Diversity in the Living World – Complete Guide for Class 6th Science Chapter 2 

Welcome to iPrep, your Learning Super App. Our learning resources for the chapter, Diversity in the Living World in Science for Class 6th are designed to ensure that you grasp this concept with clarity and perfection. Whether you’re studying for an upcoming exam or strengthening your concepts, our engaging animated videos, practice questions and notes offer you the best of integrated learning with interesting explanations and examples. 

Understanding the vast diversity of plants and animals around us is crucial for appreciating the balance of life on Earth. This chapter takes us through various activities and observations to deepen our understanding of biodiversity and its importance.

Objectives Of Learning Diversity in the Living World

The primary objective of the chapter Diversity in the Living World is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the variety of living organisms that inhabit our planet. Through this chapter, students will explore the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, including the classification and grouping of plants and animals based on their unique characteristics. By engaging in hands-on activities and observations, learners will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Ultimately, this chapter aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards conservation and encourage students to recognize the significance of preserving the rich diversity of life on Earth.

Introduction: A Nature Walk

The chapter Diversity in the Living World, begins with a vivid description of a nature walk. Dr. Raghu, a scientist, and Maniram Chacha, a local expert on plants and animals, join the students for an educational walk to observe nature’s diversity. Dr. Raghu explains the beauty and variety of the natural world, urging students to respect living creatures and observe them. Along the way, the students notice various plants and animals, from butterflies and birds to large trees and grasses.

Activity: Let us explore and record
Plan a nature walk and observe the different plants, insects, birds, and other animals around you. Keep a record of weather conditions and your observations.

During the walk, the students observe:

• Plants such as grasses, bushes, and trees.
• Animals like birds, monkeys, and butterflies.

Table: Observations of Different Plants

Dr. Raghu explains that each bird has a unique chirp, exemplifying the diversity of nature. Maniram Chacha imitates bird calls, and the students enthusiastically follow him. This encourages students to observe plants and animals around them, prompting them to record and share their observations.

Diversity in Plants and Animals

As per the chapter Diversity in the Living World, Nature is filled with diverse plants and animals that differ in height, structure, color, and behavior. The students are encouraged to compare the similarities and differences among the plants they observed.

Activity: Appreciating Diversity
Take time to observe your surroundings and identify plants and animals. Draw them on the blackboard and discuss how many varieties exist.

Table: Observations of Different Animals

Students note how some animals live on land, others live in trees, and some can live in both water and land, like frogs. Animals also have different ways of moving, whether they fly, crawl, or walk.

Grouping Plants and Animals

As stated in the chapter Diversity in the Living World, Grouping plants and animals based on their similarities helps us better understand and organize the natural world. Plants can be grouped according to their height, stem structure, and other characteristics. Similarly, animals can be grouped based on their movement, habitat, and food habits.

Grouping Plants

Plants can be classified into three major groups:

• Herbs: Small plants with soft stems (e.g., tomato).
• Shrubs: Medium-sized plants with hard stems (e.g., rose).
• Trees: Tall plants with thick, woody stems (e.g., mango).

Activity 2.3: Let us Group Plants and Animals
Collect pictures of various plants and animals. Group them based on common features like height, presence of flowers, or types of stems.

Table: Grouping of Plants Based on Height and Stem Nature

Venation and Roots

According to the chapter Diversity in the Living World, Leaves can have parallel venation (e.g., grass) or reticulate venation (e.g., hibiscus), and these patterns often correlate with the type of root system in plants.

Activity: Comparing Leaves
Observe different leaf venation patterns and compare them.

Table: Types of Leaf Venation and Roots

Plants with reticulate venation often have taproots, while plants with parallel venation typically have fibrous roots.

Grouping Animals

Animals can be grouped based on their movements and the body parts they use to move as mentioned in the chapter Diversity in the Living World. For example, birds use wings to fly, fish use fins to swim, and ants use legs to crawl.

Table: Movement in Animals

Grouping animals by their habitat or movement helps us understand their adaptation to their surroundings.

Plants and Animals in Different Surroundings

As stated in the chapter Diversity in the Living World, the habitat of plants and animals greatly affects their shape, size, and movement. Animals and plants in deserts, oceans, and mountains have developed special adaptations to survive in those specific environments.

Activity:  Let us Compare and Analyze
Create a table to compare plants and animals in different habitats.

Table: Animals and Plants in Different Regions

In deserts, plants like cacti store water in their fleshy stems, and camels have adaptations like long legs and wide hooves to walk on sand without sinking.

Special Adaptations

Plants and animals have special features called adaptations that help them survive in their environment. For example, camels store food in their humps to survive during times of scarcity, and rhododendrons in the Nilgiris have short heights and small leaves to withstand strong winds.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Human activities such as deforestation and habitat destruction are threatening biodiversity. India has initiated several conservation projects like Project Tiger and the Cheetah Reintroduction Project to protect endangered species.

Sacred Groves are community-protected areas where plants and animals thrive undisturbed. These ancient forests are vital for conserving biodiversity.

Let’s Conclude

In this chapter on Diversity in the Living World, we learned about the diversity of plants and animals, how they are grouped, and their importance in maintaining ecological balance. Plants and animals are dependent on each other and their habitats for survival. By understanding and protecting biodiversity, we ensure the planet remains full of life.

In conclusion, the chapter Diversity in the Living World from CBSE class 6 science offers a comprehensive insight into the remarkable variety of life forms that inhabit our planet. Through engaging activities and vivid observations, students gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants and animals and their roles in maintaining ecological balance. The lessons learned from this chapter not only enhance our understanding of biodiversity but also emphasize the importance of conservation efforts. As we explore the various adaptations and habitats of living organisms, we recognize our responsibility to protect these invaluable resources. 

Remember, the knowledge gained from Diversity in the Living World equips us to make informed choices about how we interact with our environment. By fostering respect for all living things, we contribute to a sustainable future where diversity can flourish. Let’s continue to observe, learn, and appreciate the incredible diversity that surrounds us, ensuring that the wonders of Diversity in the Living World inspire us to take action for the planet’s wellbeing.