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Unit 4 Biodiversity Notes

The document provides an overview of plant systems, detailing the root and shoot systems, their types, functions, and modifications. It also explains the process of germination, the structure of seeds, and the concepts of habitats, ecosystems, and biomes, including their definitions and major categories. Additionally, it highlights the interdependence of plants and animals within ecosystems and the adaptations of species to their environments.

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7 views

Unit 4 Biodiversity Notes

The document provides an overview of plant systems, detailing the root and shoot systems, their types, functions, and modifications. It also explains the process of germination, the structure of seeds, and the concepts of habitats, ecosystems, and biomes, including their definitions and major categories. Additionally, it highlights the interdependence of plants and animals within ecosystems and the adaptations of species to their environments.

Uploaded by

perfectlyimperfect1606
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Grade5

UNIT 4: BIODIVERSITY
NSC
The plant system is divided into two parts- Root system and Shoot system. The
parts that remain under the ground form the root system and the parts above the
ground form the shoot system.

Root System

There are two main types of root systems: Tap root system and Fibrous root system

Tap root system: in this system, a single root (primary root)


comes out from the seed after germination. Later, smaller
roots called lateral roots branch out from this primary root.
Mango, pine,carrot and mustard are some examples of
plants in which taproots are found.
Fibrous Root system: These roots have a bushy
appearance and are mostly thin and almost equal in size.
Grass, rice and onion are examples of plants with fibrous
roots.

Functions of Roots

a. anchoring the plant


b. absorption of water and nutrients from the soil
c. preventing soil erosion

Sometimes roots are modified to perform various other functions like-

a. Storage of food- like radish, carrot, sweet potato.


b. Climbing- It helps the plant to climb up a support like a wall or tree, ex.
moneyplant
c. Nutrition- Help in getting extra nutrition from the host plant
d. Multiplication into new plants- Roots of plants like dahlia can develop
into newplants
e. Extra support- Root of trees like the banyan, give extra support to the stem.

Shoot System

All parts of a plant that are above the ground are the shoot system. It includes
stem, leaf, flower, fruit etc.

Functions of Stems

a. It holds the leaves in position and helps them spread out. This ensures
that theyget enough light for photosynthesis.
b. It bears flowers, bud, leaves and fruits.
c. It conducts water and mineral salts from the root to the leaves.
d. It carries the food made by the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Sometimes stems are modified to perform various other functions like:

a. Storage of water- the stem of cactus swells up to store water.


b. Storage of food- potato and onion store food in them.
c. For support - Stems of climbers like Grapes attach themselves to
others forsupport.
d. For protection - Stems like rose modify as thorns to protect the plants
from beingeaten by animals.
e. For multiplication of the plant - Stem cuttings of some plants like rose
grow intonew plants.
Leaves

Leaves are known as the food factories of the plant. A leaf is usually green due
to the presence of a green pigment called chlorophyll. The leaf prepares food for
the plant by using carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll and light. This process of
making food is called photosynthesis.

Sometimes leaves are modified to perform various other functions like:

a. Provide support – the leaves of certain plants are modified to provide


support tothe plant.
b. Prevent loss of water- In cacti, the leaves are modified to form spines in
order toreduce the loss of water from the leaves.

Parts of a Flower

Petals: are colorful and pretty to attract insects

Sepal: protects the flower while in the bud state.

Pistil: the female part of the flower, that consists of the stigma, style and ovary

Stamen: the male part of the flower, that consists of the anther and the filament

Pollination

For a flower to develop into a fruit, pollen grains must be transferred from the
anther to the stigma of either the same flower or of another flower of the same
kind by wind, water or insects. This transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a
stigma is called pollination.
Parts of a Seed

The seed aids the growth of the new plant by providing nutrients until it is
established enough to grow on its own. Given below are the parts of a seed.

Part of the Seed Function


seed coat protects the seed from damage
cotyledon is a source of stored food for the young plant
radicle the root of the seedling that first emerges from the seed
plumule part of the stem that will eventually become the leaves of the plant
Germination

The process by which a seed grows into a plant is called germination. When a
seed is exposed to the proper conditions, water and oxygen are taken in through
the seed coat. The seed starts to enlarge. Then the seed coat breaks open and a
root or radicle emerges first, followed by the shoot or plumule that contains the
leaves and stem.

Habitats, Ecosystems and Biomes

Habitat: A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular


species of animal, plant, or other type of organism. A place where a living thing lives is its
habitat. It is a place where it can find food, shelter, protection and mates for reproduction. It
is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that
surrounds a species population.

Ecosystem: The plants and animals that are found in a particular location are referred to
as an ecosystem. These plants and animals depend on each other to survive. In a delicate
balance, these life forms help to sustain one another in regular patterns. Energy, water,
nitrogen and soil minerals are other essential abiotic components of an ecosystem. The
energy that flows through ecosystems is obtained primarily from the sun. It generally enters
the system through photosynthesis.

Biomes: Biomes are very large ecological areas on the earth’s surface, with fauna and flora
(animals and plants) adapting to their environment. Biomes are often defined by abiotic
factors such as climate, relief, geology, soils and vegetation. A Biome is not an ecosystem,
although in a way it can look like a massive ecosystem. If you take a closer look, you will
notice that animals in any of the biomes have special adaptations that make it possible for
them to exist in that area. You may find many units of ecosystems within one biome.
There are 5 major categories of biomes on earth.
• The Desert Biomes
• The Aquatic Biomes
• The Forest Biomes
• The Grassland Biomes
• The Tundra Biomes.

Source: schooltoday.com Softschools.com


Websites to reference for further reading:
https://www.ducksters.com/science/ecosystems/world_biomes.php
https://www.britannica.com/science/conservation-ecolog

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