Chapter 6: Living in Harmony
Coexisting with Neighborhood Wildlife, Stray Animal Care, Bird Feeders, and Conservation | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Urban and rural wildlife coexistence: Pigeons, sparrows, squirrels, bats, and stray dogs.
- Setting up bird baths and shaded earthen water pots on rooftops during hot summer months.
- Humane treatment of animals: Avoiding stone-throwing, cruelty, and caged captivity.
- Traditional Indian practices of compassion: Feeding ants (chiunti ko aata), jiva-daya, and sacred groves.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (17 Questions)
100% Complete Ingestion
Q1
Compassion in Action
What simple steps can students take on their balconies or school grounds to help birds during scorching summer seasons?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Students can provide life-saving relief to urban birds during summer by:
1. Installing an Earthen Water Bowl (Sakora): Placing shallow terracotta bowls of clean water in shaded corners and refilling them twice daily.
2. Hanging Grain Feeders: Placing small wooden or recycled bottle feeders with millet (bajra), broken wheat (dalia), or sunflower seeds.
3. Planting Shady Native Bushes: Growing native flowering shrubs like hibiscus, curry leaf, and bougainvillea that offer cool perches and insect food.
1. Installing an Earthen Water Bowl (Sakora): Placing shallow terracotta bowls of clean water in shaded corners and refilling them twice daily.
2. Hanging Grain Feeders: Placing small wooden or recycled bottle feeders with millet (bajra), broken wheat (dalia), or sunflower seeds.
3. Planting Shady Native Bushes: Growing native flowering shrubs like hibiscus, curry leaf, and bougainvillea that offer cool perches and insect food.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Specific hydration measures (terracotta bowls/cleaning)
1.5 Marks
Nutritional feed and safe shaded perches
1.5 Marks
Q2
Humane Treatment of Street Animals
Why should people never throw stones or firecrackers at stray dogs and cats?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Street animals feel physical pain, terror, and grief just like humans. Throwing stones or firecrackers at them causes severe fractures, burns, and psychological trauma. Traumatized dogs may become fearful and defensively bite innocent passersby. Compassionate feeding, vaccination, and sterilization keep neighborhood animals calm, healthy, and friendly.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Ethical consideration of pain and animal sentience
1.5 Marks
Behavioral consequences (fear aggression vs friendliness)
1.5 Marks
Q3
Cultural Conservation Practices
Mention two traditional community customs in India that reflect respect for animal life.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
1. Feeding Grain to Ants and Fish: Offering flour and sugar to ant colonies and puffed rice to river fish during morning walks.
2. Sacred Groves (Orans/Devrais): Community forest patches protected by villagers where tree-cutting and hunting are strictly prohibited to allow wild animals to roam in peace.
2. Sacred Groves (Orans/Devrais): Community forest patches protected by villagers where tree-cutting and hunting are strictly prohibited to allow wild animals to roam in peace.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Accurate mention of two cultural traditions of wildlife coexistence
2 Marks
Q4
Environmental Harmony • Clean Air and Water
What human activities cause water pollution in neighborhood rivers and lakes? List three causes.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Causes of Water Pollution:
1. Dumping plastic garbage, disposable bottles, and household waste into ponds and rivers.
2. Washing clothes, cleaning utensils, and bathing cattle directly in drinking water sources.
3. Discharging untreated poisonous chemical sewage from factories into waterways.
1. Dumping plastic garbage, disposable bottles, and household waste into ponds and rivers.
2. Washing clothes, cleaning utensils, and bathing cattle directly in drinking water sources.
3. Discharging untreated poisonous chemical sewage from factories into waterways.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three accurate causes of water pollution identified
3.0 M
Q5
Sound Environment • Neighborhood Noise Map
(a) What is noise pollution?
(b) List two everyday sources of harmful noise in a city, and two pleasant, natural sounds.
[3 Marks]
(b) List two everyday sources of harmful noise in a city, and two pleasant, natural sounds.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Sound & Noise Concepts:
(a) Definition:
• Noise pollution is any unwanted, loud, and harsh sound that causes disturbance, headache, sleep loss, and hearing damage to humans and animals.
(b) Contrast:
• Harmful Noise: Loud vehicular horns, blaring loudspeakers at night.
• Pleasant Natural Sounds: Birds chirping at dawn, rustling of leaves in gentle breeze.
(a) Definition:
• Noise pollution is any unwanted, loud, and harsh sound that causes disturbance, headache, sleep loss, and hearing damage to humans and animals.
(b) Contrast:
• Harmful Noise: Loud vehicular horns, blaring loudspeakers at night.
• Pleasant Natural Sounds: Birds chirping at dawn, rustling of leaves in gentle breeze.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear definition of noise pollution
1.0 M
Two loud urban sources named
1.0 M
Two pleasant natural sounds named
1.0 M
Q6
Environmental Stewardship • Nature Pledge
Write a short 3-line Nature Pledge for your school morning assembly.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Nature Pledge:
1. I promise to treat all animals, birds, and trees with love, kindness, and respect.
2. I will never waste drinking water and will turn off dripping taps immediately.
3. I will keep my school and home clean, reduce plastic use, and plant green saplings.
1. I promise to treat all animals, birds, and trees with love, kindness, and respect.
2. I will never waste drinking water and will turn off dripping taps immediately.
3. I will keep my school and home clean, reduce plastic use, and plant green saplings.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three inspiring, actionable environmental commitments
3.0 M
Q7
Air Quality • Vehicle Smoke
Why are electric vehicles (EVs) and bicycles better for city air than petrol or diesel cars?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Green Transport:
• Petrol and diesel engines burn fossil fuels and release thick black smoke, carbon monoxide, and toxic soot particles. Bicycles and electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe smoke, keeping the city air fresh and breathable.
• Petrol and diesel engines burn fossil fuels and release thick black smoke, carbon monoxide, and toxic soot particles. Bicycles and electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe smoke, keeping the city air fresh and breathable.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Fossil fuel emissions versus zero emissions explained
2.0 M
Q8
Find Out & Write • Environmental Observation
In Chapter 6 ('Living in Harmony'), what key natural elements or community roles are highlighted? List three observations.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Observations:
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
1. Interdependence: Plants, animals, and humans depend closely on each other for food, oxygen, and shelter.
2. Community Helpers: People in our neighbourhood perform essential services (farmers, sanitation workers, doctors, teachers).
3. Resource Conservation: Water, soil, and clean air are precious gifts that must not be polluted or wasted.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Interdependence observed
1 M
Community helpers recognized
1 M
Conservation awareness
1 M
Q9
Discuss & Share • Classroom Activity
Discuss with your classmates: How does the change of seasons impact the food we eat, clothes we wear, and activities in 'Living in Harmony'?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Seasonal Impact:
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
• Summer: We wear light cotton clothes, drink lots of water and fresh juices, and eat fruits like mangoes and watermelons.
• Winter: We wear warm woollens, enjoy hot soups and nuts, and sit in the sun.
• Monsoon: We use umbrellas and raincoats, and enjoy hot pakoras while taking care to avoid stagnant water.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Summer adaptations
1 M
Winter adaptations
1 M
Monsoon adaptations
1 M
Q10
Think & Reflect • Environmental Care
What simple daily action can you and your family take to reduce waste and protect nature as suggested in 'Living in Harmony'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Daily Actions:
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
1. Segregate Waste: Keep green dustbins for wet biodegradable kitchen waste and blue dustbins for dry recyclable plastic/paper.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Carry cloth bags for vegetable shopping and refill reusable steel water bottles.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Waste segregation explained
1 M
Avoiding single-use plastics
1 M
Q11
Activity • Classification & Grouping
Classify the following items into Living Things and Non-Living Things: Neem tree, School bus, Butterfly, River stone, Honeybee, Wooden table.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Classification:
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
• Living Things: Neem tree, Butterfly, Honeybee (they breathe, grow, and reproduce).
• Non-Living Things: School bus, River stone, Wooden table (they do not grow or breathe).
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Non-living things identified correctly
1.5 M
Q12
Field Exploration • Plants in Neighbourhood
Look closely at leaves of different plants around your school. How do they differ from one another in shape, colour, and texture?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Leaf Observations:
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
• Shape: Banana leaves are broad and long, peepal leaves have a pointed tip, and pine needles are thin and pointy.
• Colour: Leaves vary from light yellow-green to dark emerald green, and some crotons have red or purple spots.
• Texture: Lotus leaves feel waxy, rose leaves feel soft with serrated margins, and hibiscus leaves feel slightly rough.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Difference in shape
1 M
Difference in colour
1 M
Difference in texture
1 M
Q13
Health & Hygiene • Good Habits
Why must we wash our hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet? Describe the correct 6-step method.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Importance & Method:
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
• Washing with soap removes invisible disease-causing germs and bacteria.
• Steps: Wet hands, apply soap, rub palms together, wash backs of hands, clean between fingers and under nails, rinse thoroughly under running water, and dry with a clean towel.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Reason for washing hands
1 M
Steps described
1 M
Q14
Water Conservation • Every Drop Counts
List three practical ways to save drinking water at home and in school.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Water Saving Ways:
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
1. Turn off the tap tightly while brushing teeth instead of letting water run.
2. Use a bucket and mug for bathing rather than a shower.
3. Pour leftover water from drinking bottles into plant pots instead of draining it away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three valid water conservation methods
3 M
Q15
Animal Empathy • Coexistence
How can we help birds and stray animals during the hot summer season?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Helping Summer Animals:
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
• Place an earthen clay bowl filled with clean fresh water on the terrace, balcony, or under a tree for thirsty birds.
• Keep a bowl of water in the shade outside the house for community dogs and cats.
• Never disturb bird nests or throw stones at sleeping animals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clay water bowls for birds
1 M
Kind treatment and shade
1 M
Q16
Community Living • Festivals and Food
Name two traditional Indian festivals and describe the special food items prepared and shared during these celebrations.
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Festivals and Traditional Foods:
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
1. Eid: Families prepare and share sweet Sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding) and biryani with neighbours.
2. Holi: People celebrate spring by sharing traditional Gujiyas and refreshing thandai.
3. Diwali: Families distribute homemade Laddoos, kaju katli, and savoury namkeens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Two festivals named with corresponding special food
2 M
Q17
Review Questions • True or False
State True or False:
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
[3 Marks]
(a) Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during daytime.
(b) Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
(c) Burning dry leaves and plastic in open air keeps the environment healthy.
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Answers:
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
• (a) True: Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
• (b) True: Rainwater harvesting replenishes groundwater.
• (c) False: Burning releases toxic smoke and causes severe air pollution. Dry leaves should be composted into organic manure.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
True, True, False with explanations
3 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Urban Wildlife Conflict: The Glass Window Hazard
A newly built glass office building in town reports that dozens of sunbirds and kingfishers crash into the clear glass facade every week because the glass reflects surrounding trees and blue sky like an open path.
Analytical Task: How can the building management and local children solve this hazard to live in harmony with urban birds?
Evaluation & Model Answer:
The bird collision problem occurs because birds perceive the glass reflection as continuous sky or foliage. To eliminate this hazard: (1) Apply frosted, patterned, or silhouette stickers (such as falcon decals or dense dot arrays spaced 5 cm apart) on external window panes so birds recognize a barrier. (2) Install outdoor blinds or lightweight nylon netting. (3) Turn off unnecessary bright internal lights at night to prevent disorienting migratory birds.
Rubric: Understanding reflection hazards, practical non-invasive deterrents (window decals, netting), compassionate architectural ethics (4 Marks).