Chapter - 1: PLANTS, ROOTS AND FLOWERS
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. How do plants differ with respect to habitat?
Different
plants are adapted to different environments. Some thrive in hot deserts, while
others prefer cold mountain regions or wet rainforests.
2. Do all plants have identical leaves?
No, the
shapes, sizes, and colours of leaves vary greatly. For example, papaya trees
have large, lobed leaves while pine trees have needle-like leaves.
3. What would happen if flowers did not make nectar or fragrance?
Nectar and
fragrance are used to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Without
them, pollinators might not visit the flower, which would hinder the transfer
of pollen needed for reproduction.
4. What is the function of sepals?
Sepals are
usually green, leaf-like structures located beneath the petals. They protect
the flower bud before it opens.
5. Name some
plants that have medicinal and herbal properties.
Calendula
flowers are known for anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. List some ways in which plants differ from each other.
Plants
differ based on:
Size: Ranging from tiny
mosses to tall trees.
Leaves: Varying in shape, size,
and colour.
Habitat: Adapted to deserts,
mountains, or rainforests.
Flowers: Varying in shape,
colour, fragrance, and bloom time.
Lifespan: Some are annuals (1
year) and others perennials (several years).
2. Describe the functions of roots.
Anchoring: Roots hold the plant
firmly in the soil preventing it from being uprooted.
Absorbing: Root hairs absorb water
and essential nutrients from the soil.
Storing
food: Some roots
(like carrots) store excess food produced by the plant.
Transporting: They act as channels to
transport water and nutrients to the stems and leaves.
3. Explain the different types of roots plants have.
Taproots: Have a main central
root with small side roots (root hairs). They go deep into the soil (e.g.,
Beetroot, carrot).
Fibrous
roots: Consist of
a bunch of thin, branching roots growing from the stem (e.g., Rice, wheat,
grass).
4. Describe some key features of flowers.
Reproductive
organs: They have
male parts (stamen: anther and filament) and female parts (pistil: stigma,
style, ovary).
Petals: Colourful structures
that attract pollinators.
Sepals: Green structures that
protect the bud.
Nectar: A sugary liquid
produced to attract pollinators.
5. How does time of bloom affect the physical properties of flowers?
Daytime
bloomers: Have bright
colours to attract pollinators (e.g., roses, sunflowers).
Nighttime
bloomers: Often lack
flashy colours but produce strong fragrances to attract night insects (e.g.,
jasmine, tuberose).
6. Give any three ways by which flowers are useful to humans.
Decorations: Used in bouquets and
for special occasions.
Perfumes: Flowers like rose and
jasmine create scents.
Culinary
uses: Some
flowers like cauliflower and saffron are eaten or used as spice.
Medicine: Flowers like calendula are used in remedies.
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CHAPTER 7: COMMUNITY PRACTICES AND FESTIVALS
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. What is a community?
A community
is a group of people residing in the same location or who share common
interests, values, and goals.
2. What is meant by unity in diversity?
Unity
in diversity signifies that people within a community with different
backgrounds, cultures, languages, and traditions can still come together and
live in harmony.
3. What is the aim behind celebrating Van Mahotsav?
Van
Mahotsav aims to promote afforestation (planting trees), conservation of
forests, and the overall protection of the environment.
4. Why do we celebrate harvest festivals?
We
celebrate harvest festivals to express gratitude to nature, the Sun, and the
Moon for their role in sustaining life and providing abundant harvests (bumper
crops).
5. What is the meal that people eat on Onam called?
The
grand feast eaten on Onam is called 'Onam Sadhya'.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Discuss any two festivals related to the moon.
Karva
Chauth: A
special day when married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being
and longevity of their husbands. They break their fast after sighting the moon.
Sharad
Purnima: Also
known as the harvest moon festival. People believe the moonlight on this night
has special healing properties and enjoy rice pudding called kheer.
2. Discuss the similarities among rituals and practices of different
communities.
Prayer: Seeking blessings
and expressing gratitude to God is a shared practice.
Clothing: Wearing traditional
clothing during special occasions is common.
Hospitality: Offering guests
food and welcoming them warmly is a shared tradition.
Decorations: Using flowers and
rangoli to adorn homes is found in multiple communities.
Celebration: Music and dance
play an important role in celebrations across communities.
3. Discuss the clothing and cuisine of the people from North and North-East
India.
North
India:
Clothing includes kurta-pajama, sherwani, saris, and lehengas. Cuisine includes
wheat-based items like roti and naan, and dairy products like ghee and paneer
(e.g., chole bhature).
North-East
India:
Clothing includes woven shawls and mekhela chador (Assam). Cuisine features
fish, meats, bamboo shoots, and fermented foods.
4. Discuss the clothing and cuisine of the people from West and East India.
West
India:
Clothing includes colourful Bandhani saris and chaniya choli. Cuisine includes
dhokla, pav bhaji, and vada pav.
East
India:
Clothing includes Baluchari saris, dhotis, and kurtas. Cuisine is known for
rice, fish, mustard oil, and sweets like rasgulla.
5. Discuss the clothing and cuisine of the people from South and Central
India.
South
India:
Clothing includes saris with detailed designs and dhotis. Cuisine features rice
as a staple, with dishes like dosa, idli, and sambar.
Central
India:
Clothing includes saris and lehengas. Cuisine features poha (flattened rice)
and dal bafla.
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CHAPTER 11: SOURCES OF WATER
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Name some important rivers of India.
The Ganges,
Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
2. What is rainwater harvesting?
It is the
collection of rainwater using systems like rooftop collection and check dams
for drinking, irrigation, and recharging groundwater.
3. How do domestic animals receive water from humans?
They receive
water through troughs, watering cans, or automated systems provided by humans.
4. Name any three traditional water sources found in ancient India.
Stepwells
(Baolis), Kunds, and Khatris (Check dams). (Bamboo drip irrigation and Kuhls
are other examples).
5. What is the significance of water?
Water acts
as an "elixir of life," essential for drinking, agriculture,
industries, traditions, and the survival of all nature.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Discuss any three local sources of water.
Rivers and
streams: Considered
holy and provide water for drinking, irrigation, and transport (e.g., Ganges).
Groundwater: Water stored
underground in aquifers, accessed via wells and tubewells.
Lakes and
ponds: Natural or
man-made bodies of water serving communities and local ecosystems.
2. Discuss some uses of water.
Domestic: Drinking, cooking,
bathing, and sanitation.
Agriculture: The largest consumer;
used for irrigation of crops like rice and sugarcane.
Industrial: Used in manufacturing
processes and textiles.
Recreation: Boating, fishing, and
tourism in water bodies.
3. Explain how animals in the wild and domestic animals access water.
Wild
Animals: They drink
directly from natural sources like rivers, lakes, and streams. In dry areas,
they may use man-made waterholes.
Domestic
Animals: They rely
on humans to provide water in troughs, cans, or through automated systems to
stay hydrated.
4. Discuss any three ways by which plants and animals are interdependent
for food.
Food Chain: Animals eat plants
(herbivores) or other animals (carnivores) to survive.
Pollination: Insects (animals) visit
flowers for nectar and help plants reproduce by spreading pollen.
Seed
Dispersal: Animals eat
fruits and spread seeds to new locations through excretion.
5. Why is interdependence important in an ecosystem? What will happen if
this relationship is disturbed?
Interdependence
connects everything; plants need animals for pollination and soil enrichment
(by decomposers), while animals need plants for food and oxygen. If disturbed,
the health of the ecosystem fails, species may die out, and the balance of
nature collapses.
CHAPTER 12: WATER MANAGEMENT
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why do we need to store water?
We need to
store water because the water supply may not always be clean or available on a
regular basis. Storing it ensures we have water for later use.
2. What is meant by water management?
Water
management involves managing and protecting water resources to ensure the
well-being of the planet. It includes strategies like efficient water use,
conservation, and wastewater treatment.
3. How can we recharge groundwater?
We can
recharge groundwater through rainwater harvesting and a forestation.
4. How can we keep ourselves safe from water borne diseases?
We can stay
safe by keeping our surroundings clean, ensuring our drinking water is clean
(using methods like boiling or filtration), and practicing good sanitation.
5. Why is it better to target children for water education?
Educating
children is effective because it can lead to long-lasting behavioural changes
regarding the importance of water conservation and protection.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Describe any three indigenous water purification methods.
Boiling: A simple, age-old
method where water is heated to kill harmful microorganisms.
Sand filters: Water is poured
through layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal to trap impurities and particles.
Copper
vessels: Storing
water in copper pots is known to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens due to
copper's antimicrobial properties.
2. Discuss the causes and symptoms of any three water borne diseases.
Cholera: Caused by bacteria in
contaminated water. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg
cramps.
Typhoid: Caused by consuming
food/water contaminated with infected faeces. Symptoms include high fever,
weakness, abdominal pain, and a rose-coloured rash.
Hepatitis A: A viral infection
affecting the liver. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
3. What steps can be taken for management and protection of water?
Efficient
use: Fixing
leaks and using low-flow appliances to reduce wastage.
Rainwater
harvesting: Capturing
rainwater to recharge groundwater.
Wastewater
treatment: Treating
dirty water before releasing it back into nature.
Afforestation: Planting trees to
regulate the water cycle and prevent erosion.
4. Write a short note on how rainwater harvesting and afforestation help
our environment.
Rainwater
harvesting helps recharge groundwater levels and provides an additional source
of clean water, reducing the strain on other sources.
Afforestation
(planting trees) helps regulate the water cycle, reduces soil erosion, and
improves the overall quality of water in rivers and lakes by allowing better
absorption into the soil.
CHAPTER 14: TIME TO TRAVEL
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why do people need to commute on a daily basis?
People
commute daily primarily for work (employment and income) and for education
(school and college).
2. How are carpooling and ride-sharing beneficial?
They help reduce
the number of vehicles on the road, which eases traffic congestion
and reduces pollution.
3. What is the role of traffic police?
Traffic
police manage the flow of traffic on the roads and enforce safety rules to
prevent accidents.
4. How have smartphones and modern technology revolutionised travel?
Technology
has introduced electric vehicles (EVs) for cleaner travel and apps that
facilitate carpooling and ride-sharing, making travel more efficient and
accessible.
5. What are the benefits of walking and cycling?
They are eco-friendly
(zero pollution), promote physical fitness and mental well-being, and
help reduce traffic congestion.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Discuss any four eco-friendly modes of travel.
Walking: The simplest mode, good
for health and social connection.
Cycling: Sustainable and keeps you
fit; increasingly supported by bike lanes.
Electric
Vehicles: Cars and
scooters that run on electricity instead of petrol, reducing emissions.
Rickshaws: Traditional cycle
rickshaws are eco-friendly for short distances in markets.
2. Discuss some reasons for travel other than work and education.
Shopping: Visiting markets and
grocery stores for daily needs.
Healthcare: Visiting doctors or
hospitals.
Socialising: Visiting friends and
relatives.
Recreation: Going to movies, parks,
or tourist spots.
3.How has travel generated occupations? Explain with examples.
The
transportation sector creates many jobs. For example, drivers are needed
for buses, autos, and trains. Mechanics are needed to repair vehicles. Traffic
police are needed to manage roads. Shopkeepers set up near transport
hubs to serve travelers.
4. How has modern-day travel been made better and easier?
It has been
improved through better infrastructure (smooth roads, sidewalks, bike
lanes), public transport (reliable buses and metro/local trains), and technology
(GPS, electric cars, and ride-sharing apps).
5. Discuss the occupations related to travel.
Drivers: Operate public and
private vehicles.
Mechanics: Fix and maintain
vehicles.
Tour Guides: Assist tourists in
exploring the locality.
Traffic
Police: Ensure
safety and order on the roads.
CHAPTER 16: LOCAL INSTITUTIONS AROUND US
IV. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Define the role of anganwadi centres in India.
Anganwadi
centres are vital for early childhood care and development. They provide
nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education to young children, as well as
support for mothers and pregnant women.
2. Name any two disaster management societies in India.
NDMA (National Disaster
Management Authority) and SDMAs (State Disaster Management Authorities).
(Alternatively: NDRF or Indian Red Cross Society).
3. What is meant by NGO?
NGO stands
for Non-Governmental Organisation. They are actively involved in
disaster relief efforts, providing support such as shelter, food, and medical
aid to affected communities.
4. Name some human-made and natural disasters.
Natural
disasters:
Earthquakes, floods, wildfires, cyclones.
Human-made
disasters: Industrial
accidents, chemical spills, terrorist attacks.
V. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Discuss any three local institutions active in your locality.
Post Office: Handles mail, parcels,
and financial services, connecting people across long distances.
Police
Station: Maintains
law and order, handles issues related to safety and security, and protects the
rights of residents.
Municipal
Corporation: Governs
cities and oversees essential services like urban planning, health, water,
sanitation, and waste management.
2. Discuss the working of any three institutions involved in disaster
management.
NDRF
(National Disaster Response Force): A specialised force that carries out search and rescue operations,
provides medical assistance, and distributes relief during disasters.
IMD (Indian
Meteorological Department): Issues weather forecasts and warnings to help communities prepare for
severe weather events like cyclones and monsoons.
Indian Red
Cross Society: A
humanitarian organisation that offers aid and relief services, including
healthcare, shelter, and food distribution during crises.
Prepared by Biswajit Das, Tutor & CEO Sikshalens


