Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 Science Solutions Term 3 Chapter 5 Plants in Daily Life

I. Choose the Correct Answer:

Question 1. One of the following birds is an example of plant-pollinator
(a) Duck
(b) Parrot
(c) Hummingbird
(d) Dove
Answer: (c) Hummingbird
In simple words: Hummingbirds help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. They are known for their bright colors and long beaks which are perfect for reaching nectar deep inside flowers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that many animals, not just insects, can act as pollinators. Think about birds, bats, and even small mammals that visit flowers.

Question 2. Natural Mosquito repellant is
(a) Nutmeg
(b) Bamboo
(c) Ginger
(d) Neem
Answer: (d) Neem
In simple words: Neem is a natural plant that mosquitoes do not like. Its strong smell helps keep them away, which is why it is often used in natural repellents.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always look for natural alternatives for pest control, as they are often safer for the environment and for people.

Question 3. Which of the following is not a root?
(a) Potato
(b) Carrot
(c) Radish
(d) Turnip
Answer: (a) Potato
In simple words: A potato grows underground but is actually a modified stem, not a root. Carrots, radishes, and turnips are all true roots that store food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the difference between roots and modified stems; roots usually anchor the plant and absorb water, while stems can be modified for storage like the potato.

Question 4. Which of the following medicinal plants has anti-cancer properties?
(a) Amla
(c) Turmeric
Answer: (c) Turmeric
In simple words: Turmeric contains a special compound called curcumin that is being studied for its ability to fight cancer. It is known for its yellow color and is commonly used in cooking.

🎯 Exam Tip: When studying medicinal plants, try to recall their main active compounds and the specific health benefits associated with them.

Question 5. Which is the national tree of India?
(a) Neem tree
(b) Jack tree
(c) Banyan tree
(d) Mango tree
Answer: (c) Banyan tree
In simple words: The Banyan tree is known for its very long life and its roots that grow down from its branches, making it look like a forest. It is a symbol of strength and immortality in India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember national symbols like trees, flowers, and animals as they often appear in general knowledge questions.

II. Fill in the Blanks

Question 1. In every year October ..........is celebrated as world food day.
Answer: 16
In simple words: October 16th is when World Food Day is celebrated around the world. It reminds us about the importance of food security and healthy diets for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, always think about key dates or terms related to the topic.

Question 2. .......... is an example of textile fibre.
Answer: Cotton
In simple words: Cotton is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. It is widely used to make fabrics like clothes because it is breathable and comfortable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify common examples for each category, like cotton for textile fibers or jute for strong ropes.

Question 3. I am the state tree of Tamilnadu. Who am I ............?
Answer: Palm tree
In simple words: The Palm tree is the official state tree of Tamil Nadu. It is a tall tree known for its strong leaves and fruits, often used in many ways, including making jaggery.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn the state symbols of your region, as they represent its unique natural heritage.

Question 4. The juice of the leaves of ......... plant relieves cough and bronchitis.
Answer: Tulsi
In simple words: Tulsi, also called holy basil, is a plant whose leaf juice is commonly used to help with coughs and chest problems. It has special properties that make it useful in traditional medicine.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific medicinal uses of common plants. Tulsi is widely known for its respiratory benefits.

Question 5. The edible seeds of leguminous plants are called ............
Answer: Pulses
In simple words: Pulses are the dried seeds of plants from the legume family, like lentils, peas, and beans. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a very important food source.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the term 'leguminous plants' and their specific edible parts, such as pulses (dried seeds).

III. True or False, If False Give the Correct Statement.

Question 1. Plants grown for decorative purposes are called as softwood.
Answer: False – Plants grown for decorative purposes are called as ornamental plants.
In simple words: Plants grown for beauty are called ornamental plants, not softwood. Softwood is a type of wood from certain trees, used for things like paper.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between terms related to plant use (ornamental) and wood type (softwood).

Question 2. Silkworm eats mulberry leaves.
Answer: True.
In simple words: Silkworms really do eat mulberry leaves. This is their main food, and it helps them grow and produce silk.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific diet of commercially important insects like silkworms, as it's crucial to their product.

Question 3. Cauliflower is used for ornamental purpose.
Answer: False – Cauliflower is used for edible purpose.
In simple words: Cauliflower is a vegetable that people eat, not something grown for decoration. It is a healthy food often cooked in many different ways.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the common uses of various plants, distinguishing between food, medicine, decoration, and other industrial applications.

Question 4. Cotton cloth is not suitable for summer season.
Answer: False – Cotton cloth is only suitable for summer season
In simple words: Cotton cloth is actually very good for summer because it is light and lets air pass through, helping you stay cool. It absorbs sweat easily, which is why it feels comfortable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the properties of different natural fibers and their suitability for various climates.

Question 5. Sugarcane is used as biofuel.
Answer: False - Sugarcane is used to produce sugar.
In simple words: Sugarcane is mainly grown to make sugar, which is a common sweetener. While it can also be used to make ethanol (a biofuel), its primary use is for sugar production.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware of the primary and secondary uses of important crops; sugarcane's main product is sugar, but it has other applications.

IV. Match the Following:

Question. Match the following items.
Answer:
(i) Fibre yielding plant - Hemp
(ii) Hardwood - Teakwood
(iii) Neem - Chloramine
(iv) Clove - Spice
(v) Millet - Cereals
In simple words: Match each plant or plant product with its correct category or use. Hemp gives fiber, teak is a hard wood, neem has properties similar to chloramine, clove is a spice, and millet is a type of cereal grain.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, connect each item with its most defining characteristic or common association to ensure accuracy.

Question. Match the following analogies.
1. mango: fruit:: maize :
2. coconut: fibre :: rose:
3. bees: pollinate insect:: earthworms : ....
Answer:
1. cereal
2. essence
3. vermicompost producer
In simple words: Mango is a fruit, so maize is a cereal. Coconut gives fiber, so a rose gives essence (its fragrance). Bees are pollinating insects, and earthworms help make vermicompost.

🎯 Exam Tip: For analogy questions, identify the relationship between the first pair of words (e.g., type of, part of, function of) and apply it to the second pair.

VI. Give Very Short Answer:

Question 1. What is food?
Answer: Food is any nutritious substance that people, animals, or plants take in to live and grow. It gives energy and helps the body function. For example, sunlight is food for plants.
In simple words: Food is anything we eat or drink to get energy and grow. It's what keeps us alive and healthy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep the definition of basic biological terms clear and concise, mentioning their function.

Question 2. What are medicinal plants?
Answer: Medicinal plants are those plants that have natural chemical compounds helpful in treating diseases. People have used these plants for health for thousands of years. For example, Aloe vera is used for skin healing.
In simple words: Medicinal plants are plants that can be used as medicine to help heal sickness or keep us healthy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define medicinal plants by highlighting their use in healing and their natural chemical properties.

Question 3. How hardwood differ from softwood?
Answer: Hardwoods come from flowering plants like oak and maple, while softwoods come from cone-bearing trees like pine and fir. Hardwoods are generally denser and more durable, making them suitable for high-quality furniture, whereas softwoods are lighter and used for plywood or paper. Each type of wood has unique characteristics that make it useful for different purposes.
In simple words: Hardwood comes from trees that lose leaves, like oak, and is very strong. Softwood comes from trees with needles, like pine, and is lighter and easier to cut.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing items, use a structured approach like a table or point-by-point comparison to highlight key differences clearly.

Question 4. What is Spice?
Answer: Spices are aromatic parts of tropical plants, like bark, roots, leaves, flowers, or stems, traditionally used to flavor, color, or preserve food. They add distinct tastes and smells to dishes. For example, ginger is a spice made from a root.
In simple words: Spices are strong-smelling parts of plants, like bark or seeds, that we use to add taste and color to our food.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a few examples of spices along with the plant part they come from (e.g., clove - flower bud, ginger - root) to show complete understanding.

Question 5. Name any three medicinal plants, which are available in your area?
Answer: Three common medicinal plants found in many areas are Kuppaimeni, Keezhanelli, and Aloe vera. These plants have been used for traditional remedies for a long time. They are easy to grow and have several health benefits.
In simple words: Kuppaimeni, Keezhanelli, and Aloe vera are three common medicinal plants often found nearby.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to list examples, try to pick common ones that are easily recognizable and have distinct uses.

Question 6. What are the uses of timber?
Answer: Timber is mainly used to build houses and make furniture because it is strong and lasts a long time. It is also processed to make fibreboard and paper, showing its wide range of applications. Its natural beauty also makes it popular for stylish finishes.
In simple words: Timber is used to build things like buildings and furniture. It is also used to make other materials like fibreboard and paper.

🎯 Exam Tip: List specific examples of uses for timber rather than just general terms like "construction."

VII. Give Short Answer:

Question 1. What is a symbiotic relationship?
Answer: A symbiotic relationship is a close connection between two different living things where both benefit from each other. This teamwork helps both organisms to survive and thrive. For instance, plants and animals often have symbiotic relationships.
In simple words: A symbiotic relationship is when two different living things help each other. Both get something good from the friendship.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a symbiotic relationship, emphasize the mutual benefit for both organisms involved.

Question 2. Write the uses of Neem?
Answer: Neem is a very useful plant known for its many medicinal uses. Its leaves can treat skin problems, chickenpox, and even intestinal worms. The bark helps with heart disease and fevers, while neem seed oil is used as an antiseptic and insecticide. The plant has compounds that fight germs and pests.
In simple words: Neem is used for many things, like healing skin problems with its leaves, helping with fever using its bark, and fighting germs with its seed oil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Organize the uses of a plant by its different parts (leaves, bark, oil) to provide a clear and comprehensive answer.

Question 3. Name any five plants and their parts that we eat.
Answer: Here are five plants and their edible parts:
1. Carrot, Beetroot, and Radish are taproots that we eat.
2. Potato, Ginger, and Turmeric are underground stems.
3. Drumstick provides leaves, unripe fruit, and bark that are edible.
4. Paddy, Wheat, Maize, and Ragi are all cereals grown for their seeds.
5. Spinach and Cabbage are examples of leaves that we consume. There are many plant parts that provide nourishment.
In simple words: We eat roots like carrots, stems like potatoes, leaves like spinach, fruits like drumsticks, and seeds like wheat.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing examples, try to cover different types of plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, fruits, seeds) to demonstrate broad knowledge.

VIII. Answer in Detail:

Question 1. Write short notes on-Timber yielding plants.
Answer: Timber-yielding plants provide wood that is highly valued for its durability, attractive finish, and resistance to temperature changes. This wood is used extensively for commercial purposes like building construction and making furniture. Timbers are broadly categorized into hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods, from flowering trees such as teak and jackfruit, are used for high-quality items due to their density. Softwoods, from cone-bearing trees like pine, are used for products like plywood and paper due to their lighter nature.
In simple words: Timber plants give us wood used for buildings, furniture, and paper. There are two main types: hardwoods like teak, which are strong, and softwoods like pine, which are lighter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both the general uses of timber and its classification into hardwoods and softwoods, providing examples for each.

Question 2. Comment on the importance of plant-animal interaction.
Answer: Plant-animal interactions are incredibly important because they create a balance in nature and benefit both groups. Animals get food, shelter, and oxygen from plants, which are essential for their survival. In return, animals help plants with pollination (spreading pollen for reproduction) and seed dispersal (spreading seeds to new places). This exchange is vital for the growth of plants and the health of ecosystems. This relationship supports life on Earth and keeps natural systems working.
In simple words: Plants and animals help each other a lot. Animals get food and homes from plants, and plants get help with pollination and spreading their seeds from animals.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing interactions, ensure you explain the benefits for both sides involved in the relationship with specific examples.

IX. Questions Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills:

Question 1. Desert does not have water. Why? Give the reason.
Answer: Deserts have very little water mainly because they receive less than 10 inches of rain each year, and the sun's heat causes water to evaporate very quickly. Plants and animals in deserts, like cacti and camels, have special ways to save water and live through long dry periods. This helps them survive in such harsh conditions.
In simple words: Deserts have little water because it rains very rarely, and any water that does fall quickly dries up due to the hot sun.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both low rainfall and high evaporation rates as the primary reasons for water scarcity in deserts, and mention adaptations of desert organisms.

Question 2. Kavitha said, "Palm tree is a tall tree, so it gives hardwood"! Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons.
Answer: No, Kavitha's statement is false. Even though palm trees are tall, they only produce softwood, not hardwood. Palm wood isn't dense or tough enough for heavy building or furniture because it's soft and bends easily. Its fibers are often used for making hats and other light items, not for strong construction. This means height does not always equal hardness in wood.
In simple words: No, palm trees are tall but give softwood. They cannot be used for heavy building because their wood is not strong enough.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the physical appearance of a tree (like height) and the actual properties of its wood (like hardness), as they are not always directly related.

Question 3. Look at the diagram given below and answer the following questions. a. Soil fertility is increased by bacteria How?
Answer: Bacteria play a big role in making soil fertile. When leaves, fruits, and dead plant parts fall to the ground, bacteria and fungi break them down into humus, which adds nutrients to the soil. Also, some bacteria and blue-green algae help add nitrogen to the soil, acting as natural fertilizers. These processes enrich the soil, making it better for plants to grow.
In simple words: Bacteria help make soil rich by breaking down dead plants into useful nutrients and by adding nitrogen, which helps plants grow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on two key roles of bacteria in soil fertility: decomposition of organic matter and nitrogen fixation.

Question 3. b. Honey bees are essential for the reproduction of the plants Why?
Answer: Honey bees are very important for plant reproduction because they help with cross-pollination. As bees collect nectar from flowers, pollen grains stick to their bodies. When they visit another flower, they transfer this pollen, allowing the plants to produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables. This process is crucial for plant life and for human food sources. Without bees, many plants would struggle to reproduce.
In simple words: Honey bees carry pollen from one flower to another, which helps plants make new seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Without them, many plants could not reproduce.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the specific mechanism (pollen transfer) and the outcome (seeds, fruits, vegetables) to explain why bees are essential for plant reproduction.

Samacheer Kalvi 6th Science Plants in Daily Life Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Choose the Right Answer:

Question 1. Which are the source of food and energy for all living organisms in the world.
(a) Plants only
(b) Plants and animals
(c) Animals only
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Plants only
In simple words: Plants are the main source of food and energy because they can make their own food using sunlight. All other living things either eat plants or eat animals that eat plants.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the concept of producers in an ecosystem; plants are the primary producers, forming the base of all food chains.

Question 2. Aloe is used as a laxative
(a) Roots
(b) Stem
(c) Leaves
(d) All the options
Answer: (c) Leaves
In simple words: The gel inside the leaves of the Aloe vera plant is often used as a laxative. This gel has properties that help with digestion.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific plant part used for its medicinal properties, as different parts can have different uses.

Question 3. Leaf fibres are got from
(a) Aloe vera
(b) Agave
(c) Coconut
(d) Cotton
Answer: (b) Agave
In simple words: Agave plants have strong, fibrous leaves from which we get leaf fibers. These fibers are durable and used for things like ropes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the specific plants that are sources for different types of fibers (e.g., leaf fibers, seed fibers).

Question 4. We are planting shrubs such as to decorate houses
(a) Mandara
(b) Mullai
(c) Hibiscus
(d) Allamanda
Answer: (c) Hibiscus
In simple words: Hibiscus plants are popular shrubs with beautiful, large flowers that people often plant to make their homes look nice. They come in many bright colors.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify common ornamental plants and their uses in landscaping or home decoration.

Question 5. Plants grown or maintained for its aesthetic features are known as
(b) Medicinal plants
(c) Plants as food
(d) Ornamental plants
Answer: (d) Ornamental plants
In simple words: Plants that we grow just for their beauty, like their pretty flowers or leaves, are called ornamental plants. They make gardens and homes look attractive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define ornamental plants as those grown for aesthetic appeal, not primarily for food or medicine.

Question 6. Bio fuels are less in nature.
(a) Toxic
(b) Economic
(c) Nutrients
(d) Metals
Answer: (a) Toxic
In simple words: Biofuels are generally less toxic than traditional fossil fuels. This means they are less harmful to the environment if they spill or burn.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the environmental advantages of biofuels, such as their lower toxicity and potential for reduced carbon emissions.

II. Very Short Answer

Question 1. Give evidence for the fact that Rice, Wheat, and Millets were cultivated and utilised in the ancient days.
Answer: Evidence for the ancient cultivation and use of rice, wheat, and millets comes from two main sources. Firstly, burnt remains of these grains are often found at old excavation sites, showing they were present and used by early people. Secondly, ancient writings and stories mention these crops, proving their importance in old societies. For example, archaeologists often find ancient grinding stones near these charred grains.
In simple words: We know ancient people grew rice, wheat, and millets because their burnt grains are found in old digs, and old books talk about these crops.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing evidence, cite both archaeological findings (physical proof) and historical records (written proof).

Question 2. Classify plants on the basis of economic values and uses.
Answer: Plants can be grouped into six types based on their economic value and how we use them. This classification helps us understand the diverse ways plants benefit humans and economies. Each group serves a specific purpose, from direct consumption to industrial applications.
In simple words: We can sort plants into six groups based on how useful they are to us and their economic value.

🎯 Exam Tip: For classification questions, list the main categories clearly and briefly state what each category represents.

Question. The six classifications of plants based on economic values and uses are:
1. Plants as food.
2. Spice yielding plants,
3. Medicinal plants.
4. Fibre yielding plants,
5. Timber yielding plants.
6. Ornamental plants.
In simple words: Plants are classified as food, spice, medicine, fiber, timber, and ornamental plants, depending on what they are used for.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a concise list of the categories to ensure all parts of the classification are covered.

Question 3. Name the states in India with Jute cultivation?
Answer: The main states in India where jute is grown are West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya. These seven states are responsible for all of India's jute production. West Bengal alone produces half of the country's jute. Jute is a very important crop for these regions.
In simple words: Jute is grown in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya in India. West Bengal grows the most.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the major jute-producing states and highlight any state with a significant share of production, like West Bengal.

Question 4. Name some of the Indian spices.
Answer: India is famous for its wide variety of spices, which are used in many cuisines around the world. Some common Indian spices include cardamom, black pepper, curry leaves, fenugreek, fennel, ajwain, bay leaves, cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These spices add distinct flavors and aromas to food. Many Indian spices also have medicinal benefits.
In simple words: Some popular Indian spices are cardamom, black pepper, curry leaves, fenugreek, fennel, ajwain, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing spices, try to include a diverse range that covers different parts of the plant (seeds, leaves, roots, bark).

Question 5. What are the medicinal plants?
Answer: Medicinal plants are those plants that naturally produce chemical compounds capable of destroying disease-causing germs and healing various ailments. These plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide. The special compounds in these plants are called phytochemicals.
In simple words: Medicinal plants are plants that contain special chemicals to fight germs and help heal diseases.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the natural chemical compounds within medicinal plants as the source of their healing properties.

Question 6. Identify the plant part and write about its use?
Answer: The diagram shows flower buds, which are identified as cloves. Cloves are dried flower buds of a tree and are widely used as a spice to flavor various foods and drinks. They have a strong, sweet, and aromatic taste and are a staple in many cuisines. Cloves are also used in traditional medicine for their antiseptic properties.
In simple words: The picture shows cloves, which are flower buds used as a spice to add flavor to food.

🎯 Exam Tip: If an image is provided, ensure your answer correctly identifies the object and explains its function clearly.

Question 7. Classify the Fibre yielding plants based on use.
Answer: Fibre yielding plants are classified into different types based on how they are used. These types include:
1. Textile Fibres: These are used to make clothes, like Cotton.
2. Cordage Fibres: These are used for making ropes and cords, such as Coconut Fibre.
3. Filling Fibres: These are used as stuffing in things like pillows, for example, Silk cotton. These classifications help us understand the different properties and uses of plant fibres.
In simple words: We group plants that give us fibres by what we use them for. Some make clothes (like cotton), some make ropes (like coconut fibre), and some fill things (like silk cotton).

🎯 Exam Tip: When classifying, always provide an example for each category to illustrate your understanding.

Question 8. Write the importance of rubber?
Answer: Rubber is a very important material. It is obtained from the milky liquid, called latex, that comes from the stem of rubber plants. This natural rubber is used to make many things, like vehicle tires, covers for electrical wires, and various types of toys. Natural rubber is known for its elasticity and water resistance, making it ideal for these applications. It fulfills about 80% of the world's demand for rubber.
In simple words: Rubber comes from special trees and is very important. It is used to make tires, cover wires, and create many toys. Most of the world's need for rubber is met by this natural source.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention both the source of rubber and its key applications to cover its full importance.