CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 1: Food: Where Does It Come From NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter, 'Food: Where Does It Come From?', for CBSE Class 6 Science, delves into the fundamental concept of food as a source of energy for all living beings. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to exercises that explore the diverse origins of our food, distinguishing between plant-based and animal-based food sources. Students will learn to identify different edible parts of plants, understand the dietary habits of animals (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), and recognize that not all living organisms consume the same types of food. These solutions are designed to reinforce understanding of basic biological concepts related to nutrition and food chains, aiding students in their exam preparation by offering structured and accurate answers to the chapter's questions.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 1: Food: Where Does It Come From

Chapter summary

Chapter 1 of Class 6 Science, 'Food: Where Does It Come From?', focuses on identifying the sources of food, both plants and animals. The NCERT Solutions cover exercises that help students differentiate between plant parts eaten as food (roots, stems, leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds) and understand the varied diets of animals, categorizing them as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. It emphasizes that different living beings require different types of food.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the sources of food for living beings.
  • Distinguish between plant-based and animal-based food.
  • Name edible parts of various plants.
  • Classify animals based on their diet (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore).
  • Understand that different organisms eat different kinds of food.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Food sources
  • Plant parts as food
  • Edible roots
  • Edible stems
  • Edible leaves
  • Edible fruits
  • Edible flowers
  • Edible seeds
  • Animal diets
  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Omnivores

Important topics

  • Identifying edible plant parts
  • Classifying animals by diet
  • Distinguishing between plant and animal products
  • Understanding food diversity

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Do you find that all living beings need the same kind of food?
Solution: No, it is not true that all living beings need the same kind of food. Different organisms have different dietary requirements based on their body structure, digestive system, and habitat. Animals are broadly classified into three categories based on their food habits:

1. Herbivores: These animals feed exclusively on plants and plant products. Examples include cows, goats, deer, elephants, and rabbits.

2. Carnivores: These animals feed on other animals. Examples include lions, tigers, snakes, and eagles.

3. Omnivores: These animals consume both plants and animals. Examples include humans, crows, dogs, and cats.

This diversity in diet ensures that different species can survive and thrive in various ecological niches.

Question 2

Name five plants and their parts that we eat.
Solution: We eat various parts of different plants. Here are five examples:
  1. Plant: Apple, Part eaten: Fruit
  2. Plant: Mango, Part eaten: Fruit
  3. Plant: Potato, Part eaten: Stem (underground stem)
  4. Plant: Carrot, Part eaten: Root
  5. Plant: Spinach, Part eaten: Leaf
  6. Plant: Wheat, Part eaten: Seed
  7. Plant: Cauliflower, Part eaten: Flower
These examples show that humans consume fruits, stems, roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers from the plant kingdom.

Question 3

Match the items given in Column A with that in Column B.

Column A: Milk, curd, paneer, ghee, Spinach, cauliflower, carrot, Lions and tigers, Herbivores

Column B: eat other animals, eat plants and plant products, are vegetables, are all animal products

Solution: Here is the correct matching of items from Column A with Column B:
  • Milk, curd, paneer, ghee are all animal products.
  • Spinach, cauliflower, carrot are vegetables (plant parts).
  • Lions and tigers eat other animals (they are carnivores).
  • Herbivores eat plants and plant products.

Question 4

Fill up the blanks with the words given:

herbivore, plant, milk, sugarcane, carnivore

(a) Tiger is a ______ because it eats only meat.

(b) Deer eats only plant products and so, is called _____.

(c) Parrot eats only _____ products.

(d) The _____ that we drink, which comes from cows, buffaloes and goats is an animal product.

(e) We get sugar from _____.

Solution: Here are the completed sentences:

(a) Tiger is a carnivore because it eats only meat.

(b) Deer eats only plant products and so, is called herbivore.

(c) Parrot eats only plant products.

(d) The milk that we drink, which comes from cows, buffaloes and goats is an animal product.

(e) We get sugar from sugarcane.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing plant parts that are eaten (e.g., mistaking a stem for a root).
  • Incorrectly classifying animals into dietary categories.
  • Assuming all living beings eat the same type of food.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
  • Create a list of common plants and the parts of them that are eaten.
  • Practice matching food items with their sources or animal types.
  • Use the fill-in-the-blanks to reinforce key vocabulary.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is an example of a herbivore?

Q2. Which part of the potato plant do we commonly eat?

Q3. Animals that eat both plants and other animals are called:

Q4. Which of these is an animal product?

Q5. From which plant do we get sugar?

Frequently asked questions

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

Chapter 1, 'Food: Where Does It Come From?', focuses on identifying the sources of our food, understanding the different parts of plants we eat, and learning about the dietary habits of animals.

What are the three main categories of animals based on their diet?

Animals are categorized into herbivores (plant-eaters), carnivores (meat-eaters), and omnivores (eaters of both plants and meat).

Can you give examples of edible plant parts?

Yes, we eat various parts of plants, such as roots (e.g., carrot), stems (e.g., potato), leaves (e.g., spinach), fruits (e.g., apple), and flowers (e.g., cauliflower).

Why is it important to know where our food comes from?

Understanding food sources helps us appreciate the diversity of life, learn about nutrition, and recognize the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and humans in ecosystems.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's exercises, reinforcing key concepts and definitions, which aids in effective revision and better understanding for exams.

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