NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us / EVS • Classic CBSE Track

Chapter 1: Super Senses

Animal Senses, Communication, Sensory Adaptations, Tiger Conservation & Sanctuaries | CBSE Session 2026–27

Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
  • Animals have amazing senses: sights, sounds, smells, and taste far exceeding human capabilities.
  • Ants leave behind a chemical scent (pheromones) to guide other ants in a continuous single file.
  • Silk moth can detect its female partner from many kilometres away by her distinct scent.
  • Dogs mark their own territory with urine and faeces; they sniff out intruders by their scent.
  • Birds have eyes on opposite sides of their heads, giving them wide panoramic vision; birds like eagles and kites can see 4 times further than humans.
  • Night animals like owls and bats see mostly in black and white.
  • Tigers possess acute hearing (rotating ears), night vision 6 times sharper than humans, and sensitive whiskers that detect minute vibrations in air.
  • National Parks like Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand) and Ghana (Bharatpur, Rajasthan) protect endangered species from hunting and poaching.
Sensory Capabilities in the Animal Kingdom 🦅 Eagle / Kite Super Vision (4x human) 🐜 Ant / Silkworm Pheromone scent trail 🦇 Bat / Dolphin High-frequency echolocation 🐅 Royal Tiger Sensitive whiskers & night sight

All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)

100% Complete Ingestion
Q1 Textbook Exercise
How did the ant recognize its friend and identify that other ants did not belong to its own group?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Ants identify their group members primarily through their extraordinary sense of smell. As ants walk, they secrete specific chemical substances called pheromones on the ground. Each colony has a distinct chemical signature. When an unfamiliar ant approaches, the guard ant uses its antennae (feelers) to detect the scent and immediately recognizes whether the newcomer belongs to its own nest or is an outsider.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Mention of chemical scent / pheromones 1 Mark
Role of antennae as sensory smell organs 1 Mark
Explanation of distinct colony scent recognition 1 Mark
Q2 Textbook Exercise
Why do dogs sniff everywhere along the road? What does a dog deduce by sniffing another dog's urine or faeces?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Dogs mark out their own territory on streets by urinating or defecating at specific posts, poles, and corners. A dog can instantly deduce whether another dog has entered its territory by sniffing the scent left in urine and faeces. The scent reveals whether the intruder is a male or female, familiar or a stranger, and how recently it passed through that area.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Concept of territorial marking by urination/defecation 1 Mark
Identification of intruder via scent detection 1 Mark
Information extracted (gender, freshness, familiarity) 1 Mark
Q3 Textbook Exercise
Most birds have their eyes fixed on opposite sides of their heads. How does this eye placement help them, and why do they frequently move their necks?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Because most birds have eyes positioned on opposite sides of their heads, their eyes can focus on two completely different objects simultaneously, providing a wide panoramic field of view to spot predators and food. However, because their eyeballs cannot rotate within their sockets (they are fixed), birds must turn their whole head and neck to look directly in front or focus closely on a single object.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Wide panoramic vision covering two directions 1.5 Marks
Fixed eyeballs requiring neck movement to change focal angle 1.5 Marks
Q4 Textbook Exercise
Name five animals whose ears can be seen clearly and five animals whose ears are hidden under feathers or skin.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
  • Animals with visible external ears (pinnae): Elephant, Cow, Dog, Cat, Horse, Deer, Rabbit.
  • Animals with hidden ears (internal ear holes): Snake (feels vibrations through the ground), Lizard, Pigeon, Sparrow, Crocodile, Crow.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Accurate list of 5 animals with visible pinnae 1.5 Marks
Accurate list of 5 animals with hidden ear holes 1.5 Marks
Q5 Textbook Exercise
How does a tiger use its different senses (whiskers, ears, night vision) to hunt efficiently in the wild?
[5 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The tiger is one of the most alert predators on Earth due to its integrated super senses:
  1. Sensitive Whiskers (Vibrissae): The whiskers are extremely sensitive to air movements and vibrations. They help the tiger navigate safely in complete pitch darkness and locate hidden prey moving through grass.
  2. Acute Directional Hearing: A tiger's ears can rotate independently in different directions to catch the faintest sound from far away. It can distinguish between the rustling of leaves and an animal walking on grass.
  3. Super Night Vision: A tiger's night vision is six times sharper than human night vision, allowing it to ambush prey seamlessly after dusk.
  4. Roar Communication: A tiger's roar can be heard up to 3 kilometres away.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sensory role of whiskers in vibration detection 1.5 Marks
Rotational ears and sound distinction capability 1.5 Marks
6x sharper night vision than humans 1 Mark
Summary of predatory efficiency and territory calls 1 Mark
Q6 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q7 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q8 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q9 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q10 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q11 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q12 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q13 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q14 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q15 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q16 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q17 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q18 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q19 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q20 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q21 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q22 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • Super Senses
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'Super Senses', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In Super Senses, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study

Wildlife Conservation & Anti-Poaching Framework

Due to poaching for tiger skins, bones, and elephant tusks, wild animal populations experienced steep declines. In response, the Government of India declared several forested regions as protected National Parks and Sanctuaries where human interference, hunting, and grazing are strictly prohibited.

Analytical Task: Name two renowned National Parks in India and explain why the government strictly prohibits hunting and woodcutting within their core boundaries.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Two famous National Parks in India are: 1. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand (India's oldest national park, famous for Bengal Tigers). 2. Kaziranga National Park in Assam (famous for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros). Reasons for strict legal prohibition: - Protection from Extinction: Poachers kill tigers for their skins, claws, and bones, and elephants for their ivory tusks. Strict laws prevent species extinction. - Preserving Ecological Balance: If apex predators like tigers disappear, herbivore populations explode, destroying vegetation and collapsing the food web. - Habitat Restoration: Tree cutting degrades the natural ecosystem that wild animals depend on for breeding, shelter, and water.
Rubric: 2 Marks for naming National Parks + 3 Marks for ecological and anti-poaching rationale = 5 Marks