Seed, Seed, Seed

Portuguese traders

Step 1: The chapter explains that many plants we use today came from different parts of the world. Step 2: Chillies are originally from South America. Step 3: Portuguese traders brought chillies to India as part of world trade. Step 4: Today, chillies are grown all over India and are used in almost every spicy dish. Step 5: This shows how humans also play a role in spreading seeds and plants across the world. Chinese traders brought soyabean; British and Arab traders are not mentioned for chillies.

It traps and eats insects and small animals

Step 1: The Pitcher plant (Nepenthes) is called a 'hunter plant' in the chapter. Step 2: It has a pitcher-like shape with a leaf covering its mouth. Step 3: The plant produces a special smell that attracts insects, mice, frogs, and ants. Step 4: When an insect lands on the mouth of the plant, it gets trapped inside and cannot escape. Step 5: This is a very unusual feature because most plants make their own food, but Pitcher plants also trap animals. It is found in Australia, Indonesia, and Meghalaya in India.

Bowl 3

Step 1: In the activity, three bowls were set up differently. Step 2: Bowl 1 had chanas filled with water — seeds got water but no air (submerged). Step 3: Bowl 2 had chanas on a damp cloth — seeds got both water and air. Step 4: Bowl 3 had chanas with nothing added — seeds received air but NO water. Step 5: Since seeds in Bowl 3 had no water, they could not sprout. This proves water is essential for germination.

Mango

Step 1: The poem 'Potatoes, Chillies, Tea' tells us the origin of various plants. Step 2: Potatoes came from South America. Chillies came from South America (brought by Portuguese). Step 3: Soyabean came from China and later spread to America before reaching India. Step 4: The poem says 'Brinjal, Radish, Beans, bitter gourd, mangoes, oranges, berries, bananas, spinach — Born in the same nation — India.' Step 5: So mango is native to India, while potato, chilly, and soyabean came from other countries.