Extra 30 long answer questions from Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources (Class 8 Geography, CBSE), each with 5 to 6 points.
1. Why is land considered an important resource?
Land supports human settlements, agriculture, industries, and transportation.
It provides space for economic activities such as mining and construction.
Different landforms (plains, plateaus, and mountains) influence human activities.
Land has cultural and religious significance in many societies.
It supports natural vegetation and wildlife, which maintain ecological balance.
Proper land management is essential for sustainable development.
2. What are the different types of land use?
Agricultural land:
Used for farming and food production.
Forest land:
Covered with trees and used for timber, wildlife, and climate balance.
Pastoral land:
Used for livestock grazing.
Industrial land:
Used for factories and manufacturing units.
Residential land:
Used for housing and settlements.
Recreational land:
Parks, gardens, and tourism-related areas.
3. What are the causes of land degradation?
Deforestation:
Cutting down trees reduces soil fertility and leads to erosion.
Overgrazing:
Excessive grazing by cattle destroys vegetation and depletes soil nutrients.
Mining activities:
Unplanned mining leads to loss of soil and biodiversity.
Over-irrigation:
Excessive water use causes waterlogging and salinization.
Urbanization:
Expansion of cities leads to loss of agricultural land.
Natural disasters:
Landslides, floods, and droughts can degrade land.
4. What are the different ways to conserve land resources?
Afforestation:
Planting trees to prevent soil erosion.
Controlled grazing:
Prevents overgrazing and maintains soil fertility.
Soil conservation methods:
Terrace farming, contour
plowing
, and crop rotation.
Regulated mining:
Enforcing laws to minimize environmental damage.
Efficient urban planning:
Managing land use for sustainable development.
Reforestation and community involvement:
Encouraging people to plant trees.
5. What are the major causes of soil erosion?
Deforestation:
Trees bind the soil; their removal makes soil vulnerable to erosion.
Overgrazing:
Excessive grazing by animals destroys plant cover.
Floods and heavy rainfall:
Wash away the topsoil, making the land barren.
Improper farming methods:
Continuous cropping and deep
plowing
loosen the soil.
Wind erosion:
In dry areas, strong winds blow away loose soil.
Construction activities:
Large-scale infrastructure projects disturb soil stability.
6. What are the different methods of soil conservation?
Contour ploughing:
Ploughing along the natural contours of land to reduce runoff.
Terrace farming:
Creating steps on hilly slopes to prevent soil erosion.
Shelter belts:
Planting trees along fields to reduce wind erosion.
Crop rotation:
Growing different crops to maintain soil fertility.
Mulching:
Covering soil with organic material to retain moisture.
Controlled irrigation:
Preventing overuse of water to reduce salinization.
7. Why is water an essential resource?
Essential for drinking, cooking, and daily human activities.
Used in agriculture for irrigation and crop production.
Supports industries for cooling, processing, and manufacturing.
Necessary for hydroelectric power generation.
Maintains ecosystems, aquatic life, and biodiversity.
Helps in transportation (rivers, canals, oceans).
8. What are the causes of water scarcity?
Overuse and wastage:
Excessive use in households, industries, and agriculture.
Unequal distribution:
Some regions have abundant water, while others face shortages.
Pollution:
Industrial waste, sewage, and chemicals contaminate water.
Deforestation:
Reduces rainfall and lowers groundwater levels.
Climate change:
Alters rainfall patterns, causing droughts.
Population growth:
Increases demand for water, leading to shortages.
9. Suggest measures to conserve water resources.
Rainwater harvesting:
Collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
Efficient irrigation techniques:
Drip and sprinkler irrigation reduce wastage.
Reducing pollution:
Treating sewage and industrial waste before discharge.
Awareness campaigns:
Educating people about water conservation.
Recycling wastewater:
Using treated water for non-drinking purposes.
Protecting wetlands and water bodies:
Preventing encroachment and pollution.
10. What are the types of natural vegetation?
Forests:
Found in high-rainfall areas, support diverse wildlife.
Grasslands:
Found in moderate rainfall regions, used for grazing.
Shrubs:
Found in dry areas, support limited biodiversity.
Mangroves:
Found in coastal areas, protect against storms.
Tundra vegetation:
Found in polar regions, consists of mosses and lichens.
Desert vegetation:
Includes cacti and thorny bushes, adapted to dry conditions.
11. What are the threats to forests?
Deforestation:
Clearing forests for agriculture and settlements.
Forest fires:
Natural or human-induced fires destroy vegetation.
Illegal logging:
Cutting trees for timber and commercial purposes.
Overgrazing:
Livestock feeding on young plants reduces forest cover.
Mining and industrialization:
Leads to land degradation and pollution.
Climate change:
Alters rainfall patterns, affecting forest ecosystems.
12. How can forests be conserved?
Afforestation and reforestation:
Planting more trees to replace lost ones.
Controlled deforestation:
Cutting trees in a planned manner with replantation.
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks:
Protecting biodiversity.
Community participation:
Encouraging local people to protect forests.
Laws and regulations:
Implementing strict forest conservation laws.
Sustainable forest management:
Promoting eco-friendly activities.
13. Why is wildlife conservation important?
Maintains biodiversity:
Ensures balance in the ecosystem.
Prevents extinction:
Protects endangered species.
Supports food chains:
Keeps the natural balance intact.
Provides medicinal and economic value:
Many plants and animals are useful.
Promotes ecotourism:
Generates revenue and employment.
Preserves cultural heritage:
Many communities rely on wildlife.
14. What are the causes of wildlife depletion?
Poaching:
Illegal hunting for skin, bones, and fur.
Habitat destruction:
Deforestation and urbanization reduce wildlife space.
Pollution:
Water, air, and soil pollution affect animals.
Climate change:
Alters migration patterns and food availability.
Over-exploitation:
Excessive hunting and fishing reduce species population.
Invasive species:
Non-native species outcompete local wildlife.
15. How can wildlife be protected?
Strict anti-poaching laws:
Banning illegal hunting and trade.
Creating protected areas:
Establishing wildlife sanctuaries and reserves.
Community awareness:
Educating people about the importance of conservation.
Restoring habitats:
Reforestation and reducing human encroachment.
Reducing pollution:
Controlling industrial waste and deforestation.
Supporting sustainable tourism:
Eco-friendly tourism benefits conservation.
16. What factors determine the use of land in a region?
Topography:
Flat land is suitable for farming and settlements, while hilly terrain supports forests and tourism.
Climate:
Rainfall and temperature influence vegetation, soil fertility, and land use.
Soil Type:
Fertile soil supports agriculture, while rocky or sandy soil may be used for construction or mining.
Availability of Water:
Proximity to rivers, lakes, or groundwater sources determines agricultural and settlement patterns.
Economic and Social Factors:
Industrialization, urbanization, and population growth influence land use patterns.
Government Policies:
Land use regulations, environmental laws, and conservation programs impact land development.
17. How does human activity affect land resources?
Deforestation:
Clearing forests for agriculture, industries, and urban expansion leads to soil erosion.
Urbanization:
Expanding cities and infrastructure reduce agricultural land and increase pollution.
Mining and Quarrying:
Extracting minerals damages land, causing soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Overgrazing:
Excessive grazing by livestock depletes vegetation, leading to desertification.
Industrial Pollution:
Waste disposal and emissions contaminate land and water bodies.
Excessive Irrigation:
Overuse of water causes salinization, making the land infertile.
18. What are the different types of soil found in India and their characteristics?
Alluvial Soil:
Found in river plains, highly fertile, suitable for crops like wheat and rice.
Black Soil:
Rich in clay and moisture, good for cotton cultivation, found in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Red Soil:
Contains iron, found in eastern and southern India, suitable for millets and pulses.
Laterite Soil:
Formed in areas with heavy rainfall, low fertility, used for tea and coffee plantations.
Desert Soil:
Sandy, low in moisture, requires irrigation for farming, found in Rajasthan.
Mountain Soil:
Found in hilly areas, supports tea, spices, and orchards.
19. How does soil fertility get affected?
Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers:
Reduces natural nutrients in the soil.
Deforestation:
Deprives soil of organic matter, making it less fertile.
Erosion by Wind and Water:
Removes the top nutrient-rich layer of soil.
Excessive Irrigation:
Leads to waterlogging and salinization, reducing soil productivity.
Monoculture Farming:
Growing the same crop repeatedly depletes specific nutrients.
Pollution:
Industrial and plastic waste contaminates soil and affects fertility.
20. How does human activity contribute to water pollution?
Industrial Waste:
Factories discharge harmful chemicals into water bodies.
Sewage and Domestic Waste:
Untreated sewage contaminates rivers and lakes.
Agricultural Runoff:
Pesticides and fertilizers seep into groundwater and rivers.
Oil Spills:
Leakage from ships and industries pollutes oceans and seas.
Religious and Cultural Practices:
Throwing waste into rivers during rituals affects water quality.
Thermal Pollution:
Industries release hot water into rivers, harming aquatic life.
21. What are the effects of water scarcity on the environment and human life?
Decline in Agriculture:
Crops fail due to a lack of irrigation, leading to food shortages.
Loss of Biodiversity:
Wetlands and aquatic habitats shrink, affecting wildlife.
Droughts and Desertification:
Arid regions expand, making land unusable.
Health Issues:
Lack of clean drinking water causes diseases like cholera and dysentery.
Conflict over Water Resources:
Disputes arise between states and countries over water-sharing.
Economic Decline:
Industries and businesses suffer due to limited water supply.
22. What are the differences between natural vegetation and planted forests?
Growth Pattern:
Natural vegetation grows without human interference, while planted forests are cultivated.
Biodiversity:
Natural forests support diverse flora and fauna, while plantations have limited species.
Ecological Balance:
Natural vegetation contributes to the ecosystem, while plantations focus on economic benefits.
Soil and Water Conservation:
Natural forests prevent erosion and regulate rainfall, whereas plantations require irrigation.
Longevity:
Natural forests grow over centuries, while plantations have a fixed harvest cycle.
Human Impact:
Natural vegetation is self-sustaining, while planted forests need management and care.
23. What are the adaptations of vegetation in different climatic conditions?
Tropical Rainforest:
Dense, evergreen trees with broad leaves to capture sunlight.
Desert Vegetation:
Cacti and thorny bushes store water and have deep roots.
Mountain Vegetation:
Coniferous trees like pine have needle-shaped leaves to reduce water loss.
Mangroves:
Roots grow above water to survive in coastal wetlands.
Grasslands:
Short grasses and scattered trees adapted to dry conditions.
Tundra Vegetation:
Mosses and lichens grow in frozen regions with limited sunlight.
24. What are the causes of human-wildlife conflict?
Deforestation:
Habitat destruction forces animals into human settlements.
Encroachment on Forests:
Expansion of agriculture and roads disrupts animal migration.
Illegal Poaching:
Reduces wildlife populations, leading to imbalance.
Pollution:
Water and air pollution harm wildlife health.
Climate Change:
Alters ecosystems, forcing animals to move into new areas.
Overpopulation:
More land is needed for housing and farming, reducing wildlife space.
25. How does loss of biodiversity affect the environment?
Disrupts Food Chains:
Extinction of one species impacts the entire ecosystem.
Loss of Medicinal Plants:
Many plant species with medicinal value disappear.
Soil Degradation:
Reduced vegetation cover leads to erosion.
Climate Change Impact:
Fewer forests result in higher carbon dioxide levels.
Water Imbalance:
Loss of wetlands and forests affects rainfall and water sources.
Decline in Ecotourism:
Loss of biodiversity affects tourism and local economies.
26. What is sustainable land management?
Balanced Use of Resources:
Using land efficiently for agriculture, forests, and industries.
Soil Conservation Techniques:
Preventing erosion through terrace farming and contour ploughing.
Water Conservation:
Efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
Reforestation:
Restoring degraded land with tree plantations.
Urban Planning:
Developing cities while preserving green spaces.
Community Participation:
Involving local people in land conservation efforts.
27. How does afforestation help in environmental conservation?
Prevents Soil Erosion:
Tree roots bind soil and prevent landslides.
Enhances Oxygen Levels:
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Increases Rainfall:
Forests contribute to the water cycle.
Restores Wildlife Habitats:
Provides shelter for animals and birds.
Improves Air Quality:
Absorbs pollutants and reduces global warming.
Promotes Ecotourism:
Encourages sustainable tourism and economic benefits.
28. How can individuals contribute to conservation efforts?
Reducing Waste:
Using biodegradable products and recycling.
Planting Trees:
Participating in afforestation programs.
Saving Water:
Using water-efficient appliances and reducing wastage.
Spreading Awareness:
Educating others about environmental issues.
Sustainable Consumption:
Using eco-friendly products.
Participating in Clean-up Drives:
Removing plastic and other pollutants from nature.
