CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar: Chapter 1 Food: Where does it come from? NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental concept of food and its origins, crucial for Class 6 Science students. The NCERT Solutions cover various aspects, including identifying omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores among different animals like humans, cockroaches, goats, and eagles. It explains the process of honey production by honeybees from nectar and identifies common dairy animals such as cows and sheep. The solutions also explore the edible parts of plants, using examples like banana and pumpkin, and differentiate them from plants where only one part is consumed. Furthermore, it clarifies the classification of food items, distinguishing between plant-based and animal-based products. These detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions are designed to help students understand the core concepts and prepare effectively for their examinations by reinforcing their knowledge of food sources and animal diets.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 1

Chapter summary

Chapter 1 of the Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions focuses on 'Food: Where does it come from?'. It covers the classification of animals based on their diet (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), the sources of food like plants and animals, and the edible parts of various plants. The solutions also touch upon the production of honey and the identification of dairy animals. This chapter aims to build a foundational understanding of food chains and dietary habits.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores.
  • Understand the sources of food for humans.
  • Explain how honey is made by honeybees.
  • Recognize common dairy animals.
  • Identify different edible parts of plants.
  • Differentiate between plant and animal food products.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Food Sources
  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Omnivores
  • Edible Plant Parts
  • Dairy Animals
  • Honey Production
  • Animal Diet Classification
  • Plant-based Foods
  • Animal-based Foods

Important topics

  • Classification of animals based on diet
  • Identifying edible parts of plants
  • Sources of food for humans
  • Distinguishing plant vs. animal products

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Given below are names of some animals:
  1. Goat
  2. Human beings
  3. Cockroach
  4. Eagle
Which of the above animals form a pair of omnivores?
  1. (i) and (ii)
  2. (ii) and (iii)
  3. (iii) and (iv)
  4. (ii) and (iv)
Solution: (b): (ii) and (iii) - Human beings and Cockroach.

Animals can be classified based on their diet. Herbivores eat only plants, carnivores eat only animals, and omnivores eat both plants and animals.

  • Goat is a herbivore as it eats only plants.
  • Human beings are omnivores as they eat both plants (like vegetables, fruits) and animals (like meat, fish).
  • Cockroach is an omnivore as it consumes a wide variety of food, including both plant and animal matter.
  • Eagle is a carnivore as it eats the flesh of other animals.

Therefore, human beings and cockroaches form a pair of omnivores.

Question 2

Honeybee makes honey from
  1. pollen
  2. petals
  3. nectar
  4. bud.
Solution: (c): nectar.

Honeybees collect a sweet liquid called nectar from the flowers. They carry this nectar to their beehive, where they process it through evaporation and enzymatic action to convert it into honey. Honey is then stored by the bees as their food source.

Question 3

Below are names of some animals:
  1. Cow
  2. Sheep
  3. Horse
  4. Ox
Which of the above are sources of milk for human beings?
  1. (i) and (iii)
  2. (i) and (ii)
  3. (ii) and (iii)
  4. (iii) and (iv)
Solution: (b): (i) and (ii) - Cow and Sheep.

Certain animals are domesticated and raised specifically for their milk production. These animals are known as dairy animals or milch animals.

  • Cow: Cows are a primary source of milk for humans worldwide.
  • Sheep: Sheep also provide milk, which is used to make products like cheese and yogurt.
  • Horse: Horses are generally not kept for milk production in most cultures, though mare's milk is consumed in some regions. They are often used for riding or as draught animals.
  • Ox: Oxen (castrated male cattle) are typically used as draught animals for plowing fields and transportation, not for milk production.

Therefore, cows and sheep are the main sources of milk among the given options.

Question 4

Given below is a list of edible plants:
  1. Banana
  2. Pumpkin
  3. Lady's finger
  4. Brinjal
Which pair of plants have two or more edible parts?
  1. (i) and (ii)
  2. (ii) and (iii)
  3. (iii) and (iv)
  4. (i) and (iv)
Solution: (a): (i) and (ii) - Banana and Pumpkin.

Different parts of plants can be edible. Let's examine the given plants:

  • Banana: In a banana plant, the stem (thickened underground stem or corm), the flower (banana blossom), and the fruit are all edible and consumed in various cuisines.
  • Pumpkin: The pumpkin plant has edible parts including its flower (often fried) and its fruit (the pumpkin itself).
  • Lady's finger (Okra): Primarily, only the fruit of the lady's finger plant is eaten.
  • Brinjal (Eggplant): Similar to lady's finger, the brinjal plant's fruit is the commonly consumed edible part.

Thus, banana and pumpkin plants have multiple edible parts.

Question 5

The part of a banana plant not used as food is
  1. flower
  2. fruit
  3. stem
  4. root.
Solution: (d): root.

As discussed previously, several parts of the banana plant are used as food. The stem (specifically the pseudostem, which is made of rolled leaf sheaths, and the underground corm) is cooked and eaten. The banana flower (blossom) is also a culinary ingredient in many parts of the world. The banana fruit is widely consumed. The roots of the banana plant are typically not used as a food source.

Question 6

Read each set of terms and identify the odd set.
  1. Cow, milk, butter
  2. Hen, meat, egg
  3. Goat, milk, meat
  4. Plant, vegetable, butter milk
Solution: (d): Plant, vegetable, butter milk.

We need to identify the set that does not logically belong together based on food sources and types.

  • Set (a): Cow (animal), milk (product from cow), butter (product made from milk). This set is consistent.
  • Set (b): Hen (animal), meat (product from hen), egg (product from hen). This set is consistent.
  • Set (c): Goat (animal), milk (product from goat), meat (product from goat). This set is consistent.
  • Set (d): Plant (source), vegetable (part of a plant, edible), butter milk (an animal product, derived from milk). This set is inconsistent because 'butter milk' is an animal product, while 'plant' and 'vegetable' are related to plants. The other sets consist of an animal and its direct food products.

Therefore, the set 'Plant, vegetable, butter milk' is the odd one out.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing omnivores with herbivores or carnivores.
  • Incorrectly identifying edible plant parts.
  • Misclassifying food items as plant or animal products.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores with examples.
  • List animals and their primary food sources.
  • Memorize the edible parts of common plants mentioned.
  • Practice classifying food items into plant-based and animal-based categories.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following animals are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals?

Q2. What is the primary substance collected by honeybees from flowers to make honey?

Q3. Which of the following animals are primarily known as sources of milk for human consumption?

Q4. Which pair of plants from the list have more than one edible part?

Q5. Which part of the banana plant is generally NOT considered a food source?

Q6. Identify the odd set among the following, based on food sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 1?

Chapter 1, 'Food: Where does it come from?', focuses on understanding the sources of our food, classifying animals based on their eating habits (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), and identifying edible parts of plants.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 6 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students grasp concepts like food chains, dietary habits, and the origin of different food items, aiding in exam preparation.

What are omnivores, and can you give examples from the chapter?

Omnivores are animals that eat both plants and animals. Examples provided in the chapter include human beings and cockroaches.

Which animals are identified as sources of milk in this chapter?

The chapter identifies cows and sheep as common sources of milk for human beings, also known as dairy or milch animals.

What is the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores?

Herbivores eat only plants (e.g., goat), carnivores eat only other animals (e.g., eagle), and omnivores eat both plants and animals (e.g., human beings, cockroach).

How are the solutions presented for questions about edible plant parts?

The solutions clearly state which parts of plants like banana and pumpkin are edible (e.g., stem, fruit, flower) and differentiate them from plants where only one part, like the fruit, is consumed.

Important links

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

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