Q1: Has the doctor or someone you know ever told you to eat sprouts? Why?
Ans: Yes, doctor has advised me to eat sprouts because they are very nutritious.
Q2: State whether the following statements are true or false.
A dry pea seed will have more dry weight than a germinated one.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: (a)
The dry seeds of the pea have more dry weight than germinated seeds. This is because all the moisture in the seeds has been absorbed, causing them to become hard due to the loss of water. In contrast, a germinated seed contains more water, resulting in a higher fresh weight compared to the dry seed. Fresh weight refers to the weight of the living part of the plant, while dry weight is the weight of the plant part that has been dried. Therefore, the correct statement is 'True'.
Q3: In which of the following condition seeds do not sprout?
(a) Seeds kept in air tight container
(b) Seeds kept in moist cotton cloth
(c) Seeds kept in water bowl
(d) All of the above
Ans: (a)
Sprouting is the germination of a seed. The conditions required for germination include air and water. Nutrients are already present in the cotyledons, which the emerging seedling uses to germinate. In an airtight container, there is insufficient oxygen for the seed to actively respire, which is essential for providing energy for germination. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
Q4: Which of the following seed is not used as a sprout?
(a) Chana
(b) Masoor
(c) Moong
(d) Sesame
Ans: (d)
Sesame, also known as Til seeds, is not typically used as a sprout. In contrast, the following seeds are commonly sprouted:
- Chana (chickpea)
- Masoor (red lentil)
- Moong (mung bean)
Hence, while Chana, Masoor, and Moong are used as sprouts, Sesame is not.
Q5: ______ is the most important factor required for the seeds to sprout.
(a) Temperature
(b) Moisture
(c) Humidity
(d) Air
Ans: (b)
The most important factor required for seeds to sprout is moisture. While several external factors contribute to seed germination, including temperature, air, and light, moisture plays a critical role. Without water, germination cannot occur. Water is absorbed by the seed, which softens the seed coat and increases permeability. This enhanced permeability facilitates gaseous exchange, essential for sprouting. Thus, the correct answer is option (b).
Q6: Coconut fruit is dispersed by:
(a) Man
(b) Wind
(c) Birds
(d) Water
Ans: (d)
The coconut fruit is primarily dispersed by water. It develops a fibrous mesocarp that provides buoyancy, aiding in its dispersal through aquatic environments. Coconut trees typically grow in waterlogged, saline areas along the shore.
Q7: Assertion: Human travellers also disperse seeds and fruits.
Reason: Generally, seeds of economically important crops are introduced to new areas.
(a) Both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion
(c) The assertion is true but the reason is false
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false'
Ans: (b)
Human travellers have consistently transported plants from one region to another. For instance, the potato was introduced to Europe from the New World by the Portuguese. Numerous economically important crops and plants, such as maize, tobacco, groundnut, chillies, tea, cabbage, cauliflower, and rubber, have been disseminated by humans. These plants were introduced to new areas from their original habitats. However, it is important to note that many weeds are also spread alongside beneficial plants. Thus, the correct conclusion is: Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
Q8: Describe the pitcher plant.
Ans: The pitcher plant is a type of insectivorous plant, also known as a hunting plant. These unique plants are capable of trapping and consuming various prey, including frogs, insects, and sometimes even small mice. The pitcher plant employs a fascinating prey-trapping mechanism that ensnares insects inside its modified leaves. Once trapped, the insects are unable to escape, allowing the plant to derive essential nutrients from their decomposition.
Q9: The process by which seeds germinate is called as:
(a) Soaking
(b) Sprouting
(c) Dormancy
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b)
Germination is the process by which an organism grows from a seed. The most common example of germination is the sprouting of a seedling from a seed. Germinated seeds, often referred to as sprouts, can be consumed either raw or cooked. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).
Q10: Which of the following seeds are used as spices?
(a) Cumin
(b) Mustard
(c) Fenugreek
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
Spices are the root, stem, leaves, or seeds of a plant that are primarily used for flavouring food in various ways, depending on the region. They also possess some medicinal properties. Examples of spices include cumin, mustard, and fenugreek. In these cases, the seeds of the plants are utilised as spices. Thus, the correct option is (d).