Class 8 Social Studies Chapter Natural Resources

Exercise Answers

A. Darken the correct option in OMR sheet.

Question 1. Which of the following is not a measure of soil conservation?

(a) Distilling

(b) Strip cropping

(c) Terraced farming

(d) Contour ploughing

Ans. (a) Distilling

Question 2. Which of the following resources is adversely affected by deforestation?

(a) Water

(b) Land

(c) Vegetation

(d) Soil

Ans. (d) Soil

Question 3. It is a measure of conservation of water.

(a) Hydroelectricity generation

(b) Dam

(c) Irrigation

(d) Distilling

Ans. (b) Dam

Question 4. Which one of the following activities does not help in the conservation of water resources?

(a) Treating polluted water

(b) Rainwater harvesting

(c) Excessive use of tubewell

(d) None of these

Ans. (c) Excessive use of tubewell

B. Fill in the blanks

Question 1. ________ and precipitation are the main climatic factors affecting soil formation.

Ans. Temperature

Question 2. About 90% of the world's population occupies roughly ________ % of its land area.

Ans. 30%

Question 3. ________ is the most common method which kills all bacteria and parasites.

Ans. Boiling

Question 4. ________ has the highest percentage of land under pasture.

Ans. Australia

C. Write 'T' for True and 'F' for False statements

Question 1. Land-use is fixed and it does not change.

Ans. False (F)

Question 2. Construction of large dams does not endanger the environment.

Ans. False (F)

Question 3. Nearly 71% of the earth's area is covered with saline water.

Ans. True (T)

Question 4. Overgrazing causes soil erosion.

Ans. True (T)

D. Match the Column A with the Column B

Column A                               Column B

1. Mountains                         (c) Forestry

2. Plains                                (d) Agriculture

3. Oceans                              (b) Hydrological cycle

4. Plateaus                             (a) Grazing

Answers: 1 → (c) Forestry

2 → (d) Agriculture

3 → (b) Hydrological cycle

4 → (a) Grazing

E. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1. What is meant by conservation?

Answer: Conservation means the careful use, protection and proper management of natural resources so that they remain available for future generations.

Question 2. Name the five factors controlling soil formation.

Answer: The five factors controlling soil formation are:

• Parent rock
• Climate
• Relief
• Vegetation and other living organisms
• Time

Question 3. Name three factors influencing land-use pattern.

Answer: Three factors influencing land-use pattern are:

• Topography (Relief)
• Climate
• Population

F. Answer the following questions in detail:

Question 1. Describe the land resources.

Answer:

Land is one of the most important natural resources. It provides space for agriculture, forests, industries, transport and human settlements. Different types of land are used for different purposes depending on climate, soil, relief and availability of water. Land is limited in quantity, so it should be used wisely. Proper planning and conservation help in maintaining land resources for future generations.

Question 2. In what way can we check soil erosion from wind action in a dry region?

Answer:

Soil erosion by wind can be controlled by planting rows of trees called shelter belts or windbreaks. Afforestation and growing grasses also help bind the soil. Strip cropping and avoiding overgrazing reduce soil erosion in dry regions. These methods decrease the speed of wind and protect the fertile topsoil.

Question 3. Why do you think the demand of fresh water is increasing?

Answer:

The demand for fresh water is increasing because of rapid population growth, urbanisation, industrial development and expansion of agriculture. People need more water for drinking, farming, industries and domestic use. Pollution of rivers and lakes has also reduced the availability of clean water, increasing the demand for fresh water.

Question 4. Discuss the measures of conserving water and improving its quality.

Answer:

Water can be conserved by practising rainwater harvesting, constructing dams and check dams, using drip and sprinkler irrigation, repairing leaking taps and reusing wastewater whenever possible. Water quality can be improved by treating sewage and industrial waste before releasing it into rivers. People should avoid polluting water sources and use water carefully to ensure its availability for future generations.