Chapter 9: The living organisms and their surroundings
These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9 notes explain the concept of living organisms and how they survive in different surroundings. The chapter introduces students to the idea of habitat and the relationship between organisms and their environment.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9 – The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings helps students understand different types of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the special features called adaptations that help organisms survive in these habitats.
This chapter builds awareness about nature, environment, and life processes, forming a strong base for ecology-related topics.
1. Meaning of living organisms
- Living organisms are beings that show life processes
- They can grow and increase in size
- They can move on their own or show movement
- They breathe and respire to get energy
- They reproduce and respond to stimuli
2. Habitat
- Habitat is the place where a living organism lives
- Habitat provides food required for survival
- Habitat provides water for life processes
- Habitat provides shelter and protection
- Every organism is adapted to its specific habitat
3. Types of habitats
- Habitats are mainly of two types
- Terrestrial habitats are found on land
- Aquatic habitats are found in water
- Different habitats have different conditions
- Organisms living there show special features
4. Terrestrial habitats
- Desert has very hot days and cold nights like Thar Desert
- Mountain regions have very cold climate like the Himalayas
- Grasslands receive moderate rainfall like Savanna grassland
- Forests have dense trees and rich biodiversity
- Animals and plants vary according to land conditions
5. Aquatic habitats
- Freshwater habitats include rivers, lakes, and ponds
- These habitats contain water with low salt content
- Marine habitats include seas and oceans
- Marine water contains high salt content
- Aquatic organisms are adapted to life in water
6. Adaptation
- Adaptation means special features that help organisms survive
- Adaptations depend on the habitat of the organism
- Adaptations can be in body structure or behaviour
- Without adaptation, survival is not possible
- Each habitat produces organisms with unique adaptations
7. Examples of adaptation
- Camel has long legs and hump to survive in desert
- Camel can live many days without water
- Fish has gills, fins, and streamlined body for water
- Polar bear has thick fur and fat layer for cold regions
- White colour helps polar bear in camouflage
8. Characteristics of living beings
- Living beings need food for energy
- Living beings grow and develop
- Living beings move and breathe
- Living beings respond to stimuli like light and touch
- Living beings reproduce and excrete
9. Non-living things
- Non-living things do not show life processes
- They do not grow or reproduce
- They do not need food or water
- They do not respond to stimuli
- Examples include stone, chair, table
10. Differences between living and non-living
- Living things grow, non-living things do not
- Living things need food, non-living things do not
- Living things reproduce, non-living things do not
- Living things show movement, non-living things do not
- Living things respond to stimuli, non-living things do not
11. Importance of this chapter
- Helps understand relationship between organisms and environment
- Explains how organisms survive in different habitats
- Builds base for ecology
- Important for environment studies
- Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC foundation
12. Important keywords and definitions
- Living organism: A being that shows life processes like growth and reproduction
- Habitat: Natural place where an organism lives
- Adaptation: Special feature that helps survival in a habitat
- Terrestrial: Related to land habitat
- Aquatic: Related to water habitat
- Stimulus: Any change that causes a response in living beings
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9 is essential to learn how living organisms adjust to their surroundings. The chapter explains how habitat and adaptation are closely linked.
The ideas discussed in The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings prepare students for advanced topics in environmental studies and ecology.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 10 – Motion and Measurement of Distances to understand motion and measurement in daily life.
FAQs
Q1. What is a living organism according to NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9?
A living organism is a being that shows life processes like growth, breathing, and reproduction.
Q2. What is a habitat?
A habitat is the natural place where a living organism lives.
Q3. What are terrestrial and aquatic habitats?
Terrestrial habitats are land habitats, while aquatic habitats are water habitats.
Q4. What is adaptation?
Adaptation is a special feature that helps an organism survive in its habitat.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains basic ecology concepts useful for school exams and BPSC foundation.