SUMMARY OF “NATURE’S TREASURES” : Class 6 : Science
Nature’s treasures are the valuable resources provided by our environment that support life and make survival possible.
They include air, water, soil, forests, minerals, sunlight, and wildlife.
Air provides oxygen for breathing and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Water is essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and sustaining life.
Soil gives plants minerals and nutrients, and helps grow crops.
Forests are called the "green lungs of the Earth"; they give oxygen, wood, medicines, and shelter for wildlife.
Sunlight is the ultimate source of energy on Earth, necessary for photosynthesis and maintaining the water cycle.
Minerals are used in making tools, machines, buildings, and everyday items.
Wildlife maintains balance in ecosystems and provides food, clothing, and raw materials.
Natural resources are of two types:
Renewable – can be replaced (air, water, forests, soil).
Non-renewable – limited and exhaustible (coal, petroleum, minerals).
Overuse and misuse of resources cause problems like deforestation, pollution, and global warming.
We must conserve nature’s treasures through recycling, afforestation, sustainable use, and reducing pollution.
SHORT QUESTION AND ANSWER
1. Q: What are nature’s treasures?
A: The valuable resources provided by nature like air, water, soil, forests, minerals, and sunlight.
2. Q: Give two examples of renewable resources.
A: Air and water.
3. Q: Give two examples of non-renewable resources.
A: Coal and petroleum.
4. Q: Which gas in air is essential for breathing?
A: Oxygen.
5. Q: Which gas in air is used by plants for photosynthesis?
A: Carbon dioxide.
6. Q: What is called the “green lungs of Earth”?
A: Forests.
7. Q: Which natural resource is the ultimate source of energy?
A: Sunlight.
8. Q: What is the main component of soil that helps plants grow?
A: Minerals and nutrients.
9. Q: What is the main use of water in agriculture?
A: Irrigation of crops.
10. Q: Name two things we get from forests.
A: Wood and medicines.
11. Q: Which natural resource is needed for photosynthesis?
A: Sunlight.
12. Q: Which type of resource can get exhausted if overused?
A: Non-renewable resources.
13. Q: What is afforestation?
A: Planting more trees.
14. Q: Name one cause of air pollution.
A: Smoke from vehicles.
15. Q: Name one cause of water pollution.
A: Industrial waste.
16. Q: What is conservation?
A: The careful and sustainable use of natural resources.
17. Q: Which natural resource is called the “elixir of life”?
A: Water.
18. Q: Which mineral is used for making wires?
A: Copper.
19. Q: Which mineral is used in making cement?
A: Limestone.
20. Q: Which energy resource is formed from dead plants and animals?
A: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum).
21. Q: Which natural resource controls the climate of Earth?
A: Air (atmosphere).
22. Q: What is the main use of sunlight for plants?
A: Photosynthesis.
23. Q: Which type of resource is coal?
A: Non-renewable.
24. Q: Which type of resource is soil?
A: Renewable.
25. Q: What is global warming mainly caused by?
A: Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
26. Q: What is the importance of forests in rainfall?
A: Forests help in bringing rain.
27. Q: Name two wildlife resources.
A: Animals and birds.
28. Q: Which natural resource provides shelter to animals?
A: Forests.
29. Q: Which mineral is used for making jewellery?
A: Gold.
30. Q: Which resource helps in the water cycle?
A: Sunlight.
31. Q: What type of resource is wind?
A: Renewable.
32. Q: Which energy resource is clean and non-polluting?
A: Solar energy.
33. Q: Which resource forms soil?
A: Rocks (after weathering).
34. Q: Why are minerals important?
A: They are used in industries and daily life products.
35. Q: Which human activity causes deforestation?
A: Cutting trees for wood and farming.
36. Q: Which natural resource is needed for respiration?
A: Oxygen.
37. Q: What is the importance of wildlife?
A: It maintains ecological balance.
38. Q: Which natural resource is used for hydroelectric power?
A: Water.
39. Q: Which gas forms 78% of the atmosphere?
A: Nitrogen.
40. Q: How can we conserve natural resources?
A: By recycling, reducing pollution, and planting trees.
LONG QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Q: What are natural resources? Explain their types with examples.
A: Natural resources are materials provided by nature that are useful to humans, animals, and plants. They are of two types: (i) Renewable resources – which can be replaced naturally, like air, water, soil, sunlight, and forests. (ii) Non-renewable resources – which are limited and can get exhausted, like coal, petroleum, and minerals.
2. Q: Explain the importance of air in our life.
A: Air is a vital natural resource. It provides oxygen for respiration in humans and animals, carbon dioxide for photosynthesis in plants, and nitrogen for plant growth. The atmosphere also controls Earth’s climate, protects us from harmful rays of the sun, and helps in rainfall and water cycle.
3. Q: Why is water called the ‘elixir of life’?
A: Water is called the elixir of life because no living organism can survive without it. It is essential for drinking, agriculture, industries, cooking, cleaning, and transport. It is also necessary for photosynthesis in plants, for aquatic animals, and for maintaining balance in nature.
4. Q: Discuss the importance of forests.
A: Forests are called the “green lungs of Earth.” They give oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, provide wood, medicines, fruits, and shelter for wildlife. Forests also bring rainfall, prevent soil erosion, and maintain ecological balance. Cutting forests leads to pollution, floods, and global warming.
5. Q: Explain the importance of soil as a natural resource.
A: Soil is an important renewable resource. It provides minerals, nutrients, and water for plants to grow. It supports agriculture, forests, and habitats for many organisms. Soil is also used in making pottery, bricks, and construction materials. Without soil, food production would not be possible.
6. Q: Describe the role of sunlight as a natural resource.
A: Sunlight is the ultimate source of energy on Earth. It is necessary for photosynthesis in plants, which forms the base of the food chain. Sunlight also maintains the water cycle, provides warmth, helps in vitamin D formation, and is used in solar energy for cooking and electricity.
7. Q: What are minerals? Explain their importance with examples.
A: Minerals are natural substances found in the earth’s crust. They are non-renewable. Minerals like coal and petroleum are used as fuels. Iron, copper, and aluminium are used in industries and construction. Gold and silver are used for jewellery. Limestone is used for cement. Minerals are essential for human progress.
8. Q: Explain the importance of wildlife.
A: Wildlife includes all animals, birds, and other living organisms in nature. They maintain ecological balance by controlling the food chain. They provide food, clothing, medicines, and raw materials. Many animals are useful for farming. Wildlife also attracts tourism and is important for biodiversity.
9. Q: Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.
A: Renewable resources can be replaced naturally and are not likely to get exhausted (e.g., air, water, sunlight, forests). Non-renewable resources are limited and cannot be replaced easily once used up (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals).
10. Q: Why should we conserve natural resources?
A: Conservation is necessary because natural resources are limited. Overuse and misuse can lead to shortage, pollution, and global warming. Conserving resources ensures their availability for future generations, maintains ecological balance, and prevents environmental problems.
11. Q: How do forests help in rainfall and preventing soil erosion?
A: Forests release water vapour into the air which helps in rainfall. Tree roots hold the soil tightly, preventing erosion. Forests also prevent floods by absorbing excess water. Without forests, land becomes dry and infertile.
12. Q: Explain the harmful effects of deforestation.
A: Deforestation leads to loss of oxygen, increase in carbon dioxide, global warming, and climate change. It causes soil erosion, floods, loss of wildlife habitats, and decrease in rainfall. It disturbs the ecological balance and affects human life too.
13. Q: What steps can we take to conserve water?
A: Water can be conserved by rainwater harvesting, reusing wastewater, preventing wastage, repairing leaks, using drip irrigation in farming, avoiding water pollution, and planting trees to maintain the water cycle.
14. Q: How does air pollution affect living beings?
A: Air pollution causes breathing problems, asthma, and lung diseases in humans and animals. It damages crops and plants. Harmful gases cause acid rain and global warming. Pollution of air also destroys the ozone layer, exposing Earth to harmful UV rays.
15. Q: Explain the importance of the water cycle.
A: The water cycle maintains the balance of water on Earth. It involves evaporation, condensation, and rainfall. It helps in bringing rain, supporting agriculture, and recharging groundwater. Without the water cycle, Earth would face droughts and imbalance in nature.
16. Q: Why are fossil fuels called non-renewable resources?
A: Fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are formed from dead plants and animals over millions of years. Once used, they cannot be replaced quickly. They are limited in nature and may exhaust if overused.
17. Q: What are the harmful effects of excessive use of fossil fuels?
A: Burning fossil fuels produces harmful gases like carbon dioxide, causing air pollution and global warming. It leads to acid rain, climate change, and health problems. It also reduces the availability of these limited resources.
18. Q: What is the role of sunlight in the water cycle?
A: Sunlight provides heat for evaporation of water from rivers, lakes, and oceans. This vapour condenses to form clouds, which later give rain. Thus, sunlight is essential for maintaining the water cycle.
19. Q: How are minerals used in our daily life?
A: Minerals are used in making houses (cement, limestone), vehicles (iron, aluminium), electricity (coal, petroleum), cooking gas, jewellery (gold, silver), utensils (steel, copper), and many other materials. They are essential for modern life.
20. Q: What are the causes and effects of water pollution?
A: Causes: industrial waste, sewage, chemicals, plastics, and oil spills. Effects: shortage of clean drinking water, spread of diseases, death of aquatic life, soil infertility, and loss of biodiversity.
21. Q: How can we reduce air pollution?
A: By planting trees, using public transport, reducing use of fossil fuels, using solar or wind energy, controlling industrial emissions, and banning harmful chemicals like CFCs.
22. Q: Why are forests called the “green gold”?
A: Forests are called green gold because they give valuable resources like wood, fruits, medicines, and oxygen. They are as precious as gold for maintaining ecological balance and human survival.
23. Q: Explain the role of animals in ecological balance.
A: Animals maintain the food chain by eating plants and other animals. Herbivores control plant growth, carnivores control herbivores, and decomposers recycle nutrients back into soil. This balance is necessary for the survival of all organisms.
24. Q: What are the uses of nitrogen gas in the atmosphere?
A: Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. It is absorbed by plants in the form of nitrates. Nitrogen is also used in fertilizers, food preservation, and industries.
25. Q: How can we conserve forests?
A: By afforestation, preventing illegal cutting, controlled use of wood, creating awareness, recycling paper, and protecting wildlife.
26. Q: What is the importance of recycling in conserving resources?
A: Recycling reduces waste, prevents overuse of raw materials, saves energy, and decreases pollution. It helps conserve non-renewable resources like metals and fossil fuels.
27. Q: Explain the importance of rainwater harvesting.
A: Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for future use. It helps recharge groundwater, prevents water shortage, and reduces pressure on rivers and lakes.
28. Q: How does soil pollution affect living beings?
A: Soil pollution reduces soil fertility, harms crops, and contaminates food. It also affects microorganisms and groundwater, leading to health problems in humans and animals.
29. Q: Explain the difference between solar energy and fossil fuels.
A: Solar energy is renewable, clean, and unlimited, while fossil fuels are non-renewable, polluting, and limited. Solar energy does not harm the environment, but fossil fuels cause pollution and global warming.
30. Q: Suggest ways in which students can help in conserving natural resources.
A: Students can save water, plant trees, avoid plastic, use public transport, recycle paper, switch off lights and fans when not needed, and spread awareness about conservation of resources.
MCQS
1. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Air
(d) Natural gas
Answer: (c) Air
2. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
(a) Soil
(b) Forest
(c) Petroleum
(d) Water
Answer: (c) Petroleum
3. Which gas is necessary for respiration in animals?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Oxygen
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Hydrogen
Answer: (b) Oxygen
4. Which gas do plants take in during photosynthesis?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Hydrogen
Answer: (b) Carbon dioxide
5. Which resource is known as the “elixir of life”?
(a) Soil
(b) Water
(c) Air
(d) Forest
Answer: (b) Water
6. Which resource is called the “green lungs of Earth”?
(a) Water
(b) Forests
(c) Soil
(d) Minerals
Answer: (b) Forests
7. Which is the ultimate source of energy on Earth?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Sunlight
(d) Wind
Answer: (c) Sunlight
8. Which of these is an example of a fossil fuel?
(a) Coal
(b) Air
(c) Soil
(d) Water
Answer: (a) Coal
9. Which process adds water vapour to the atmosphere?
(a) Condensation
(b) Evaporation
(c) Precipitation
(d) Freezing
Answer: (b) Evaporation
10. What is the main cause of soil erosion?
(a) Rainfall
(b) Deforestation
(c) Irrigation
(d) Afforestation
Answer: (b) Deforestation
11. Which of the following is not a mineral?
(a) Iron
(b) Coal
(c) Aluminium
(d) Gold
Answer: (b) Coal
12. Which mineral is used for making cement?
(a) Coal
(b) Limestone
(c) Iron
(d) Copper
Answer: (b) Limestone
13. Which of the following animals is important for ecological balance?
(a) Tiger
(b) Elephant
(c) Deer
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
14. Which gas makes up the largest part of the Earth’s atmosphere?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Helium
Answer: (c) Nitrogen
15. Which of the following is a use of sunlight?
(a) Photosynthesis
(b) Solar energy
(c) Water cycle
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
16. Which of the following resources can never be exhausted?
(a) Coal
(b) Water
(c) Sunlight
(d) Minerals
Answer: (c) Sunlight
17. Which of the following is caused by deforestation?
(a) Soil erosion
(b) Floods
(c) Loss of wildlife
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
18. Which of the following is used as cooking gas?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) LPG
(d) CNG
Answer: (c) LPG
19. Which process brings rainfall?
(a) Evaporation
(b) Condensation
(c) Infiltration
(d) Freezing
Answer: (b) Condensation
20. Which of the following is not a fossil fuel?
(a) Coal
(b) Solar energy
(c) Natural gas
(d) Petroleum
Answer: (b) Solar energy
21. Which of the following protects Earth from harmful UV rays?
(a) Clouds
(b) Ozone layer
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Rainfall
Answer: (b) Ozone layer
22. Which gas is responsible for global warming?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Helium
Answer: (b) Carbon dioxide
23. Which of these is not a use of forests?
(a) Providing oxygen
(b) Reducing soil erosion
(c) Causing global warming
(d) Providing medicines
Answer: (c) Causing global warming
24. Which of these is an example of renewable energy?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Solar energy
(d) Natural gas
Answer: (c) Solar energy
25. Which of these is used for making jewellery?
(a) Iron and copper
(b) Gold and silver
(c) Coal and petroleum
(d) Aluminium and zinc
Answer: (b) Gold and silver
26. Which is the main source of fresh water on Earth?
(a) Oceans
(b) Seas
(c) Rainfall
(d) Icebergs
Answer: (c) Rainfall
27. Which is called “black gold”?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Natural gas
(d) Minerals
Answer: (b) Petroleum
28. Which is called “green gold”?
(a) Soil
(b) Forests
(c) Air
(d) Water
Answer: (b) Forests
29. What is rainwater harvesting?
(a) Collecting and storing rainwater
(b) Planting trees
(c) Filtering polluted water
(d) Using borewells
Answer: (a) Collecting and storing rainwater
30. Which resource is used for making electricity in thermal power plants?
(a) Solar energy
(b) Wind
(c) Coal
(d) Water
Answer: (c) Coal
31. Which of these is not a natural resource?
(a) Air
(b) Soil
(c) Plastic
(d) Water
Answer: (c) Plastic
32. Which of these causes water pollution?
(a) Planting trees
(b) Oil spills
(c) Rainwater harvesting
(d) Recycling
Answer: (b) Oil spills
33. Which of these helps prevent soil erosion?
(a) Cutting trees
(b) Deforestation
(c) Afforestation
(d) Overgrazing
Answer: (c) Afforestation
34. Which is the most abundant natural resource on Earth?
(a) Air
(b) Water
(c) Soil
(d) Forest
Answer: (a) Air
35. Which of these is not an effect of using fossil fuels?
(a) Global warming
(b) Pollution
(c) Acid rain
(d) Oxygen production
Answer: (d) Oxygen production
