Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Diversity in the Living World Revision Notes

From herbs and shrubs to leaf venation and root types, Chapter 2 groups the living world by shared features — the essentials are laid out below for a quick pass before the exam.

Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Key Terms

• Diversity: the variety of living things around us.
• Biodiversity: the variety of life found in a particular area or on Earth as a whole.

Grouping Plants

Pattern: Taproot + Reticulate venation + Dicot usually go together. Fibrous root + Parallel venation + Monocot usually go together.

Grouping Animals

• By movement: walking/running, flying, swimming, crawling.
• By habitat: Terrestrial (land) · Aquatic (water) · Amphibious (both).

Adaptation Examples

• Cactus: thick fleshy stem stores water (desert).
• Camel: long legs, wide hooves, hump for fat storage; hot-desert camel = 1 hump/long legs, cold-desert (Ladakh) camel = 2 humps/shorter legs/longer hair.
• Deodar tree: conical shape sheds snow easily (mountains).
• Mountain goat: thick fur, muscular build, gripping hooves.
• Fish: streamlined body, fins, gills (water).
• Duck: webbed feet for swimming; Pigeon: unwebbed feet for walking/perching.

Biodiversity Conservation — Key Facts

• Project Tiger — launched 1973, protects tigers and their habitat.
• Sacred groves — community-protected forest patches.
• Janaki Ammal — key figure in the “Save Silent Valley” movement (Palakkad, Kerala).
• Salim Ali — “the Birdman of India,” Padma Vibhushan (1976).
• Great Indian Bustard — example of a species declining due to habitat loss.

Quick revision: Solutions | Extra Questions for this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does biodiversity mean, and why is it important?
Biodiversity refers to the enormous variety of living organisms found on Earth, including differences in species, habitats, and genetic makeup, and it is important because it maintains ecological balance.

What are some broad characteristics used to group living organisms together?
Living organisms are broadly grouped based on characteristics such as their habitat, body structure, the way they obtain food, and their mode of reproduction.

Written by Satish

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