NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 1 — Super Senses
This chapter, 'Super Senses,' from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' introduces students to the diverse and amazing senses of animals. It begins with relatable scenarios of animals exhibiting extraordinary abilities, like an eagle snatching food or a dog reacting to faint sounds. The chapter highlights that animals, like humans, possess senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. It poses questions to encourage observation and thinking about why these senses are important for animals. A specific example of ants is used to explore how they recognize friends and navigate, prompting students to conduct an experiment by dropping sweet food to observe ant behavior, their movement in lines, and their communication. The chapter aims to foster curiosity and observation skills regarding the animal world and its unique sensory adaptations, crucial for understanding ecological interactions and animal behavior in CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Super Senses |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 296 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that animals have different senses like sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
- Recognize that animal senses can be much sharper than human senses.
- Observe and describe animal behavior related to their senses.
- Conduct simple experiments to study animal behavior, like ant trails.
- Appreciate the diversity of sensory adaptations in the animal kingdom.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Senses | Abilities to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. |
| Eagle | A large bird of prey known for its keen eyesight. |
| Roti | A type of Indian flatbread. |
| Playground | An area designed for children to play in. |
| Faintest | The quietest or weakest sound. |
| Prey | An animal hunted and killed by another for food. |
| Jaggery | An unrefined non-centrifugal cane sugar. |
| Antennae | Feelers on an insect's head used for sensing. |
| Hole | An opening or cavity in something. |
| Guard | To protect or watch over. |
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Practice questions
- Name the five senses that animals have. Answer: Animals have senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel.
- Why are animal senses considered 'super'? Answer: Animal senses are considered 'super' because they can often see farther, hear fainter sounds, or smell better than humans.
- How did the ant recognize its friend? Answer: The ant recognized its friend through its smell, as the guard ant let it into the hole.
- What did you observe about the ants when you dropped sugar on the ground? Answer: Observations may include how long it took for ants to arrive, if one or many came first, what they did with the food, where they went, and if they moved in a line.
- Give an example of an animal with a super sense mentioned in the chapter. Answer: An eagle is mentioned as having a super sense of sight, able to spot prey from far away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 5 EVS Chapter 1?
The main topic is 'Super Senses,' focusing on the extraordinary senses of animals and how they use them.
What are the five senses discussed in the chapter?
The chapter discusses sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel (touch).
Can animals see, hear, taste, smell, and feel?
Yes, the chapter explains that animals possess all five senses, often with remarkable acuity.
What experiment can students do related to this chapter?
Students can conduct an experiment by dropping sweet food on the ground to observe how ants find it and move in a line.
Why is it important to learn about animal senses?
Learning about animal senses helps understand their behavior, survival strategies, and the diversity of life on Earth.
What is the purpose of the 'Think and Tell' sections?
These sections encourage students to think critically, share their experiences, and make observations about animals and their senses.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 1 — Super Senses. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.