Samacheer Class 6 Science - Plants in Daily Life

False – Plants grown for decorative purposes are called as ornamental plants.
True.
False – Cauliflower is used for edible purpose.
False – Cotton cloth is only suitable for summer season
False – Sugarcane is used to produce sugar.

A symbiotic relationship is an interaction between two different organisms where both organisms benefit from each other. This mutually beneficial relationship is economically and ecologically significant. One example is the relationship between silkworms and mulberry plants. Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves for nutrition and growth, and in return, they produce silk fibres that are valuable to humans. Another example is the relationship between honey bees and flowering plants. Honey bees feed on the pollen and nectar of plants, obtaining food and energy, while simultaneously acting as agents of cross-pollination. This pollination helps plants reproduce and form vegetables and fruits. Additionally, honey bees produce honey, which is beneficial to both the bees and humans. These symbiotic relationships demonstrate how plants and animals depend on each other for survival, food, reproduction, and various other benefits.

There are many plants and their edible parts that we consume daily. Carrot, beetroot, and radish are taproots that we eat as vegetables. Potato, ginger, and turmeric are underground stems or tubers that serve as food and spices. Curry leaves and coriander leaves are the leafy parts of plants that are used as flavouring agents in cooking. Drumstick provides multiple edible parts including leaves, unripe fruits, and bark, all of which are nutritious and used in various dishes. Paddy, wheat, maize, and ragi are cereal crops whose seeds form the staple food for many people around the world. These examples demonstrate the diversity of plant parts that humans utilize for nutrition and sustenance.

Plant-animal interaction is of great importance for the survival and well-being of both plants and animals. This relationship is mutually beneficial, as plants provide food, shelter, and other resources to animals, while animals help plants in reproduction through pollination and seed dispersal. The interaction between plants and animals is economically significant because it supports agriculture, forestry, and various industries that depend on plant and animal products. For example, bees pollinate flowers and help produce fruits and vegetables that humans consume. Similarly, animals disperse seeds, helping plants spread to new areas and maintain biodiversity. Without these interactions, ecosystems would collapse, and both plants and animals would struggle to survive. Understanding and protecting plant-animal interactions is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Deserts do not have sufficient water due to several interconnected reasons. Most deserts receive less than 10 inches of rainfall each year, which is extremely low compared to other regions. The evaporation rate in deserts is much higher than the amount of rainfall that occurs, meaning that whatever water does fall quickly evaporates due to high temperatures and low humidity. As a result, very little water is available in the soil for plants and other organisms to use. The plants and animals that live in deserts have adapted over time to survive in these harsh, dry conditions. Desert plants like cactus have thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss and store water in their tissues. Desert animals like camels can endure long periods without water and have physiological adaptations to conserve water. These adaptations allow desert organisms to survive with minimal water availability.

Kavitha's statement is false. Even though palm trees are tall trees, they do not produce hardwood. Instead, palm trees produce softwood. The height of a tree does not determine whether it produces hardwood or softwood. Softwood from palm trees is resilient and malleable, meaning it is flexible and can be bent without breaking easily. However, due to these properties, softwood cannot be used in heavy construction work or other applications that require strength and durability. Softwood is not suitable for making sturdy furniture or structural components of buildings. Instead, the wood fibres from palm trees are used for making lighter products such as hats, baskets, and other craft items. Hardwood comes from trees like teak and rosewood and is dense and strong, making it suitable for heavy construction and durable furniture. Therefore, the classification of wood as hardwood or softwood depends on the density, strength, and properties of the wood, not on the height of the tree.