Lesson 9: The Living Organisms and Their Surroundings

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why camels are found in deserts, while fish thrive in water bodies? Why do some plants grow in water, while others flourish on land? Every living organism on Earth inhabits a particular place called its habitat, which provides everything it needs to survive. Understanding how living things interact with their surroundings helps us appreciate the diversity of life and the delicate balance of nature.

This lesson explores the fascinating relationship between living organisms and their environments. You will learn how animals and plants adapt to their habitats, what makes something alive, and why different living things are found in different places. Through examples and activities, you’ll discover the amazing ways in which life on Earth is suited to survive and thrive in a variety of conditions.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the characteristics of living organisms and distinguish them from non-living things.
• Explain what a habitat is and identify different types of habitats.
• Understand how plants and animals adapt to their surroundings for survival.
• Recognize the importance of the interaction between living organisms and their environment.

Key Concepts

What Makes Something Alive?

Living organisms have certain features that set them apart from non-living things. All living things need food, grow, respond to their environment, reproduce, breathe or exchange gases, and excrete waste. For example, plants make their own food through photosynthesis, and animals eat plants or other animals for energy. Non-living things like rocks or water do not show these characteristics.

Understanding Habitats

A habitat is the natural home or environment of an organism. It is the place where it lives, finds food, water, shelter, and mates for reproduction. Habitats can be as large as a forest or as small as a puddle. Major habitat types include terrestrial (land-based) habitats like forests, deserts, and grasslands, and aquatic (water-based) habitats like ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Adaptations: Surviving in Different Environments

To live successfully in their habitats, organisms develop special features known as adaptations. For example, a camel’s hump stores fat to survive long periods without water in the desert, while a fish has gills to breathe underwater. Plants in deserts often have thick stems to store water and spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss.

Interaction Between Organisms and Their Surroundings

Living organisms constantly interact with their surroundings and with each other. These interactions help maintain the balance of nature. For instance, plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis, which animals use for breathing. In turn, animals produce carbon dioxide, which plants use. Such relationships ensure the flow of energy and materials in ecosystems.

Practical Examples

• Example 1: Mangrove Trees in Coastal Areas
  Mangrove trees grow in coastal regions where the soil is salty and waterlogged. To survive, they have special roots called breathing roots or pneumatophores that stick out of the soil and help them take in air even when the ground is submerged during high tides. This adaptation allows them to thrive where most other trees cannot.
• Example 2: Polar Bear in the Arctic
  The polar bear is perfectly suited to the icy Arctic habitat. Its thick layer of fat and dense fur keep it warm in freezing temperatures. Its white fur helps it blend in with the snow, making it easier to hunt prey. The polar bear’s wide paws act like paddles for swimming and also help distribute its weight when walking on thin ice.

Knowledge Check

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?

• a) The ability to grow
• b) The ability to reproduce
• c) The ability to move only
• d) The ability to respond to the environment

Answer: c) The ability to move only. Movement alone does not define living things; even some non-living things like cars can move. Living things show all listed characteristics together.

2. What is the main function of a camel’s hump?

• a) To store water
• b) To store fat
• c) To keep the camel warm
• d) To help run faster

Answer: b) To store fat. The camel’s hump stores fat, which can be converted to water and energy when food is scarce.

3. Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial habitat?

• a) Pond
• b) Ocean
• c) Forest
• d) Lake

Answer: c) Forest. Forests are land-based (terrestrial) habitats, while the others are aquatic habitats.

Summary

In this lesson, we learned that living organisms have unique characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. Every organism depends on its habitat for survival, and adaptations help them thrive in diverse environments. Understanding these concepts helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving natural habitats. As you move forward, observe the plants and animals around you—notice their adaptations and consider how their surroundings shape their way of life. This curiosity is the first step toward becoming a true natural scientist!