NCERT Book Class 9 Science (Exploration) Chapter 12 Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification

Chapter Patterns in Life:
Diversity and
12 Classification

Have you ever wondered why some plants can survive long
Think It Over droughts while others cannot? Or, how certain insects protect crops
while others damage them?
y What do you The Earth is home to an enormous variety of life forms. From
understand by microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye to giant trees,
biodiversity?
from glowing jellyfish to soaring eagles, life exists in countless
y How does the forms and habitats — from the snow-clad Himalayas to the
grouping of
coral reefs of the Andaman Sea. This immense variety of living
organisms help
organisms is known as biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential for
us understand
diversity? life on the Earth. Every organism plays a role in keeping nature
stable and functioning. Microscopic algae in the oceans release
y On what basis, are
most of the oxygen we breathe. Fungi and bacteria decompose
plants and animals
classified? fallen leaves, and convert waste into manure, making the soil
fertile. Birds, bees and bats pollinate flowers, while plants capture
y How does
classification help sunlight to prepare food that support nearly all life on the planet.
address problems These interconnections help sustain ecosystems and make the
in farming? Earth suitable for living organisms.
Humans, too, depend on biodiversity for food, shelter,
medicines and livelihoods. For centuries, farmers relied on their
practical knowledge to conserve diverse crop varieties with useful