Plants
Welcome to the chapter on Plants for Class 4. In this chapter, you will learn about different types of plants, their parts, how they grow, and why they are important for life on Earth. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to explain how plants make food, how they reproduce, and how we use plants every day!
Introduction
Plants are living things that grow in soil and need sunlight, water, and air to live. They come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny grass to huge trees. Plants are very important for all living things.
Types of Plants
- Trees: Tall and strong plants with woody stems. Example: Mango tree, neem tree.
- Shrubs: Short, bushy plants with many branches. Example: Rose, hibiscus.
- Herbs: Small, soft-stemmed plants. Example: Mint, coriander.
- Climbers: Plants that need support to grow upwards. Example: Money plant, pea plant.
- Creepers: Plants that grow along the ground. Example: Pumpkin, watermelon.
Parts of a Plant and Their Functions
- Root: Holds the plant in the soil and absorbs water and minerals.
- Stem: Supports the plant and carries water and food to all parts.
- Leaves: Make food for the plant by photosynthesis.
- Flower: Helps the plant to reproduce and make seeds.
- Fruit: Contains seeds and is often eaten by animals and humans.
How Do Plants Make Food?
Plants make their own food by a process called photosynthesis. They use sunlight, water, and air (carbon dioxide) to make food in their leaves. This is why plants are called producers.
How Do Plants Reproduce?
- Most plants reproduce through seeds. Seeds grow into new plants.
- Some plants can grow from stems, roots, or leaves.
- Flowers help in making seeds and fruits.
Why Are Plants Important?
- Plants give us oxygen to breathe.
- They provide food, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Plants give us wood, medicines, and fibers.
- They keep the air clean and cool.
- Plants are homes for many animals and birds.
Taking Care of Plants
- Water plants regularly.
- Give them enough sunlight.
- Do not pluck leaves or flowers unnecessarily.
- Keep the area around plants clean.
- Plant more trees to keep the environment healthy.
Fun Activity: Grow Your Own Plant!
Take a pot, fill it with soil, and plant a seed. Water it every day and watch it grow. Write down what you see each week.
Summary
- Plants are living things that make their own food.
- They have different parts with special functions.
- Plants are important for life on Earth.
- We should take care of plants and plant more trees.
Practice Questions
- Name two types of plants and give examples.
- What is photosynthesis?
- Why are roots important for a plant?
- How do plants help us?
- What should you do to take care of plants?
Challenge Yourself
- Draw and label the parts of a plant.
- List five things you get from plants.
Did You Know?
- Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world!
- Some plants eat insects to get food.
Glossary
- Photosynthesis: The process by which plants make food using sunlight.
- Root: The part of the plant that absorbs water and minerals from the soil.
- Producer: Living things that make their own food.
- Reproduce: To make more of the same kind.
Answers to Practice Questions
- Trees (mango tree), shrubs (rose), herbs (mint), climbers (pea plant), creepers (pumpkin).
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food using sunlight, water, and air.
- Roots hold the plant in the soil and absorb water and minerals.
- Plants give us oxygen, food, wood, medicines, and keep the air clean.
- Water them, give sunlight, keep the area clean, and plant more trees.
Plants are our friends! Take care of them and help make the world green and healthy.