Plants and Animals Around Us

Overview

This topic forms a core component of Environmental Studies (EVS) for Bihar TET Paper I, appearing consistently in examinations. It tests candidates' understanding of the diversity of plant and animal life, their interdependence, and conservation principles—knowledge essential for teaching Classes I–V.

For Bihar TET, expect questions on classification of plants and animals, their habitats, adaptations, food chains, and conservation measures. The topic connects directly with the NCF emphasis on learning from the local environment, making Bihar-specific flora and fauna particularly relevant. Questions often integrate this topic with food, water, and environmental protection themes.

Mastery requires understanding basic biological concepts at the primary level, recognising common plants and animals of Bihar's ecosystem, and knowing conservation efforts including wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the region.

---

Key Concepts

• **Classification of Plants**: Plants are grouped as herbs (soft stems, short—tulsi, wheat), shrubs (medium height, woody—rose, mehendi), trees (tall, single trunk—mango, neem), climbers (need support—money plant, grapevine), and creepers (spread on ground—pumpkin, watermelon).

• **Parts of a Plant and Their Functions**: Roots absorb water and anchor the plant; stem transports water and nutrients; leaves prepare food through photosynthesis; flowers help in reproduction; fruits protect seeds.

• **Classification of Animals by Food Habits**: Herbivores eat plants (cow, deer, elephant); carnivores eat other animals (lion, tiger, snake); omnivores eat both (crow, bear, human).

• **Classification by Habitat**: Terrestrial animals live on land (dog, cat); aquatic animals live in water (fish, whale); amphibians live both on land and water (frog, toad); aerial animals spend most time flying (birds, bats).

• **Food Chain and Food Web**: A food chain shows energy transfer—grass → grasshopper → frog → snake → eagle. Multiple interconnected food chains form a food web.

• **Adaptation**: Features that help organisms survive—camel stores fat in hump and has padded feet for desert; fish has gills for breathing in water and streamlined body for swimming; cactus has thick stem to store water and spines instead of leaves.

• **Interdependence**: Plants provide oxygen, food, and shelter to animals; animals help in pollination, seed dispersal, and provide carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

• **Conservation**: Protection of plants and animals from extinction through sanctuaries, national parks, afforestation, and laws like Wildlife Protection Act 1972.