.

4. Conclusion: Compare the germination rates in the different temperature conditions. The temperature at which most seeds germinate is the optimal temperature for seed germination.