CLASS 7 SCIENCE DEFINITIONS

1. HEAT
Heat – Heat is a form of energy that flows from a body at higher temperature to a body at lower temperature
due to the difference in temperature.

Temperature – Temperature is the measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a body.

Thermometer – A thermometer is an instrument used to measure the temperature of a body.

Clinical Thermometer – A clinical thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the human body.

Laboratory Thermometer – A laboratory thermometer is used to measure the temperature of substances in

scientific experiments.

Conduction – Conduction is the transfer of heat from the hotter part of a body to the colder part without the
movement of particles of the medium.

Convection – Convection is the transfer of heat in liquids and gases by the movement of their particles from
one place to another.

Convection Currents – Convection currents are the circular movements of particles in liquids and gases
caused due to heating.

Radiation – Radiation is the transfer of heat from one body to another without the help of any material
medium.

Conductors of Heat – Materials that allow heat to pass through them easily are called conductors of heat.

Insulators (Bad Conductors) – Materials that do not allow heat to pass through them easily are called
insulators or bad conductors.

Sea Breeze – Sea breeze is the movement of cool air from the sea towards the land during the day.

Land Breeze – Land breeze is the movement of air from land towards the sea during the night.

2. ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

Acid – An acid is a substance that is sour in taste and turns blue litmus paper red.

Base – A base is a substance that is bitter in taste and feels soapy to touch.

Alkali – An alkali is a base that dissolves in water.

Indicator – An indicator is a substance that changes its colour in the presence of acids or bases.

Natural Indicator – Indicators obtained from natural sources such as plants are called natural indicators.
Litmus – Litmus is a natural indicator obtained from lichens that changes colour in acids and bases.

China Rose Indicator – China rose indicator is obtained from china rose petals and changes colour in
acidic and basic solutions.

Turmeric Indicator – Turmeric is a natural indicator that changes its colour in the presence of bases.

Neutralisation – The reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water is called neutralisation.

Salt – A salt is the substance formed when an acid reacts with a base in a neutralisation reaction.

3. RESPIRATION IN ORGANISMS
Respiration – Respiration is the process in which food is broken down in the cells of an organism to release
energy.

Breathing – Breathing is the process of inhaling oxygen-rich air and exhaling carbon dioxide-rich air.

Aerobic Respiration – Aerobic respiration is the breakdown of food in the presence of oxygen to release
energy.

Anaerobic Respiration – Anaerobic respiration is the breakdown of food in the absence of oxygen to
release energy.

Respiration Rate – Respiration rate is the number of breaths taken by a person in one minute.

Trachea (Windpipe) – The trachea is the tube that carries air from the nose to the lungs.

Lungs – Lungs are the main respiratory organs in humans where exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
occurs.

Diaphragm – The diaphragm is a muscular sheet below the lungs that helps in breathing.

Spiracles – Spiracles are small openings on the body of insects through which air enters and leaves the
body.

Gills – Gills are the respiratory organs in fish that help them breathe in water.

Yeast – Yeast is a microscopic organism that carries out anaerobic respiration.

4. TRANSPORTATION IN ANIMALS AND

PLANTS
Circulatory System – The circulatory system is the system that transports blood, nutrients, oxygen and
waste materials throughout the body.

Blood – Blood is a fluid connective tissue that transports substances such as oxygen, nutrients, hormones
and wastes in the body.
Blood Vessels – Blood vessels are tube-like structures through which blood flows throughout the body.

Arteries – Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to different parts of the
body.

Veins – Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from body parts back to the heart.

Capillaries – Capillaries are very thin blood vessels that connect arteries and veins and allow exchange of
substances between blood and cells.

Heart – The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Pulse – Pulse is the rhythmic beating of arteries caused by the pumping of the heart.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Red blood cells are blood cells that carry oxygen to different parts of the body.

White Blood Cells (WBCs) – White blood cells protect the body from infections and diseases.

Platelets – Platelets are blood components that help in clotting of blood.

Excretion – Excretion is the process of removing waste substances from the body.

Xylem – Xylem is the plant tissue that transports water and minerals from the roots to other parts of the
plant.

Phloem – Phloem is the plant tissue that transports food from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Transpiration – Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of water vapour through
stomata.

Stomata – Stomata are tiny pores present on the surface of leaves that allow exchange of gases.

5. ELECTRIC CURRENT AND ITS EFFECTS

Electric Current – Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Electric Circuit – An electric circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows.

Switch – A switch is a device used to open or close an electric circuit.

Electric Cell – An electric cell is a device that produces electricity from chemical energy.

Battery – A battery is a combination of two or more electric cells connected together.

Heating Effect of Electric Current – The production of heat when electric current passes through a
conductor is called the heating effect of electric current.

Electric Fuse – An electric fuse is a safety device that protects electric circuits from damage due to
excessive current.

Filament – Filament is the thin wire inside an electric bulb that glows when electric current passes through
it.
Electromagnet – An electromagnet is a temporary magnet produced when electric current passes through a
coil of wire wound around an iron core.

Short Circuit – Short circuit occurs when current flows through an unintended path with very low
resistance.

6. REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Reproduction – Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce new individuals of their
own kind.

Sexual Reproduction – Sexual reproduction is the process in which male and female gametes fuse to form
a new organism.

Asexual Reproduction – Asexual reproduction is the production of new plants from a single parent without
the formation of seeds.

Pollination – Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.

Fertilisation – Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Germination – Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant under suitable
conditions.

Vegetative Propagation – Vegetative propagation is a type of asexual reproduction in which new plants
grow from vegetative parts such as roots, stems or leaves.

Cutting – Cutting is a method of vegetative propagation in which a part of the plant stem is used to grow a
new plant.

Layering – Layering is a method of vegetative propagation in which a branch of a plant is bent and covered
with soil to produce a new plant.

Budding – Budding is a type of asexual reproduction in which a new organism develops as a bud on the
parent organism.

Spore – Spores are tiny reproductive structures that can develop into new plants.

CLASS 7 SCIENCE
ANSWER SHEET (Q1–Q20)
HEAT
1. What is heat?

Heat is a form of energy that flows from a body at higher temperature to a body at lower temperature due to
the difference in temperature between them. Heat always flows from a hotter object to a colder object until
both objects reach the same temperature. Heat can be transferred in three ways: conduction, convection and
radiation.

2. What is temperature?

Temperature is the measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a body. It tells us how hot or cold an
object is. Temperature is measured with the help of a thermometer and is usually expressed in degrees
Celsius (°C).

3. What is a thermometer?

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. It works on the principle that liquids such as
mercury expand when heated and contract when cooled. The rise or fall of the liquid in the narrow tube
indicates the temperature.

4. What is the difference between a clinical thermometer and a laboratory thermometer?

A clinical thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the human body. Its temperature range is
usually from 35°C to 42°C and it contains a kink to prevent the mercury from falling back quickly.

A laboratory thermometer is used in scientific experiments to measure the temperature of substances. Its
range is usually −10°C to 110°C and it does not contain a kink.

5. Explain conduction with an example.

Conduction is the transfer of heat from the hotter part of a body to the colder part without the movement of
the particles of the medium. In conduction, heat is transferred through direct contact between particles.

For example, when one end of a metal rod is heated, the other end also becomes hot after some time. This
happens because heat travels through the metal rod by conduction.

6. Explain convection with an example.

Convection is the transfer of heat in liquids and gases by the actual movement of particles from one place to
another.

For example, when water is heated in a pot, the water at the bottom gets heated first and becomes lighter. It
rises upward while the cooler water moves down to take its place. This movement creates convection
currents that transfer heat throughout the water.
7. Explain radiation with an example.

Radiation is the transfer of heat from one body to another without the help of any material medium. Heat is
transferred through electromagnetic waves.

For example, the heat of the Sun reaches the Earth through radiation because there is no medium like air in
space between the Sun and the Earth.

8. What are conductors and insulators? Give examples.

Conductors are materials that allow heat to pass through them easily. Metals such as copper, aluminium and
iron are good conductors of heat.

Insulators are materials that do not allow heat to pass through them easily. Materials like wood, plastic,
rubber and wool are examples of insulators.

9. Explain sea breeze and land breeze.

Sea breeze occurs during the daytime when land gets heated faster than the sea. The warm air above the land
rises and cooler air from the sea moves towards the land. This movement of air from sea to land is called sea
breeze.

Land breeze occurs at night when the land cools faster than the sea. The warmer air above the sea rises and
cooler air from the land moves towards the sea. This movement of air from land to sea is called land breeze.

10. Why do woollen clothes keep us warm in winter?

Woollen clothes keep us warm because wool is a poor conductor of heat and it traps air in the spaces
between its fibres. Air is also a bad conductor of heat. The trapped air prevents the heat from escaping from
our body to the surroundings, thus keeping us warm.

11. Why are cooking utensils made of metals?

Cooking utensils are made of metals because metals are good conductors of heat. They allow heat to pass
quickly from the flame to the food, which helps the food to cook faster and evenly.

12. Why are the handles of cooking utensils made of plastic or wood?

The handles of cooking utensils are made of plastic or wood because these materials are poor conductors of
heat. They do not allow heat to pass through them easily, which prevents our hands from getting burned
while holding the utensil.

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

13. What are acids? Give two examples.

Acids are substances that are sour in taste and turn blue litmus paper red. They can react with bases to form
salt and water in a neutralisation reaction.

Examples of acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, lemon juice and vinegar.

14. What are bases? Give two examples.

Bases are substances that are bitter in taste and feel soapy to touch. They turn red litmus paper blue and react
with acids to form salt and water.

Examples of bases include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

15. What are alkalis?

Alkalis are bases that dissolve in water. All alkalis are bases, but all bases are not alkalis because some bases
do not dissolve in water.

Examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

16. What is an indicator? Name two natural indicators.

An indicator is a substance that changes its colour in the presence of an acidic or basic substance. Indicators
help us identify whether a solution is acidic or basic.

Two natural indicators are litmus and turmeric.

17. Explain the change in colour of litmus in acids and bases.

Litmus is a natural indicator obtained from lichens. In an acidic solution, blue litmus paper turns red. In a
basic solution, red litmus paper turns blue. This colour change helps us identify whether a substance is
acidic or basic.

18. What happens when turmeric indicator is added to a base?

Turmeric is a natural indicator that is yellow in colour. When turmeric comes in contact with a base, its
colour changes from yellow to reddish-brown. However, turmeric does not change colour in acidic
solutions.

19. What is neutralisation reaction? Give an example.

A neutralisation reaction is the reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water.
For example, when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, they form sodium chloride (salt) and
water.

20. Write two uses of neutralisation in daily life.

1. Indigestion – Antacids are used to neutralise excess acid in the stomach and relieve indigestion.
2. Treatment of insect stings – A baking soda solution is used to neutralise the acid in an ant sting.

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

21. Why should acids and bases be handled carefully?

Acids and bases should be handled carefully because many of them are corrosive in nature. Corrosive
substances can damage materials and cause burns on the skin. If strong acids or bases come in contact with
skin, eyes or clothes, they may cause serious injury. Therefore, while working with acids and bases in
laboratories, safety measures such as wearing gloves and using proper containers should be followed.

22. What happens when an acid reacts with a base?

When an acid reacts with a base, a neutralisation reaction takes place. In this reaction, the acidic nature of
the acid and the basic nature of the base cancel each other. As a result, salt and water are formed. This
reaction is called neutralisation.

For example:
Hydrochloric acid + Sodium hydroxide → Sodium chloride + Water

RESPIRATION IN ORGANISMS
23. What is respiration?

Respiration is the process by which food is broken down in the cells of living organisms to release energy.
This energy is used by the body to perform various life activities such as movement, growth and repair of
tissues. During respiration, oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product.

24. What is breathing?

Breathing is the physical process by which air moves in and out of the lungs. During breathing, oxygen-rich
air is inhaled into the lungs and carbon dioxide-rich air is exhaled out of the lungs. Breathing helps in
supplying oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.
25. What is the difference between breathing and respiration?

Breathing is the physical process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide through the lungs. It takes
place in the respiratory organs such as the nose, trachea and lungs.

Respiration is the chemical process that takes place in the cells of the body where food is broken down using
oxygen to release energy. Thus, breathing helps in supplying oxygen, while respiration releases energy from
food.

26. What is aerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration is the process of breaking down food in the presence of oxygen to release energy. In this
process, oxygen is used to completely break down glucose and produce carbon dioxide, water and energy.
Aerobic respiration occurs in most plants and animals.

27. What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is the breakdown of food in the absence of oxygen to release energy. In this process,
less energy is produced compared to aerobic respiration. Anaerobic respiration occurs in some
microorganisms such as yeast and also in human muscles during heavy physical exercise.

28. Explain respiration in fish.

Fish breathe with the help of gills. Gills are special respiratory organs present on both sides of the head.
When fish take water into their mouth, the water passes over the gills. Oxygen dissolved in water is
absorbed by the blood in the gills and carbon dioxide is released into the water. This process allows fish to
obtain oxygen from water.

29. Explain respiration in insects.

Insects breathe through small openings on their body called spiracles. These spiracles are connected to a
network of air tubes called tracheae. Air enters through the spiracles and travels through the tracheal tubes
to different parts of the body. Oxygen reaches the body cells and carbon dioxide is removed through the
same tubes.

30. What is the role of diaphragm in breathing?

The diaphragm is a muscular sheet located below the lungs. It plays an important role in breathing.

When we inhale, the diaphragm moves downward and the chest cavity expands, allowing the lungs to fill
with air. When we exhale, the diaphragm moves upward and the chest cavity becomes smaller, pushing air
out of the lungs.
31. Why do we breathe faster during exercise?

During exercise, our muscles work harder and require more energy. To produce this extra energy, the cells
need more oxygen. As a result, the breathing rate increases so that more oxygen can be supplied to the body
and more carbon dioxide can be removed.

32. What is respiration rate?

Respiration rate is the number of breaths taken by a person in one minute. A single breath includes one
inhalation and one exhalation. The respiration rate may vary depending on factors such as age, health and
physical activity.

TRANSPORTATION IN ANIMALS AND

PLANTS
33. What is the circulatory system?

The circulatory system is the system in the human body that transports blood, oxygen, nutrients and waste
materials to different parts of the body. It mainly consists of the heart, blood and blood vessels. The heart
pumps blood, blood vessels carry the blood and blood transports substances throughout the body.

34. What are the functions of blood?

Blood performs several important functions in the body:

1. It transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells.

2. It carries nutrients from the digestive system to different parts of the body.
3. It transports waste materials such as carbon dioxide to the lungs for removal.
4. It helps protect the body from infections.

35. Name the components of blood and their functions.

Blood has four main components:

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
White Blood Cells (WBCs) – Protect the body against infections and diseases.
Platelets – Help in clotting of blood during injury.
Plasma – The liquid part of blood that transports nutrients, hormones and waste materials.

36. What are arteries, veins and capillaries?

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to different parts of the body.

Veins are blood vessels that carry carbon dioxide-rich blood from the body back to the heart.
Capillaries are very thin blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They allow the exchange of oxygen,
nutrients and waste materials between blood and body cells.

37. What is the function of the heart?

The heart is a muscular organ that acts as a pump. Its main function is to pump blood throughout the body.
The heart continuously pumps oxygenated blood to all body parts and brings back deoxygenated blood to
the lungs for purification.

38. What is pulse?

Pulse is the rhythmic beating or expansion of arteries caused by the pumping action of the heart. Each time
the heart beats, blood is pushed into the arteries, causing them to expand. The pulse can be felt at places
such as the wrist and neck.

39. What is excretion?

Excretion is the process of removing waste products from the body. During various life processes, harmful
substances such as carbon dioxide, urea and excess water are produced. These waste materials must be
removed from the body to maintain proper functioning.

40. Name the organs involved in excretion in humans.

The organs involved in excretion in humans include:

 Kidneys – filter waste from the blood and produce urine

 Ureters – tubes that carry urine from kidneys to the urinary bladder
 Urinary bladder – stores urine temporarily
 Urethra – tube through which urine is expelled from the body

TRANSPORTATION IN ANIMALS AND

PLANTS
41. What is transpiration in plants?

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose excess water in the form of water vapour from their leaves.
This loss of water mainly occurs through tiny pores present on the surface of leaves called stomata.
Transpiration helps in cooling the plant, maintaining the flow of water and minerals from roots to leaves and
keeping the plant healthy.
42. What are xylem and phloem?

Xylem and phloem are special tissues present in plants that help in the transportation of substances.

Xylem is responsible for carrying water and minerals from the roots to the stems, leaves and other parts of
the plant.

Phloem transports food prepared in the leaves during photosynthesis to all parts of the plant such as roots,
stems and fruits.

These tissues together form the transport system of plants.

43. Why is transpiration important for plants?

Transpiration plays an important role in plants for several reasons:

1. It helps in the transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves.

2. It helps in cooling the plant during hot weather.
3. It maintains the balance of water in plant cells.
4. It helps in maintaining the continuous flow of water inside the plant.

ELECTRIC CURRENT AND ITS EFFECTS

44. What is electric current?

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. When electric charges move through a
wire or any conducting material, electric current is produced. Electric current is used to operate many
electrical devices such as bulbs, fans, heaters and televisions.

45. What is an electric circuit?

An electric circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows. It usually consists of a power source
such as a cell or battery, connecting wires, and electrical devices such as bulbs or motors. If the circuit is
broken or open, the current cannot flow.

46. What is a switch?

A switch is an electrical device used to open or close an electric circuit. When the switch is turned on, the
circuit becomes complete and electric current flows through it. When the switch is turned off, the circuit is
broken and the current stops flowing.
47. What is an electric cell?

An electric cell is a device that produces electricity from chemical energy. It contains chemicals that react
with each other to produce electric current. Electric cells are used in devices such as torches, clocks and
remote controls.

48. What is a battery?

A battery is a combination of two or more electric cells connected together. Batteries provide a larger
amount of electrical energy and are commonly used in devices such as mobile phones, cars and electronic
gadgets.

49. Explain the heating effect of electric current.

When electric current passes through a conductor, the conductor becomes hot and produces heat. This
phenomenon is called the heating effect of electric current.

This effect is used in many electrical appliances such as electric irons, heaters, electric kettles and toasters
where heat is required for their operation.

50. What is an electric fuse?

An electric fuse is a safety device used in electric circuits to protect appliances from damage due to
excessive current. It consists of a thin wire made of a metal with a low melting point.

If too much current flows through the circuit, the fuse wire melts and breaks the circuit, thereby stopping the
flow of current and preventing damage.

51. Why is an electric fuse used in circuits?

An electric fuse is used to protect electrical appliances and circuits from damage caused by excessive
electric current. When the current becomes too high due to overloading or short circuit, the fuse wire melts
and breaks the circuit. This stops the flow of electricity and prevents fire hazards and damage to electrical
devices.

52. What is an electromagnet?

An electromagnet is a temporary magnet produced when electric current passes through a coil of wire
wound around an iron core. When current flows through the wire, the iron core becomes magnetised and
acts like a magnet.

When the current stops, the magnetism also disappears. Electromagnets are used in many electrical devices.
53. Write two uses of electromagnets.

Electromagnets have many practical uses, such as:

1. They are used in electric bells and electric motors.

2. They are used in cranes to lift heavy iron and steel objects in factories and scrapyards.

54. What happens when current passes through the filament of a bulb?

The filament of an electric bulb is made of a very thin wire called tungsten. When electric current passes
through this filament, it gets heated to a very high temperature and begins to glow, producing light. This
happens due to the heating effect of electric current.

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
55. What is reproduction?

Reproduction is the biological process by which living organisms produce new individuals of their own
kind. It is an essential life process that ensures the continuation of a species from one generation to another.

56. What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female reproductive cells called gametes to produce a
new organism. This type of reproduction usually involves two parents.

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and does not require the formation or fusion of gametes. The
new organism produced is usually identical to the parent.

57. What is pollination?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male part of a flower) to the stigma (female part
of a flower). Pollination is an important step in the process of reproduction in flowering plants.

58. What are the types of pollination?

There are two main types of pollination:

Self-pollination – When pollen grains from the anther of a flower fall on the stigma of the same flower or
another flower on the same plant.

Cross-pollination – When pollen grains are transferred from the anther of a flower of one plant to the
stigma of a flower of another plant of the same species.
59. What is fertilisation?

Fertilisation is the process in which the male gamete present in the pollen grain fuses with the female gamete
present in the ovule of a flower. This fusion results in the formation of a zygote, which later develops into a
seed.

60. What is germination?

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant under suitable conditions. For
germination to occur, seeds require proper conditions such as water, oxygen and suitable temperature.
During germination, the embryo inside the seed begins to grow and forms a young plant.

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
61. What conditions are necessary for germination?

For germination to occur, seeds require certain favourable conditions:

1. Water – Seeds absorb water which helps them swell and activates the embryo inside the seed.
2. Oxygen – Oxygen is required for respiration so that the seed can obtain energy for growth.
3. Suitable temperature – Proper temperature is necessary for the growth and development of the
embryo.

When these conditions are available, the seed begins to grow and develops into a new plant.

62. What is vegetative propagation?

Vegetative propagation is a type of asexual reproduction in plants in which new plants grow from the
vegetative parts of the parent plant such as roots, stems or leaves instead of seeds. The new plants produced
are similar to the parent plant.

Examples of plants that reproduce by vegetative propagation include potato, sugarcane, rose and money
plant.

63. Explain vegetative propagation by cutting.

Vegetative propagation by cutting is a method in which a piece of the stem of a plant is cut and planted in
soil. After some time, the cut stem develops roots and grows into a new plant.

Plants such as rose, hibiscus and sugarcane can be grown using this method.
64. Explain vegetative propagation by layering.

Layering is a method of vegetative propagation in which a branch of a plant is bent down and covered with
soil while still attached to the parent plant. After some time, roots develop from the covered part of the
branch. The branch is then cut from the parent plant and grows as a new independent plant.

This method is commonly used in plants like jasmine and bougainvillea.

65. What is budding?

Budding is a type of asexual reproduction in which a small outgrowth called a bud develops on the body of
the parent organism. The bud gradually grows and eventually separates from the parent to form a new
organism.

This method of reproduction occurs in organisms such as yeast.

66. What is spore formation?

Spore formation is a type of asexual reproduction in which tiny reproductive structures called spores are
produced. These spores are very light and can be easily carried by air. When they land in suitable conditions,
they grow into new plants.

Spore formation occurs in organisms such as fungi, mosses and ferns.

EXTRA VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

67. Name the three modes of heat transfer.

The three modes of heat transfer are:

1. Conduction – Transfer of heat through direct contact of particles in solids.

2. Convection – Transfer of heat through the movement of particles in liquids and gases.
3. Radiation – Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without any medium.

68. Why does a black surface absorb more heat?

Black surfaces absorb more heat because dark colours absorb most of the radiation that falls on them. They
do not reflect much heat energy. Therefore, black objects get heated faster than light-coloured objects.

69. Why do doctors use clinical thermometers?

Doctors use clinical thermometers to measure the temperature of the human body. These thermometers are
specially designed with a suitable temperature range for human body temperature and contain a kink that
prevents mercury from falling quickly, allowing the reading to be taken easily.
70. Why does sweat help in cooling the body?

Sweat helps in cooling the body because when sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, it takes away
heat from the body. This loss of heat lowers the body temperature and helps keep the body cool during hot
weather or physical activity.

71. Why is yeast used in baking?

Yeast is used in baking because it carries out anaerobic respiration, producing carbon dioxide gas. The
carbon dioxide gas forms bubbles in the dough, causing it to rise and become soft and fluffy. This makes
bread and cakes light and spongy.

72. Why is blood called a transport medium?

Blood is called a transport medium because it carries various substances from one part of the body to
another. It transports oxygen from the lungs to the body cells, nutrients from the digestive system, hormones
from glands and waste materials such as carbon dioxide to the lungs for removal.

73. Why are valves present in veins?

Valves are present in veins to ensure that blood flows in only one direction towards the heart. They prevent
the backward flow of blood, especially because blood in veins flows at a lower pressure compared to
arteries.

74. Why should we not touch electrical appliances with wet hands?

We should not touch electrical appliances with wet hands because water is a good conductor of electricity. If
our hands are wet, electric current can easily pass through our body, which may cause electric shock and
serious injury.

75. Why is an electric fuse an important safety device?

An electric fuse is an important safety device because it protects electrical circuits and appliances from
damage caused by excessive current. When the current becomes too high, the fuse wire melts and breaks the
circuit, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing accidents such as fire.

76. What is the role of flowers in plant reproduction?

Flowers are the reproductive parts of flowering plants. They contain male and female reproductive organs
that produce gametes. Flowers help in the processes of pollination and fertilisation, which eventually lead
to the formation of seeds and new plants.
77. Why are seeds dispersed?

Seeds are dispersed so that new plants can grow in different places away from the parent plant. This
prevents overcrowding and competition for resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients. Seed dispersal
also helps plants spread to new areas.

78. Name two methods of seed dispersal.

Two common methods of seed dispersal are:

1. By wind – Seeds are carried away by air (e.g., cotton and dandelion).
2. By animals – Seeds are carried by animals or stick to their bodies (e.g., mango and guava).

Other methods include dispersal by water and bursting of fruits.

79. What are stomata?

Stomata are tiny openings or pores present on the surface of leaves. They are surrounded by guard cells and
allow the exchange of gases between the plant and the atmosphere. Through stomata, plants take in carbon
dioxide and release oxygen.

80. Why are stomata important for plants?

Stomata are important because they perform several essential functions:

1. They allow exchange of gases required for photosynthesis and respiration.

2. They help in transpiration, the loss of excess water from the plant.
3. They help maintain the water balance of the plant.