Class 5 EVS Chapter 5 Question Answers - Chapter 5 - Seeds and Seeds

Q1: Why do seeds swell up when soaked in water?
Ans: Seeds swell up when soaked in water because:

• Water absorption: Water enters the seeds.
• Expansion: This causes the seeds to expand.
• Activation: The process prepares them for germination.

Q2: What is a sprout?
Ans: A sprout is a germinated seed in which the stem and root have emerged. It is nutritious and can be eaten.

Q3: How can you make sprouts?
Ans: To make sprouts, follow these simple steps:

• Take some chana or moong and place them in a bowl.
• Fill the bowl with water and let the seeds soak overnight.
• The next day, drain the water.
• Wrap the seeds in a damp cloth and hang them up.
• Keep the cloth moist by wetting it regularly.
• After about two days, the seeds will begin to sprout.

Q4: What are the conditions necessary for sprout formation?
Ans: Both water and air are necessary for sprout formation. If seeds are kept soaked in water only, they will not sprout. If they are kept in the air only, they will not sprout.

Q5: Which plant traps and eats insects?
Ans: The Pitcher plant (Nepenthes) is known for trapping and consuming insects. 
Here are some key features:

• It has a pitcher-like shape.
• The mouth of the plant is covered by a leaf.
• A special smell attracts insects to it.
• When an insect lands on the mouth, it slips inside and cannot escape.

This clever mechanism allows the plant to capture food efficiently.

Q6: What are the different shapes, colors, and textures of seeds?
Ans: Seeds come in a variety of shapes, colours, and textures:

• Shapes: Seeds can be round, oval, or flat.
• Colours: They range from brown and black to vibrant hues like red and yellow.
• Textures: Seeds may feel smooth, rough, or bumpy.

These characteristics can vary widely among different types of seeds.

Q7: How do seeds travel from one place to another?
Ans: Seeds can travel from one place to another through various methods:

• Wind: Some seeds are light and can be carried by the wind.
• Water: Seeds can float on water and travel to new locations.
• Animals: Animals may eat seeds and later excrete them in different places.
• Humans: People often carry seeds intentionally or unintentionally, planting them in new areas.

These methods help seeds to spread and grow in diverse environments.

Q8: How did the idea of making Velcro come about?
Ans: The idea of making Velcro came about when George Mestral observed seeds sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur after a walk. He discovered that the seeds had tiny hooks that stuck to surfaces, which inspired him to create Velcro.

Q9: What is Velcro used for?
Ans: Velcro is a versatile fastening solution used in various applications, including:

• Clothing - for attaching or securing garments.
• Shoes - as a convenient alternative to laces.
• Bags - to keep compartments closed.
• Belts - for easy adjustments.

Its design allows for reusability and simple operation, making it a popular choice for both everyday items and specialised equipment.

Q10: Where did some common fruits and vegetables in India come from?
Ans: Some common fruits and vegetables in India originated from various countries:

• Tomatoes, potatoes, and green chillies came from South America.
• Cabbage and peas were brought from Europe.
• Coffee beans and green bhindi (okra) originated in Africa.

This diverse origin highlights the global influence on Indian cuisine.