CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 9: The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the fascinating world of living organisms and their diverse environments. The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, Chapter 9, "The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings," provide clear explanations and answers to key questions. Students will explore the concept of habitats, understanding the differences between terrestrial and aquatic environments. The solutions also cover essential adaptations that help plants and animals survive in specific conditions, such as deserts and water bodies. Furthermore, the exercises clarify the distinction between living and non-living things, introducing the concepts of biotic and abiotic factors that constitute a habitat. These solutions are designed to reinforce learning and aid students in preparing for their examinations by offering detailed explanations and step-by-step problem-solving.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9

Chapter summary

Chapter 9, "The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings," focuses on introducing Class 6 students to the fundamental concepts of biology related to environments. The NCERT Solutions cover definitions of habitat, adaptation, and the characteristics of living and non-living things. It highlights the differences between terrestrial and aquatic habitats and explains the role of biotic and abiotic factors. The solutions also touch upon how organisms are adapted to their surroundings, using examples like cacti in deserts.

Learning outcomes

  • Define habitat and differentiate between terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
  • Explain the concept of adaptation in living organisms.
  • Identify specific adaptations of plants and animals to their surroundings.
  • Distinguish between living and non-living things.
  • Recognize biotic and abiotic factors within a habitat.
  • Understand how non-living things can show characteristics of living things.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Habitat
  • Terrestrial Habitat
  • Aquatic Habitat
  • Adaptation
  • Desert Adaptations (Cactus)
  • Living Organisms
  • Non-living Things
  • Characteristics of Living Things
  • Biotic Factors
  • Abiotic Factors
  • Stimuli
  • Surroundings

Important topics

  • Definition and types of Habitat
  • Concept of Adaptation
  • Distinguishing Living and Non-living things
  • Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors
  • Examples of adaptations in desert plants

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What is a habitat?
Solution: A habitat refers to the natural environment or dwelling place where a specific organism lives. It encompasses all the surroundings that provide the organism with its essential needs, such as food, water, air, shelter, and space. Many different types of plants and animals can share the same habitat, relying on it for their survival.

Question 2

How are cactus adapted to survive in a desert?
Solution: Cacti are remarkably adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment through several features:
  1. Reduced Water Loss: Their leaves are modified into spines, which significantly minimizes water loss through transpiration compared to broad leaves.
  2. Photosynthesis in Stem: The stem is thick, green, and performs photosynthesis, taking over the function usually done by leaves.
  3. Water Retention: The stem is covered with a thick, waxy layer that helps to prevent evaporation and conserve water.
  4. Deep Root System: Cactus plants develop extensive root systems that penetrate deep into the soil to efficiently absorb available water.
These adaptations collectively allow cacti to thrive in arid conditions where water is scarce.

Question 3

Fill up the blanks: (a) The presence of specific features, which enable a plant or an animal to live in a particular habitat, is called ______. (b) The habitats of the plants and animals that live on land are called _____ habitat. (c) The habitats of plants and animals that live in water are called _____ habitat. (d) Soil, water and air are the _____ factors of a habitat. (e) Changes in our surroundings that make us respond to them, are called _____
Solution: Here are the completed sentences:
  1. (a) The presence of specific features, which enable a plant or an animal to live in a particular habitat, is called adaptation.
  2. (b) The habitats of the plants and animals that live on land are called terrestrial habitat.
  3. (c) The habitats of the plants and animals that live in water are called aquatic habitat.
  4. (d) Soil, water and air are the abiotic factors of a habitat.
  5. (e) Changes in our surroundings that make us respond to them, are called stimuli.

Question 4

Which of the things in the following list are non-living? Plough, Mushroom, Sewing machine, Radio, Boat, Water hyacinth, Earthworm
Solution: The non-living things from the given list are:
  • Plough
  • Sewing machine
  • Radio
  • Boat
These items do not possess the characteristics of living organisms, such as growth, reproduction, or respiration.

Question 5

Give an example of a non-living thing, which shows any two characteristics of living things.
Solution: A bus is a good example of a non-living thing that exhibits two characteristics typically associated with living things: movement and energy consumption. Buses move from one place to another, and they require fuel (energy) to operate, similar to how living organisms need energy to function and move.

Question 6

Which of the non-living things listed below, were once part of a living thing? Butter, Leather, Soil, Wool, Electric bulb, Cooking oil, Salt, Apple, Rubber
Solution: The non-living things from the list that were once part of a living organism are:
  • Butter: Made from milk, which comes from animals.
  • Leather: Derived from the skin of animals.
  • Wool: Obtained from the fleece of sheep or other animals.
  • Cooking oil: Extracted from plants (like seeds) or sometimes animals.
  • Apple: A fruit, which is a part of a plant.
  • Rubber: Natural rubber is derived from the latex sap of rubber trees.
These items, although now non-living, originate from biological sources.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Not clearly defining 'habitat' or 'adaptation'.
  • Difficulty in identifying characteristics of living things in non-living objects.
  • Overlooking the specific adaptations of organisms to their environments.

Revision tips

  • Clearly define and remember the terms 'habitat' and 'adaptation'.
  • Create a table to list different habitats and the organisms found there, along with their adaptations.
  • Practice identifying living vs. non-living things and their characteristics.
  • Review the examples of desert and aquatic adaptations provided in the solutions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary meaning of 'habitat'?

Q2. Which of the following is a key adaptation of a cactus for desert survival?

Q3. Plants and animals living in water are found in which type of habitat?

Q4. Which of these is an abiotic factor of a habitat?

Q5. Which non-living thing listed was once part of a living organism?

Frequently asked questions

What is a habitat according to NCERT Class 6 Science?

A habitat is the dwelling place or home where organisms live. It includes the surroundings that provide them with food, water, air, shelter, and other essential needs.

What does 'adaptation' mean in the context of living organisms?

Adaptation refers to the presence of specific features or characteristics that enable a plant or an animal to survive successfully in its particular habitat.

Can you give an example of how a cactus is adapted to the desert?

Yes, a cactus has spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss, a thick waxy stem to retain water, and deep roots to absorb water from the soil.

What is the difference between terrestrial and aquatic habitats?

Terrestrial habitats are found on land (like forests, deserts, grasslands), while aquatic habitats are found in water (like oceans, rivers, lakes).

What are the non-living components of a habitat called?

The non-living components of a habitat, such as soil, water, air, and sunlight, are called abiotic factors.

Which non-living things listed in the exercise were once part of a living thing?

Butter, leather, wool, cooking oil, apple, and rubber are non-living things that were once part of a living organism.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.