Organisms that live in different levels of a pond in Habitat – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Habitat

Activity Name: Organisms that live in different levels of a pond in Habitat

Activity Description:

This experiment aims to observe and understand the organisms that inhabit different regions within a pond. By exploring the various levels of the pond, we can identify the organisms present and determine why they stay in different regions.

Additionally, we will investigate the characteristics of plants growing at the bottom and on the surface of the pond to understand the differences in their leaves.

Required Items:

1. Pond (or a suitable water container)
2. Net or sieve for collecting samples
3. Magnifying glass (optional)
4. Notebook and pen for recording observations

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Select a pond or set up a water container to represent a pond-like environment.
2. Divide the pond into different regions or levels: surface, middle, and bottom.
3. Using a net or sieve, collect samples from each region of the pond.
4. Carefully examine each sample using a magnifying glass if available, and identify the organisms present.
5. Record your observations in the notebook, noting the organisms found in each region.
6. Compare the organisms found in different regions and try to determine why they stay in their respective regions.
7. Next, focus on the plants growing in the pond.
8. Collect samples of plants from the bottom (e.g., hydrilla) and the surface (e.g., lotus).
9. Observe and compare the leaves of the plants.
10. Record the similarities and differences between the leaves of the bottom-dwelling and surface-floating plants.
11. Reflect on the reasons behind the differences in leaf characteristics between the two types of plants.

Experiment Observations:

• Different organisms found in different regions of the pond may include:
  • Surface: Water striders, water lilies, floating plants, insects like dragonflies.
  • Middle: Fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects.
  • Bottom: Snails, worms, plants like hydrilla.
• Organisms stay in different regions of the pond due to various factors, including:
  • Adaptation to specific water conditions, such as temperature, oxygen levels, or light availability.
  • Predatory or competitive interactions with other organisms.
  • Availability of food sources and suitable habitats.
• Yes, different places in the pond can be referred to as habitats. Each region within the pond provides a distinct environment with specific conditions that support different types of organisms.
• Yes, there may be animals with legs in the pond. Some examples include frogs, turtles, or water insects like water striders.
• No, not all animals in the pond have tails. While some aquatic animals have tails for swimming, others may have different adaptations, such as fins or specialized appendages for movement.
• No, not all animals in a pond swim. Some animals, like snails or worms, may crawl or move along the bottom, while others, like dragonflies, can fly.
• The animals that share the surface of the pond as a habitat may include water striders, insects like dragonflies, and floating plants like water lilies.
• No, the leaves of all plants growing in the pond are not similar. There can be differences between the leaves of plants growing at the bottom (e.g., hydrilla) and those floating on the surface (e.g., lotus).
• The difference between the leaves of bottom-dwelling plants and surface-floating plants may be due to their specific adaptations and requirements:
  • Bottom-dwelling plants like hydrilla may have long, slender leaves to capture sunlight in the dimmer bottom regions of the pond.
  • Surface-floating plants like lotus may have broad, flat leaves to maximize their exposure to sunlight on the water’s surface and facilitate gas exchange.

Precautions:

• Handle the organisms with care and return them to their respective habitats after observation.
• Avoid disturbing the natural balance of the pond ecosystem while conducting the experiment.
• Ensure safety near water bodies and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Follow ethical guidelines for animal welfare and environmental protection.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we learned that ponds contain diverse habitats, each supporting different organisms based on their specific adaptations and requirements. The distribution of organisms within a pond is influenced by factors such as water conditions, availability of resources, and interactions with other organisms.

Furthermore, the characteristics of plants can vary depending on their location within the pond, demonstrating adaptations to different light levels and environmental conditions. Overall, this experiment highlights the importance of understanding habitats and their impact on the distribution and characteristics of organisms in aquatic ecosystems.