Extra 30 long-answer questions from the "Resources" chapter of Class 8 CBSE Geography:
1. Define resources. What are the different types of resources?
Answer:
Resources are materials or substances that fulfil human needs and have utility.
Types of resources:
Natural Resources
– Found in nature (e.g., forests, air).
Human-Made Resources
– Created by humans (e.g., buildings, machines).
Human Resources
– Knowledge and skills of people (e.g., teachers, engineers).
Renewable Resources
– Can be replenished naturally (e.g., sunlight, water).
Non-Renewable Resources
– Cannot be replaced quickly (e.g., coal, petroleum).
Ubiquitous and Localized Resources
– Ubiquitous (available everywhere, e.g., air), Localized (found in specific places, e.g., gold).
2. Why is the conservation of resources important?
Answer:
Prevents depletion
– Overuse can lead to scarcity of resources.
Ensures sustainability
– Helps future generations access resources.
Maintains ecological balance
– Reduces environmental harm.
Supports economic growth
– Sustainable use benefits industries and livelihoods.
Reduces pollution
– Proper resource use minimizes waste and pollution.
Encourages alternative resources
– Promotes renewable energy use.
3. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer:
|
Feature |
Renewable Resources |
Non-Renewable Resources |
|---|---|---|
|
Availability |
Can be replenished |
Limited and exhaustible |
|
Examples |
Water, solar energy |
Coal, petroleum |
|
Sustainability |
Can be managed sustainably |
Depletes over time |
|
Time to regenerate |
Short period |
Millions of years |
|
Environmental impact |
Less harmful |
Causes pollution |
|
Usage |
Continuous use possible |
Needs conservation efforts |
4. What are biotic and abiotic resources? Give examples.
Answer:
Biotic Resources
– Derived from living things (e.g., forests, fish, livestock).
Abiotic Resources
– Derived from non-living things (e.g., water, air, minerals).
Regeneration
– Biotic resources can regenerate; abiotic do not.
Dependency
– Human life depends on both types.
Examples
– Wood (biotic), metals (abiotic).
Impact of Overuse
– Deforestation affects biotic resources, excessive mining affects abiotic ones.
5. What are stock and potential resources? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Stock Resources
– Available in nature but not usable due to lack of technology (e.g., hydrogen fuel).
Potential Resources
– Can be used in the future (e.g., wind energy in India).
Dependency on Technology
– Both require advancements for utilization.
Geographical Variation
– Some resources are stock in one place but potential in another.
Examples
– Solar energy (potential), deep-sea minerals (stock).
Economic Importance
– Future use of potential resources boosts growth.
6. What do you understand by sustainable development? Give examples.
Answer:
Definition
– Using resources without compromising future needs.
Protects the Environment
– Minimizes resource wastage.
Examples
– Solar energy use, rainwater harvesting.
Reduces Pollution
– Encourages eco-friendly alternatives.
Economic Growth
– Supports industries sustainably.
Global Efforts
– UN promotes sustainability through policies.
7. Explain the importance of forests as a resource.
Answer:
Oxygen Production
– Trees absorb CO₂ and release oxygen.
Habitat for Wildlife
– Supports biodiversity.
Raw Materials
– Provides timber, paper, and medicines.
Prevents Soil Erosion
– Roots hold soil, preventing erosion.
Climate Regulation
– Absorbs carbon, controls temperature.
Livelihood Source
– Many communities depend on forests for survival.
8. How can non-renewable resources be conserved?
Answer:
Reduce Usage
– Avoid unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels.
Reuse
– Use materials multiple times (e.g., glass, metal).
Recycle
– Convert waste into usable products.
Alternative Energy Sources
– Solar, wind, and hydro energy reduce dependence.
Energy-efficient Technology
– Use fuel-efficient appliances.
Government Policies
– Laws to control overextraction.
9. What is the importance of water as a resource?
Answer:
Essential for Life
– Needed for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
Agriculture
– Supports irrigation and crop growth.
Industrial Use
– Factories need water for production.
Hydroelectricity
– Generates renewable energy.
Regulates Climate
– Oceans and rivers influence weather patterns.
Supports Biodiversity
– Aquatic life depends on clean water sources.
10. Explain the impact of human activities on natural resources.
Answer:
Deforestation
– Leads to loss of biodiversity.
Overgrazing
– Depletes soil fertility.
Overextraction of Minerals
– Causes land degradation.
Water Pollution
– Industrial waste contaminates rivers.
Air Pollution
– Burning fossil fuels harms air quality.
Urbanization
– Reduces agricultural land and green spaces.
11. How does technology help in the development of resources?
Answer:
Extraction Improvement
– Advanced tools help mine minerals efficiently.
Resource Conversion
– Turns raw materials into useful products.
Energy Production
– Innovations in renewable energy reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Waste Management
– Recycling technology minimizes waste.
Agricultural Advancements
– Enhances food production using irrigation, fertilizers.
Conservation Efforts
– Smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting save water.
12. What are the causes and effects of resource depletion?
Answer:
Causes:
Overpopulation increases demand.
Industrialization consumes large amounts of energy.
Deforestation leads to loss of resources.
Effects:
4. Scarcity of essential materials.
5. Environmental degradation.
6. Increased resource costs.
13. How can individuals contribute to resource conservation?
Answer:
Reduce plastic use.
Use public transport or bicycles.
Conserve water at home.
Plant trees to prevent deforestation.
Promote recycling and reusing products.
Spread awareness about sustainable practices.
14. How do resources become valuable?
Answer:
Utility
– A resource is valuable if it serves a useful purpose.
Demand and Scarcity
– High demand and limited availability increase value.
Technology
– Advances make some resources more useful (e.g., petroleum).
Human Effort
– Knowledge and skills enhance resource value.
Market Conditions
– Prices affect how valuable a resource is.
Cultural and Social Importance
– Some resources hold special significance (e.g., gold in jewelry).
15. Explain the distribution of natural resources on Earth.
Answer:
Uneven Distribution
– Resources are not spread equally across the planet.
Geographical Factors
– Climate, soil, and landscape affect resource presence.
Mineral Deposits
– Found in specific regions (e.g., coal in Jharkhand, oil in the Middle East).
Water Availability
– Rivers and rainfall influence freshwater distribution.
Forest Cover
– Dense forests exist in tropical and temperate zones.
Agricultural Land
– Fertile lands support farming, while deserts do not.
16. What are the major problems caused by overutilization of natural resources?
Answer:
Resource Depletion
– Excessive use reduces availability.
Loss of Biodiversity
– Deforestation destroys animal habitats.
Soil Erosion
– Overfarming leads to land degradation.
Water Crisis
– Excessive water use depletes groundwater.
Climate Change
– Burning fossil fuels increases global warming.
Economic Instability
– Scarcity increases prices and affects economies.
17. Why are human resources considered the most important resource?
Answer:
Utilizes Natural Resources
– Humans convert raw materials into useful products.
Creates Technology
– Innovation improves resource use.
Develops Infrastructure
– Roads, schools, and industries exist due to human effort.
Generates Economy
– Skilled workers contribute to national income.
Decision-Making Ability
– People plan for sustainable development.
Improves Quality of Life
– Education and healthcare enhance living standards.
18. What are localized and ubiquitous resources? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Localized Resources
– Found in specific places (e.g., gold, diamonds).
Ubiquitous Resources
– Available everywhere (e.g., air, sunlight).
Importance
– Localized resources are valuable due to scarcity.
Examples of Localized Resources
– Iron ore in India, oil in Saudi Arabia.
Examples of Ubiquitous Resources
– Wind, oxygen, and water vapor.
Human Dependency
– Both types are essential for survival and economic activities.
19. How does resource planning help in resource management?
Answer:
Prevents Overuse
– Ensures resources last longer.
Reduces Wastage
– Efficient use minimizes loss.
Promotes Sustainability
– Supports future generations.
Balances Development
– Distributes resources fairly.
Encourages Alternative Use
– Finds substitutes for scarce materials.
Supports Economic Growth
– Ensures stable industrial production.
20. Explain the impact of deforestation on natural resources.
Answer:
Loss of Biodiversity
– Animals lose their habitats.
Soil Erosion
– Trees hold soil, preventing erosion.
Climate Change
– Reduces oxygen and increases CO₂.
Water Shortage
– Affects rainfall patterns.
Affects Agriculture
– Reduces soil fertility.
Threat to Tribal Communities
– Many people depend on forests for livelihood.
21. How do minerals contribute to the economy of a country?
Answer:
Industrial Growth
– Used in manufacturing industries.
Employment Generation
– Mining provides jobs.
Foreign Trade
– Exporting minerals boosts income.
Infrastructure Development
– Steel, cement, and other minerals help build infrastructure.
Energy Production
– Coal and uranium are used for power generation.
Economic Stability
– Mineral wealth strengthens the economy.
22. What steps can be taken to reduce water pollution?
Answer:
Proper Waste Disposal
– Avoid dumping chemicals in rivers.
Industrial Regulations
– Factories should treat wastewater.
Household Awareness
– Reduce detergent and plastic use.
Rainwater Harvesting
– Helps in recharging groundwater.
Afforestation
– Trees prevent soil erosion and water contamination.
Government Policies
– Strict laws for water conservation.
23. How does urbanization affect resource consumption?
Answer:
Increased Water Demand
– Cities require more water.
High Energy Consumption
– Electricity use rises.
Deforestation
– Expanding cities clear forests.
Pollution Increase
– Factories and vehicles pollute air and water.
Waste Generation
– More garbage and sewage.
Pressure on Agriculture
– Less land for farming.
24. Why is soil considered an important resource?
Answer:
Supports Agriculture
– Needed for growing crops.
Essential for Forests
– Trees and plants depend on it.
Habitat for Organisms
– Microorganisms live in the soil.
Provides Raw Materials
– Clay, sand, and minerals.
Regulates Water Cycle
– Absorbs rainwater and prevents floods.
Foundation for Construction
– Buildings and roads rely on soil stability.
25. What are the benefits of using alternative energy sources?
Answer:
Renewable
– Does not run out.
Eco-friendly
– Reduces pollution.
Reduces Fossil Fuel Dependence
– Less use of coal and oil.
Low Maintenance Costs
– Once installed, costs are minimal.
Creates Jobs
– Solar and wind industries provide employment.
Enhances Energy Security
– Reduces reliance on imported fuels.
26. How can afforestation help in resource conservation?
Answer:
Prevents Soil Erosion
– Roots hold soil in place.
Increases Oxygen Levels
– More trees mean cleaner air.
Enhances Rainfall
– Forests contribute to precipitation.
Improves Biodiversity
– Provides habitat for wildlife.
Reduces Global Warming
– Absorbs CO₂ emissions.
Supports Livelihoods
– Timber, fruits, and medicinal plants benefit people.
