This MCQ module is based on: Diversity Around Us: Variety in Plants & Animals
Diversity Around Us: Variety in Plants & Animals
Introduction
Have you ever gone on a walk and seen something new every few steps — a butterfly on a flower, tall trees, tiny grasses, a squirrel jumping away? The world around us is full of living organisms that look different, behave differently, and occupy different spaces. This natural variety is known as diversity in nature.
In this topic, we explore how plants and animals are not identical — they differ in height, structure, leaves, roots, flowers, movement, food habits, and habitats. By observing these small differences, we start learning how scientists study and classify living organisms. Understanding diversity helps us appreciate nature better and develop respect for all living beings — from the smallest insect to the tallest tree.
Practice MCQs
Assessment Worksheets
This assessment will be based on: Diversity Around Us: Variety in Plants & Animals
🔸 Concept Notes / Theory
🔸 What is diversity?
- Diversity refers to the wide range of different living organisms found in a particular area.
- Includes all types of plants, animals, insects, birds, microorganisms, etc.
Biodiversity — “Bio” = life, “Diversity” = variety.
The variety of living organisms in an area is called biodiversity.
🔸 Diversity in Plants
Plants differ in features such as:
| Feature | How it varies | Examples (from NCERT activity) |
| Stem (hard/soft, thick/thin) | Some stems are soft and green; some are hard and woody | Grass (soft), Neem (hard) |
| Leaves (shape, arrangement) | Different shapes and arrangements on stem | Tulsi leaves grow in opposite pairs |
| Flowers (colour, smell, size) | Different colours and structures | Hibiscus has large coloured flowers |
Key Term: Stem — part of the plant that supports leaves, flowers and transports water & food.
Students observe features and record them in a table
🔸 Diversity in Animals
Animals differ in:
- Where they live → trees (birds), soil (ants), water (fish)
- Food they eat → insects, leaves, meat, seeds
- Movement → flying, crawling, running, hopping
crow, ant, cow…
Animals consume a diverse range of foods and show different movements.
🔸 Why is diversity important?
- Plants and animals depend on each other.
- birds get food and shelter from trees; animals help in seed dispersal.
Conclusion: Living beings are interconnected.
🧠Think & Connect / Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Each bird species produces a unique chirp — like a fingerprint in sound!
Think & Connect:
If every plant and animal looked the same, could they all survive in the same place?
Activity
Observe → Record → Compare
Do a mini biodiversity survey around your home/school.
Record at least 5 plants and 5 animals — note:
- Where they live
- Size/shape
- Any special feature
🧩Questions-Diversity Around Us
- MCQ
The variety of plants and animals in a region is called:
a) Habitat b) Biodiversity c) Grouping d) Movement
✅ Answer: (b) Biodiversity - Match the following
| Column A | Column B |
| Grass | Soft thin stem |
| Tulsi | Opposite leaves arrangement |
| Hibiscus | Large colourful flowers |
- Cause & Effect
Cause: Animals eat fruits.
Effect: __________________________________________
✅ They help in seed dispersal. - Relation Type
Plant leaf is to shape as animal is to __________.
✅ Movement / body structure - Short reasoning
Why do we need to record our observations during a nature walk? - Analytical
If an animal lives on a tree and eats insects, what could be its movement type?
🌱 Olympiad Focus
Many Indian biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Western Ghats, Himalayas) are rich in medicinal plants and unique animals.
- Scientists categorize organisms based on observable features — this is foundational to taxonomy (classifying living things).
🔍 Higher-Order Thinking Qs
- If two plants have different leaf colors but similar leaf arrangement, should they be grouped together? Why?
- Why do densely populated cities still support biodiversity (sparrows, pigeons, weeds)?
🔍 Summary Points
- Diversity = variety in living organisms.
- Plants differ in stems, leaves, flowers, shape, and height.
- Animals differ in movement, place of living, and food.
- Biodiversity ensures balance in nature.
- Plants and animals depend on each other (e.g., shelter, seed dispersal).
