CBSE Class 6 Science Advanced Biology Getting to Know Plants Short Answer Questions Set 01

Short Answer Type

Question 1. With the help of diagrams, describe the two basic root systems found in plants.
Answer:

1. Tap root system: the primary root grows straight down, thick and long, and gives side branches (secondary and tertiary roots). It is found in dicots such as mustard, gram, pea, mango and carrot.
2. Fibrous root system: the primary root dies early and a cluster of thin, fibre-like roots of equal size grows from the base of the stem. It is found in monocots such as wheat, rice, maize and grasses.
In simple words: A tap root has one main root; a fibrous root has many thin roots.

Teacher's Note:
1. Draw both diagrams side by side with labels.
2. Link each with dicot or monocot.

Question 2. Write any two functions of the stem.
Answer:
1. Support: it holds the branches, leaves, flowers and fruits and spreads the leaves to the light.
2. Conduction: it carries water and minerals from the roots to all parts and brings food made in the leaves to other parts.
In simple words: The stem supports the plant and carries water and food.

Teacher's Note:
1. Mention the red ink activity as proof.
2. Food-making and storage are extra functions in modified stems.

Question 3. What are the main parts of the shoot system ?
Answer:
The shoot system is the part above the ground. It consists of the stem, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. It grows from the plumule of the seed.
In simple words: The shoot system is everything above the soil.

Teacher's Note:
1. Roots are not part of it.
2. The stem is the main axis.

Question 4. What is leaf venation? Name its types.
Answer:

Leaf venation is the pattern of veins in a leaf.
Types: (1) Reticulate venation: veins form a net on both sides of the midrib (mango, pea, rose). (2) Parallel venation: veins run side by side (grass, wheat, maize).
In simple words: Venation is the design of veins; it is either net-like or parallel.

Teacher's Note:
1. Dicots: reticulate; monocots: parallel.
2. Sketch a leaf of each type.

Ask Yourself

Question 5. What do you mean by annual plant, biennial plant and perennial plants.
Answer:
Annual: completes its life cycle (seed to seed) in one season or year, e.g. wheat, mustard, marigold.
Biennial: takes two years; it grows leaves in the first year and flowers and seeds in the second, e.g. carrot, radish (if left to seed).
Perennial: lives for many years, e.g. mango, neem, rose.
In simple words: Annual lives one year, biennial two years, perennial many years.

Teacher's Note:
1. Give one example of each.
2. Trees are usually perennial.

Question 6. Why desert plant have relatively longer roots.
Answer:
Water in a desert is deep below the surface and rain is rare.
Long roots go deep (or spread wide) and reach this water, so the plant can survive.
In simple words: Long roots help desert plants reach water far underground.

Teacher's Note:
1. Desert plants also have thick stems and spines.
2. This is an adaptation to dry conditions.