CBSE Class 4 EVS: Abdul In The Garden NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 4 PDF

This chapter, 'Abdul In The Garden,' for CBSE Class 4 Environmental Studies, delves into the fascinating world of plants and their roots. Through Abdul's observations and questions, students will explore why some things are easy to pull out of the ground while others are difficult, the crucial role of roots in anchoring plants and absorbing water and nutrients, and the varying water requirements of different plants. The solutions explain concepts like root depth, the function of roots in plant survival, and how plants like the neem tree withstand strong winds. It also touches upon identifying edible roots and understanding how plants can grow in unusual places like walls. These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations to help young learners grasp fundamental botanical concepts and prepare for their exams.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 4
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter19. Abdul In The Garden

Chapter summary

Chapter 19, 'Abdul In The Garden,' focuses on basic plant biology for Class 4 EVS. The NCERT Solutions cover the importance of roots, explaining why grass is hard to pull out compared to a loose stick. It discusses how roots anchor plants, absorb water and nutrients, and how this affects plant health. The chapter also explores the watering needs of different plants and how deep-rooted plants like neem survive droughts and strong winds. Identifying edible roots is another key aspect covered in the solutions.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the function of plant roots in anchoring and absorbing water.
  • Differentiate between plants that are easy and difficult to pull from the ground.
  • Explain why plants need water and how they obtain it.
  • Identify different types of edible roots.
  • Recognize that plants have varying needs for watering.
  • Appreciate how plants adapt to grow in different environments, like walls.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Plant Roots
  • Root Function
  • Anchoring Plants
  • Water Absorption by Plants
  • Nutrient Absorption
  • Plant Watering Needs
  • Deep Roots
  • Edible Roots
  • Plant Growth in Walls
  • Plant Survival

Important topics

  • Function of Roots
  • Watering Needs of Plants
  • Deep Root Systems
  • Identifying Edible Roots
  • Plant Anchorage

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

The stick which was stuck in the ground fell very easily. It was difficult to pull out a small grass. Why?
Solution: It is difficult to pull out a small grass because its roots are spread out and firmly hold the soil. These roots act like anchors, making the grass stable. On the other hand, a stick stuck in the ground usually has no roots, so it is not held firmly and can be removed easily.

Question 2

Do all plants have roots?
Solution: Yes, all plants, whether big or small, have roots. Roots are a vital part of a plant, typically growing underground to anchor it and absorb water and nutrients.

Question 3

Look at some plants and trees around you. Imagine how deep and spread out the roots of these are?
Solution: Observing plants around us, we can imagine that small plants like herbs might have roots that go a few inches to perhaps a foot deep into the soil. Larger plants and trees, however, have much more extensive root systems. Their roots can spread out widely and go very deep, sometimes many feet into the ground, to find water and support the massive structure of the tree.

Question 4

After three days, Abdul saw that one broken part of the pea plant had dried. Guess which part would have dried up? Why?
Solution: The broken part of the pea plant that dried up would most likely be the leaves and possibly the stem. When a part of the plant is broken off, it gets separated from the main root system. The roots are responsible for supplying water and minerals from the soil to all parts of the plant. Without this supply, the broken part cannot survive and will dry out.

Question 5

Why do you think the neem tree did not fall despite the strong wind?
Solution: The neem tree did not fall because it has a very strong and extensive root system. These roots grow deep into the soil and spread out widely, anchoring the tree firmly. This strong grip on the ground allows the tree to withstand strong winds without toppling over.

Question 6

On putting water in the soil where the plants are growing, the drooping leaves become fresh again. How?
Solution: When plants droop, it usually means they are lacking water. The roots of the plant absorb water from the soil. This water travels up through the stem to the leaves and other parts. When water is added to the soil, the roots can absorb it, and this moisture is then transported to the leaves, making them firm and fresh again. This process helps the plant regain its turgidity.

Question 7

What do you feel, do all plants need water?
Solution: Yes, it is essential to feel that all plants need water. Water is a fundamental requirement for the survival and growth of all plants, just like sunlight and air. It plays a critical role in photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and maintaining the plant's structure.

Question 8

Which of the plants around you need regular watering?
Solution: Plants that typically need regular watering are those with shallower root systems or those grown in pots. For example, many flowering plants like roses, marigolds, and seasonal flowers, as well as vegetable plants like tomatoes and chilies, require consistent watering to thrive.

Question 9

What will happen, if nobody gives water to these plants?
Solution: If plants that need regular watering do not receive it, they will start to show signs of distress. Their leaves may droop, turn yellow, and eventually dry up. In severe cases of water scarcity, the plants will weaken and eventually die.

Question 10

Abdul realised that he never watered the huge neem tree. "Where did it get its water from?" he thought. Which of the plants around you do not need watering? Where do they get water from? Make two guesses.
Solution: Large, established trees like the neem tree, banyan tree, or mango tree often do not need regular watering from humans. They get their water from deep within the soil. Their extensive root systems reach down to underground water sources that are not accessible to smaller plants or are replenished by rain over time. Guess 1: Their roots go very deep to find water. Guess 2: They absorb water from rainwater that seeps deep into the ground.

Question 11

Abdul wondered whether radish was a root. Why did he think so?
Solution: Abdul likely wondered if radish was a root because radishes grow underground, similar to how roots grow. Many plants store food in their roots, and the radish is a fleshy, edible part that grows beneath the soil surface, making it resemble a root in appearance and location.

Question 12

Look at the pictures below and find out which of these vegetables are roots.
Solution: Based on the common understanding of vegetables and their parts, the vegetables that are roots are typically those that grow underground and are the primary root of the plant. From the typical vegetables shown in such contexts, carrots, radishes, beetroot, and turnip are roots. Other vegetables like potatoes are tubers (underground stems), and tomatoes are fruits.

Question 13

How deep must the roots of this plant be going?
Solution: For a plant growing out of a wall, its roots would need to find moisture and stability. The roots would likely grow into the cracks and crevices of the wall, seeking out small pockets of soil and moisture. They might go several inches to perhaps a foot or more deep into the wall structure to anchor themselves and find water.

Question 14

How do the roots get water?
Solution: The roots of a plant get water by absorbing the moisture present in the soil or the medium they are growing in. For a plant growing in a wall, the roots absorb water from the dampness or moisture that collects within the wall's structure, often from rain or humidity.

Question 15

How big will this plant grow?
Solution: The size a plant growing out of a wall can reach depends on several factors, including the type of plant, the amount of soil and moisture available in the wall, and the stability of the wall itself. It might grow into a small shrub or vine, depending on its species. However, its growth might be limited compared to a plant growing in open ground due to restricted space and resources.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing roots with other underground plant parts (like tubers).
  • Underestimating the importance of roots for plant stability.
  • Assuming all plants have the same watering needs.
  • Not understanding how plants growing in walls get water.

Revision tips

  • Observe plants in your own garden or surroundings and identify their roots.
  • Draw diagrams of different plant roots and label their parts.
  • Discuss with friends or family why certain plants need more water than others.
  • Try to identify edible roots from the pictures provided and learn their names.
  • Think about how plants survive without direct watering.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why is it difficult to pull out a small grass compared to a stick stuck in the ground?

Q2. What is the primary function of roots for a plant?

Q3. Which of these plants is likely to have very deep roots to withstand strong winds?

Q4. How do plants that are not watered regularly get their water?

Q5. Which of the following is an example of a vegetable that is a root?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main topic of Chapter 19, 'Abdul In The Garden'?

The chapter focuses on understanding plant roots, their importance, how plants get water, and the different watering needs of various plants.

Why are roots important for plants?

Roots are crucial for anchoring the plant firmly in the soil and for absorbing water and essential nutrients from the soil.

Do all plants need to be watered regularly?

No, not all plants need regular watering. Plants with deep root systems, like large trees, can access water from deeper soil layers and may not require frequent watering.

Can you give an example of a vegetable that is a root?

Yes, vegetables like radish, carrot, and beetroot are examples of edible roots that are commonly eaten.

How do plants growing on walls get water?

Plants growing on walls can get water from the moisture present within the wall structure itself, often absorbed by their roots.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question in the chapter, helping students understand complex concepts and revise effectively for exams.

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