General Science Notes Chapter 3 Class 6 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – General Science Class 6

Diversity in Living Things and their Classification

1. Living Things on Earth

• Living things exist in different places on Earth (land, water, air).
• They adjust to their surroundings to survive.

2. Diversity in Plants

Plants are different in size, shape, and where they grow.
(A) Types of Nutrition in Plants

• Autotrophic plants: Make their own food using sunlight (e.g., Hibiscus, Mango).
• Heterotrophic plants: Depend on other plants for food (e.g., Mushroom, Dodder).
• Insectivorous plants: Eat insects (e.g., Pitcher plant).

(B) Parts of a Plant

• Root: Holds the plant in the soil and absorbs water.
• Stem: Supports the plant and carries water and food.
• Leaves: Help in making food (photosynthesis).
• Flowers: The most attractive part, helps in reproduction.
• Fruit: Contains seeds that grow into new plants.

3. Classification of Plants

Plants can be classified in different ways:

(A) Based on Size and Stem Structure

• Trees: Tall, strong, live for many years (e.g., Mango, Banyan).
• Shrubs: Medium-sized, woody stems (e.g., Rose, Hibiscus).
• Herbs: Small plants with soft stems (e.g., Mint, Coriander).
• Creepers: Grow along the ground, weak stems (e.g., Pumpkin, Watermelon).
• Climbers: Need support to grow upwards (e.g., Money plant, Grape vine).

(B) Based on Life Cycle Duration

• Annuals: Live for one year (e.g., Wheat, Sunflower).
• Biennials: Live for two years (e.g., Carrot, Beetroot).
• Perennials: Live for many years (e.g., Mango, Neem).

(C) Based on Habitat (Where They Grow)

• Terrestrial plants: Grow on land (e.g., Mango, Neem).
• Aquatic plants: Grow in water (e.g., Lotus, Water Hyacinth).
• Desert plants: Survive with little water (e.g., Cactus).
• Marshy plants: Grow in wet areas (e.g., Bulrush).

4. Diversity in Animals

Animals are different in size, shape, and body structure.

(A) Classification Based on Body Structure
Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone (e.g., Fish, Birds, Humans).
Invertebrates: Animals without a backbone (e.g., Snail, Earthworm).

(B) Classification Based on Reproduction
Oviparous: Animals that lay eggs (e.g., Hen, Frog).
Viviparous: Animals that give birth to young ones (e.g., Dog, Cow).

(C) Classification Based on Habitat
Terrestrial animals: Live on land (e.g., Lion, Elephant).
Aquatic animals: Live in water (e.g., Fish, Dolphin).
Amphibians: Live in both water and land (e.g., Frog, Toad).
Aerial animals: Fly in the air (e.g., Eagle, Butterfly).