Class 6 Science – Chapter 9

The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings | NCERT Complete Notes

STAGE 0: Foundation / Basics

What is this Chapter About?

This chapter explains living organisms, their surroundings (habitat), and how plants and animals adapt to survive in different environments.

Why Should We Learn This Chapter?

• To understand what makes something living
• To know different habitats on Earth
• To learn how organisms survive in their surroundings

Basic Meanings

Living Organisms: Things that grow, breathe, and reproduce.

Surroundings: The place and conditions in which organisms live.

STAGE 1: Complete Chapter Explanation

Habitat

The place where an organism lives is called its habitat. Habitats provide food, water, air, and shelter.

Types of Habitats

• Terrestrial habitat: Land habitats (desert, forest, grassland)
• Aquatic habitat: Water habitats (ponds, rivers, oceans)

Characteristics of Living Organisms

• They need food
• They grow
• They breathe
• They respond to stimuli
• They reproduce
• They excrete wastes

Adaptation

Adaptation means special features that help organisms survive in their habitat.

Adaptations in Desert Animals

Camels have long legs, padded feet, and can live without water for many days.

Adaptations in Aquatic Animals

Fish have gills to breathe in water and fins to swim.

Plants in Different Habitats

• Desert plants: Thick stems and spines to reduce water loss
• Aquatic plants: Broad leaves and air-filled stems

STAGE 2: NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

Q1. What is a habitat?
Answer: The place where an organism lives is called its habitat.

Q2. Name two terrestrial habitats.
Answer: Forest and desert.

Q3. What are adaptations?
Answer: Adaptations are special features that help organisms survive in their habitat.

Q4. Name two characteristics of living organisms.
Answer: Growth and reproduction.

STAGE 3: Previous Exam Questions & Answers

Previous Exam Question:
Explain how fish are adapted to live in water.

Answer:
Fish have gills to breathe in water and fins to swim. Their body shape helps them move easily in water.

Exam Insight:
Questions on habitat, adaptation, and characteristics of living organisms are commonly asked in Class 6 exams.

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📘 Class 6 Science – Chapter Series

1. Food – Where Does It Come From?
2. Components of Food
3. Fibre to Fabric
4. Sorting Materials into Groups
5. Separation of Substances
6. Changes Around Us
7. Getting to Know Plants
8. Body Movements
9. The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings
10. Motion and Measurement of Distances (Next)