Chapter 7: Getting to know plants
These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 7 notes explain the basic structure and functions of plants, which are essential for life on Earth. The chapter introduces students to different types of plants such as herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, and creepers.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 7 – Getting to Know Plants helps students understand the parts of a plant like roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, along with their functions. It also explains important concepts like leaf venation and photosynthesis using simple examples.
This chapter forms a strong foundation for understanding plant biology, environment, and agriculture, which are important areas in science.
1. Importance of plants
- Plants provide us food directly or indirectly
- Plants release oxygen, which is essential for breathing
- Plants provide shelter to animals and birds
- All living beings depend on plants directly or indirectly
- Without plants, life on Earth is not possible
2. Types of plants
- Plants are classified based on their size and nature
- Herbs are small plants with soft green stems
- Shrubs are medium-sized plants with hard stems
- Trees are tall plants with thick and hard trunks
- This classification helps in easy identification of plants
3. Herbs, shrubs, and trees
- Herbs have soft stems like mint, wheat, rice
- Shrubs have branches near the ground like rose, hibiscus
- Trees are tall and long-living like mango, neem, banyan
- Trees have a strong trunk
- Different plant types grow in different environments
4. Climbers and creepers
- Climbers have weak stems and need support to grow
- Examples of climbers include pea and money plant
- Creepers have weak stems and spread on the ground
- Examples of creepers include pumpkin and watermelon
- Stem strength decides whether a plant climbs or creeps
5. Parts of a plant
- A plant has root, stem, leaves, flowers
- Plants also have fruits and seeds
- Each part performs a specific function
- All parts work together for plant survival
- Damage to any part affects the whole plant
6. Root system
- Roots fix the plant firmly in the soil
- Roots absorb water and minerals from soil
- Tap root system has one main root
- Tap roots are found in mustard and gram
- Fibrous root system has many similar roots like wheat and rice
7. Stem
- Stem supports the plant and keeps it upright
- Stem transports water and minerals from roots
- Stem transports food from leaves to other parts
- Some stems store food
- Stem connects all parts of the plant
8. Leaf
- A leaf has petiole, lamina, and veins
- Venation is the arrangement of veins in a leaf
- Reticulate venation is found in mango
- Parallel venation is found in grass
- Leaves are the main site of photosynthesis
9. Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food
- It takes place mainly in leaves
- It requires sunlight, water, carbon dioxide
- Chlorophyll helps in trapping sunlight
- Oxygen is released as a by-product
10. Flower
- Flower is the reproductive part of the plant
- Flowers help in formation of fruits
- Fruits contain seeds
- Seeds grow into new plants
- Flowers are important for plant reproduction
11. Importance of this chapter
- Helps understand structure of plants
- Explains different functions of plant parts
- Builds base for biology
- Important for environmental studies
- Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC foundation
12. Important keywords and definitions
- Herb: A small plant with a soft green stem
- Shrub: A medium-sized plant with hard stem and many branches
- Tree: A tall plant with a thick and hard trunk
- Root: Part of plant that fixes it to soil and absorbs water
- Stem: Part of plant that supports and transports food and water
- Leaf: Flat green part of plant that prepares food
- Venation: Arrangement of veins in a leaf
- Photosynthesis: Process by which green plants make food
- Chlorophyll: Green pigment in leaves that traps sunlight
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 7 is important to learn how plants grow, make food, and support life. The chapter builds awareness about the role of plants in nature and human life.
The ideas discussed in Getting to Know Plants prepare students for advanced topics in biology and environmental studies.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 8 – Body Movements to understand the structure and movement of the human body.
FAQs
Q1. What are herbs according to NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 7?
Herbs are small plants with soft green stems.
Q2. What are climbers and creepers?
Climbers are plants with weak stems that need support, while creepers spread on the ground.
Q3. What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make food using sunlight.
Q4. What is venation?
Venation is the arrangement of veins in a leaf.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains basic plant structure and functions, useful for school exams and BPSC foundation.