Here is a large list of 60 short descriptive questions based on NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9: "The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings" (also titled "The Living Organisms — Characteristics and Habitats" in some editions). These questions are suitable for Grade VI students in India. They require short descriptive answers (2–4 sentences or bullet points) and can be used as quick written prompts every few minutes during teaching to check understanding, encourage observation, and reinforce key concepts.
The questions are grouped by major subtopics for easy reference while teaching the chapter section by section.
Habitat and Surroundings
- Describe what is meant by the term 'habitat'.
- Give two examples of different habitats and name one organism that lives in each.
- Describe the surroundings in which a fish normally lives.
- Explain why different organisms are found in different habitats.
- Describe one habitat you see around your school and name two organisms found there.
Biotic and Abiotic Components
- Describe the difference between biotic and abiotic components of a habitat.
- Name three abiotic components and describe how they affect living organisms.
- Give two examples of biotic components in a pond habitat and describe their role.
- Explain how light (an abiotic factor) affects plants in a forest.
- Describe how soil helps plants survive in their habitat.
Characteristics of Living Organisms
- Describe one characteristic that shows an organism is living (e.g., growth).
- Explain how living organisms respond to stimuli with one example.
- Describe how animals move from place to place and why they do so.
- Explain how respiration is different in fish and humans.
- Describe how plants and animals reproduce differently with simple examples.
- Explain why excretion is necessary for living organisms and give one example.
Terrestrial Habitats and Adaptations (General)
- Describe two features of organisms that live on land (terrestrial habitat).
- Explain why most land animals have lungs for breathing.
- Describe how roots help land plants stay fixed and survive.
Adaptations in Desert Habitat
- Describe how a camel’s hump helps it survive in the desert.
- Explain how the long legs of a camel are useful in hot sand.
- Describe how camels produce very little urine and why this is an adaptation.
- Explain two adaptations in cactus plants that help them store water.
- Describe how spines on cactus leaves help the plant survive.
- Explain why desert animals are mostly active at night (nocturnal).
Adaptations in Aquatic Habitat
- Describe the streamlined shape of a fish and how it helps in water.
- Explain how gills help a fish breathe underwater.
- Describe how fins help fish move and change direction.
- Explain two adaptations in dolphins or whales for living in oceans.
- Describe how aquatic plants like hydrilla get carbon dioxide from water.
- Explain why lotus leaves float on water and how this helps the plant.
Adaptations in Mountain Regions
- Describe how thick fur on yaks helps them survive in cold mountains.
- Explain why mountain goats have strong and flexible hooves.
- Describe how snow leopards are adapted to cold and rocky mountains.
- Explain what happens to our body when we suddenly go to high mountains.
Adaptations in Grasslands and Forests
- Describe how a lion’s light brown colour helps it in grasslands.
- Explain how deer’s long ears and eyes on sides help it survive.
- Describe how a tiger’s stripes help it hide in forests.
- Explain how monkeys are adapted to live on trees.
Amphibians and Special Cases
- Describe two adaptations that help a frog live both on land and in water.
- Explain how a frog’s webbed feet help it swim.
- Describe how moist skin helps frogs breathe.
Other Adaptations and Concepts
- Describe how birds’ hollow bones help them fly.
- Explain the difference between adaptation and acclimatisation with one example each.
- Describe how earthworms are adapted to live in soil.
- Explain why some animals migrate and give one example.
- Describe how xerophytes (desert plants) reduce water loss through leaves.
- Explain how mangrove trees survive in salty coastal water.
Review and Application Questions
- Describe two adaptations you observed in any animal near your home.
- Explain how abiotic factors like rainfall affect organisms in a desert.
- Describe one plant and one animal from the same habitat and their adaptations.
- Explain why fish cannot survive on land for long.
- Describe how temperature affects organisms in polar regions.
- Explain the importance of light for green plants.
- Describe one behavioral adaptation in animals (e.g., hiding).
- Explain how roots of desert plants are different from roots of aquatic plants.
- Describe how a cactus stem is different from a normal plant stem.
- Explain why camels have padded feet.
- Describe one way humans change their surroundings and its effect on organisms.
- Explain why all organisms need a suitable habitat to survive.