Plants and Animals Live Together Chapter Notes | EVS Class 3: The World around us (Our Wondrous World) PDF Download

Introduction

The chapter "Plants and Animals Live Together" focuses on the relationship between plants, animals, and their environment. It explores how animals depend on plants for food, shelter, and nesting. The chapter also discusses the importance of soil, which is home to many small creatures and supports plant life. Additionally, it describes various ways animals, birds, and insects interact with plants to meet their survival needs. The chapter highlights the significance of soil, plants, and animals in maintaining the balance of nature.

Explanation

Plants and Animals Live Together

Plants and animals have a close relationship in nature. Animals rely on plants for various purposes such as food, shelter, and nesting.

Examples of animals interacting with plants include: 

• Frogs use leaves as a place to rest, often near water bodies.
• Tailorbirds are known for their unique ability to stitch leaves together to make nests.
• Elephants depend on grass for food, and they help in maintaining the grasslands.
• Squirrels use hollows in trees to rest, store food, and seek shelter from predators.
• Ants use leaves to construct their nests, creating complex colonies.
• Caterpillars feed on plant leaves, which provide them with the nutrition they need to grow.
• Butterflies often rest on leaves while seeking nectar from flowers.
• Woodpeckers use tree trunks to search for insects and create holes for nesting.
• Moths often rest on leaves during the day and become active at night.
• Barbets make their nests in tree hollows, where they lay their eggs and raise their young.
• Stink bugs are often found on leaves, where they feed on plant juices.
• Earthworms are found in soil, helping to break down organic matter and improve soil health.

Life in the Soil

Soil is the topmost layer of the Earth’s surface. It is made up of tiny pieces of broken rocks, old leaves, roots, stems, and living and dead animals like insects. Many insects and other creatures live in soil. Some are visible, while others are too small to see. Insects like ants, termites, small beetles, and grasshoppers live on the top layer of soil, moving around between the grass and leaves. When the soil is wet, creatures like earthworms and millipedes may appear. The soil supports plants that grow and provide food and shelter for many animals.

Animals and Birds Use Plants

Animals and birds use different parts of plants for food, shelter, and resting: 

• Camels rely on plant leaves to survive, especially in deserts.
• Twigs from trees are used by birds and animals to make nests for raising their young.
• These small creatures feed on the sweet liquid called nectar, which flowers produce.
• Tree hollows provide a safe space for birds like owls to nest and raise their young.
• Monkeys are often found feeding on the fruits produced by trees and plants.
• Tailorbirds use plant leaves, which they stitch together to form secure nests.
• Tree branches provide a resting place and shelter for these animals.
• Caterpillars feed on leaves to gain energy for their transformation into butterflies or moths.

Different Birds, Different Sounds 

• Birds make unique sounds, each species having its own distinct call.
• People can recognize birds by the sounds they make.
• Observing and imitating bird sounds can help in identifying different birds.

Points to Remember

1. Plants and animals are interdependent: Animals depend on plants for food, shelter, and nesting, while plants benefit from animals in various ways.
2. Soil supports life: It provides a habitat for insects, plants, and many small creatures. Healthy soil is essential for the survival of plants and animals.
3. Birds and animals use plants for survival: They use different parts of plants for shelter, food, and nesting.
4. Earthworms and insects improve soil: Creatures like earthworms help in breaking down organic matter, improving the quality of the soil.
5. Plants play a vital role in the food chain: Animals like camels, monkeys, and caterpillars depend on plants for their primary source of food.
6. Animals seek shelter in trees and plants: Birds, squirrels, and leopards use trees for nesting, resting, and hiding from predators.
7. The cycle of life in the soil: Soil is rich with life, both visible and microscopic, and is essential for plant growth.
8. Birds can be identified by their sounds: Each bird has a unique sound, and recognizing these sounds helps in identifying different bird species.

Difficult Words

• Interdependent – Relying on each other for survival and support.
• Perched – Sitting or resting on something, usually a branch or leaf.
• Hollow – An empty space inside a solid object, like a hole in a tree.
• Stitch – To sew or join together, like tailorbirds using leaves to make nests.
• Termites – Small insects that feed on wood and live in colonies.
• Millipedes – Creatures with many legs, often found in damp soil.
• Nectar – A sweet liquid produced by flowers that attracts birds and insects.
• Munch – To chew or eat something steadily, like a caterpillar eating leaves.
• Camouflage – The ability to blend in with the surroundings for protection or hunting.
• Organic matter – Decaying plants and animals that help improve soil quality.