CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-Question-bank-Geography-Chapter-1-Resource-and-Development

Class 10^th Social Science- Resource and Development

RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Questions in the Exercise

Q.1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :

(i) Which of the following types of resource is iron-ore?

(a) Renewable (b) Biotic (c) Flow (d) Non-renewable

Ans. (d) Non-renewable

(ii) Under which of the following types of resource can tidal energy be put?

(a) Replenish able (b) Human-made (c) Abiotic (d) Non-recyclable

Ans. (a) Replenish able

(iii) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Intensive cultivation (b) Deforestation (c) Over-irrigation (d) Overgrazing

Ans. (c) Over-irrigation

(iv) Which of the following types of soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern Coast?

(a) Black soil (b) Laterite soil (c) Red soil (d) Alluvial soil

Ans. (d) Alluvial soil

(v) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practiced?

(a) Punjab (b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh

Ans. (d) Uttarakhand

Q.2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Which soil is ideal for growing cotton?

Ans. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and so it is also known as black cotton soil.

(ii) Name three states having black soil.

Ans. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are three states having black soil.

Q.3. What are biotic and abiotic resources, Give some examples.

Classify resources on the basis of origin. Explain them in brief along with examples.

Ans. On the basis of origin, resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic resources.

Biotic resources are substances obtained from living beings. They include flora, i.e.,

vegetation, fauna, i.e., birds, fishes, domestic and wild life as well as human beings. Everything

within the biosphere, which has some utility for man, is a biotic resource.

Abiotic resources are composed of non-living substances. They include air, water, land or soil,

rocks and minerals in the earth’s crust. They occur as solid, liquid or gaseous materials on the

earth and its atmosphere.

Q.4. Explain the land use pattern of India and why has land under forest not increased much

since 1960–61. What is the impact of the decrease of land under permanent pastures?

Ans. The total geographical area of India is 3.28 million sq. km. Land use data are available for only

93 per cent of the total area because land use reporting for most of the north-eastern states

except Assam have not been fully done and the areas of Jammu and Kashmir under occupation

of our neighboring countries could not be surveyed. The present land use pattern shows :

(i) Forests – 22.57 percent much below the desired 33 percent as outlined in the National

Forest Policy of 1952.

(ii) Land not available for cultivation

(a) Barren and wasteland – 6.29 percent

(b) Land put to non-agricultural uses, e.g., buildings, roads, factories, etc. 7.92 percent of total area

(iii) Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land)

(a) Permanent pastures and grazing land has decreased to 3.45 percent.

(b) Area under miscellaneous tree crops, groves (not included in net sown area) 1.10

percent

(iv) Fallow lands.

(a) Current fallows (left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year) 7.03 percent

(b) Other than current fallow 3.82 percent

(v) Net Sown Area 43.41 percent but the pattern varies greatly from state to state.

The land under forest has not increased since 1960–61 because in the post-independence era demand for more land to expand agriculture, mainly after Green Revolution, developmental works and infrastructural facilities, led to clearance of forests areas. Industrialization and urbanization also decreased the forest area. Afforestation due to the concern of ecological balance led to marginal expansion from 18.11 per cent in 1960–61 to 22.57 percent in 2002–03 but it is much below the desired 33 percent of geographical area as outlined in the National Forest Policy.

The decrease of land under permanent pastures have grave impact. If grazing or pasture lands decrease, rearing of animals and livestock becomes difficult as there is less grazing land to feed the animals. This affects progress in livestock rearing and brings down production of the animal husbandry sector. It also decreases alternative sources of income for the farmers.

Q.5. Suggest measures of soil conservation in hilly and mountainous areas.

Ans. In hilly and mountainous areas the following measures can control soil erosion and help in soil conservation.

Contour ploughing or ploughing along the contour lines of a highland can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes. Terrace cultivation or cutting of steps around the slopes to provide land for agriculture also

checks downhill flow of water and controls soil erosion, e.g., as in Western and Central Himalayan region.

Afforestation or planting of trees in the hilly regions can help in soil conservation.

Q.6. How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?

Ans. Technical and economic development involves more utilization and exploitation of resources

for the purpose of present development. According to Gandhiji, the greedy and selfish

individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology are the root cause for resource

depletion at global level. The history of colonization reveals that it was primarily the higher

level of technological development of the colonizing countries that helped them to exploit

resources of other regions and establish their supremacy over the colonies.

Economic development takes place through more and proper utilization of available resources

for the purpose of advancement of present generation. Technical development makes the

resources accessible and usable and aids in further exploitation as well as creation of new

resources. As a whole, more and more of the natural endowments are put to use.

With economic development the capacity of accessing or consuming of resources by the people

increases and technical development makes further resources available at their disposal.

Hence, technical and economic development lead to more and more consumption of resources.

Q.7. Which is the most widely spread and important soil of India? State any six characteristics

of this type of soil.

Ans. Alluvial soil is the most fertile, widely spread and important soil of India. The six main characteristics of this soil type are :

(i) Alluvial soil is riverine soil, transported and deposited by rivers. So they are also called transported soil.

(ii) Alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay. They are coarse in upper reaches of the river valley and finest at the deltas.

(iii) Alluvial is very fertile and regions with alluvial soil are agriculturally most productive and densely populated.

(iv) They mostly contain adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.

(v) According to their age alluvial soil is divided into new alluvium or khadar which is fine, sandy and fertile and older alluvium or bangar which is clayey, dark in colour, contains kankar nodules and is less fertile.

(vi) Alluvial soil forms the Northern Plains. The soil has been deposited by the three great Himalayan river systems – the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. They are also found in the Eastern Coastal Plains, mainly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers. This rich soil is ideal for growth of paddy, wheat, sugarcane and other cereals and pulses.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Which are the main factors that determine creation of a resource?

(a) Nature and technology (b) Nature and human beings

Ans. (c)

Q.2. Fossil fuels are examples of which of the following types of resources?

(a) Renewable (b) Flow (c) Biological (d) Non-renewable

Ans. (d)

Q.3. Under which of the following types of resources can solar energy be categorised?

(a) Flow resource (b) Human-made resource

Ans. (a)

Q.4. Which of the following is a human-made resource?

(a) Petroleum (b) Forests (c) Machines (d) Land

Ans. (c)

Q.5. Which of the following resource is non-recyclable?

(a) Coal (b) Iron-ore (c) Copper (d) Gold

Ans. (a)

Q.6. On the basis of ownership, plantations can be better considered as which of the following

types of resources?

(a) Individual resource (b) Community owned resource

Ans. (a)

Q.7. The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone can be termed as

which of the following types of resource ?

(a) Individual resources (b) Community owned resources

Ans. (d)

Q.8. What is the main reason behind global ecological crises such as global warming and

environmental pollution ?

(a) Depletion of resources (b) Accumulation of resources in a few hands

Ans. (c)

Q.9. What is necessary for sustained quality of life and global peace?

(a) Stopping use of resources (b) Saving resources for future

Ans. (d)

Q.10. From which Five Year Plan has India made concerted efforts for achieving the goals of

resource planning ?

(a) First Five Year Plan (b) Fifth Five Year Plan

Ans. (a)

Q.11. Which of the following is the root cause for resource depletion at global level, according

to Gandhiji?

(a) Conservation of resources

(b) Use of resources

(d) Backward technology.

Ans. (c)

Q.12. What was the main contribution of the Brundt land Commission Report, 1987?

(a) Sustainable development as means for resource conservation

(b) Advocated resource conservation for the first time

(d) All the above

Ans. (a)

Q.13. Which of the following regions in India possesses rich reserves of minerals and fossil fuels?

(a) Plains (b) Mountains (c) Plateaus (d) Deserts

Ans. (c)

Q.14. What is area sown more than once in an agriculture year plus net sown area known as?

(a) Permanent pastures (b) Fallow lands

Ans. (d)

Q.15. What is land used for grazing cattle and livestock known as?

(a) Forests (b) Barren land (c) Pasture land (d) Fallow land

Ans. (c)

Q.16. What percentage of India’s geographical area is under forest?

(a) 23 per cent (b) 33 per cent (c) 54 per cent (d) 80 per cent

Ans. (a)

Q.17. Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in states like

Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa?

(a) Deforestation due to mining (b) Overgrazing

Ans. (a)

Q.18. What is plantation of trees on a large scale to check soil erosion termed as?

(a) Afforestation (b) Plantation agriculture

Ans. (a)

Q.19. What is arrangement of soil in different layers or horizons known as?

(a) Soil Composition (b) Soil Erosion (c) Soil Profile (d) Soil Texture

Ans. (c)

Q.20. Black soil is also known by which of the following names?

(a) Bangar (b) Khadar (c) Regur (d) Laterite

Ans. (c)

Q.21. Which of the following is the parent rock for black soil?

(a) Granite (b) Kankar (c) Basalt (d) Sand

Ans. (c)

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Which among the following is a type of resources classified on the basis of exhaustibility?

(a) Biotic and abiotic (b) Renewable and non-renewable

Ans. (b)

Q.2. Which one of the following soil is ideal for growing cotton?

(a) Regur Soil (b) Laterite Soil

Ans. (a)

Q.3. How much desired area is required for forest in our country?

(a) 16% (b) 20%

Ans. (d)

Q.4. In which of the following states is overgrazing responsible for land degradation?

(a) Jharkhand and Orissa (b) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

Ans. (b)

Q.5. Which of the following method will not help in soil conservation?

(a) Contour ploughing (b) Strip cropping

Ans. (d)

Q.6. Resources which are surveyed and their quantity and quality have been determined for

utilisation are known as :

(a) Potential resources (b) Developed resources

Ans. (d)

Q.7. ‘Laterite’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘later’ which means:

(a) Mountain (b) Brick (c) Rock (d) Stone

Ans. (b)

Q.8. When running water cuts through clayey soils and makes deep channels, they lead to :

(a) Gully erosion (b) Sheet erosion

Ans. (a)

Q.9. How can the resources be classified on the basis of their origin?

(a) Biotic and Abiotic (b) Renewable and Non-renewable

Ans. (a)

Q.10. Which one of the following is not an Abiotic Resource?

(a) Metals (b) Rocks

Ans. (d)

Q.11. Which one of the following is a Biotic Resource?

(a) Land (b) Water (c) Human beings (d) Rocks

Ans. (c)

Q.12. Which one of the following is not the community owned resource?

(a) Grazing grounds (b) Burial grounds

Ans. (d)

Q.13. There is enough for everybody’s need and not for any body’s greed,’’ who among the

following has given the above statement?

(a) Vinoba Bhave (b) Mahatma Gandhi

Ans. (b)

Q.14. Which one of the following states mostly has laterite soil?

(a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Bihar

Ans. (d)

Q.15. Which one of the following is an example of biotic resources?

(a) Rock (b) Iron ore

Ans. (d)

Q.16. What is the percentage share of plains in the total land area ?

(a) 43% (b) 23% (c) 33% (d) 27%

Ans. (a)

Q.17. The mountain share in the total land area is :

(a) 30% (b) 27% (c) 43% (d) 40%

Ans. (a)

Q.18. Which one of the following is not a ‘Biotic Resource’?

(a) Flora and Fauna (b) Rocks (c) Fisheries (d) Livestock

Ans. (b)

Q.19. Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Intensive Cultivation (b) Overgrazing

Ans. (d)

Q.20. Which one of the following is not a renewable resource?

(a) Solar energy (b) Wind energy (c) Forests (d) Fossil fuels

Ans. (d)

Q.21. Which cold desert is relatively isolated from the rest of country?

(a) Leh (b) Kargil (c) Ladakh (d) Dras

Ans. (c)

Q.22. Soil formed by intense leaching is :

(a) alluvial soil (b) red soil (c) laterite soil (d) desert soil

Ans. (c)

Q.23. Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Extensive cultivation (b) Deforestation

Ans. (d)

Q.24. Under which of the following types of resource can tidal energy be put?

(a) Human made (b) Biotic (c) Non-recyclable (d) None of these

Ans. (d)

Q.25. In which of the following states is black soil found?

(a) Jammu and Kashmir (b) Bihar

Ans. (c)

Q.26. Resources which are found in a region but have not been utilised are called

(a) developed resources (b) stock

Ans. (d)

Q.27. Which of the following is a type of resources on the basis of origin?

(a) Biotic and abiotic (b) Renewable and non-renewable

Ans. (a)

Q.28. Which one of the following crops is grown in the black soil?

(a) Rice (b) Wheat (c) Cotton (d) Tea

Ans. (c)

Q.29. Gully erosion is common in the

(a) Chambal basin (b) Ganga basin (c) Rajasthan (d) Hilly region

Ans. (a)

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Distinguish between potential resource and stock with the help of examples.

Ans. Resources which are found in a region, but have not been utilized are termed as potential

resource. They are either not easily accessible or not properly developed for present use but

have the potential to fulfil our needs whenever we require them with development of

technology and infrastructure. For example, the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat have enormous

potential for development of wind and solar energy, but they have not been significantly

developed yet. Similarly, the hot springs of Himalayan region have potential for development

of geothermal energy but their development is lacking. Mineral deposits lie buried in

mountains and oceans but their exploitation is lacking.

Stocks, on the other hand, are materials in the environment which have the capacity to satisfy

human needs but human beings do not have the appropriate technology to access these. For

example, water is a compound of two inflammable gases, hydrogen and oxygen, which can be

used as a rich source of energy. But the required technical knowhow to use these abundant

gases for this purpose is not available at present. Similarly, by development of desalinization

project we can make ocean water useable for drinking purpose. But we do not have the proper

expertise and funds to use them, but our future generations may be able to do so with

advancement of science and technology.

Q.2. What does the term ‘sustainable economic development’ mean? How can we eradicate

irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources?

Ans. Sustainable economic development means ‘development should take place without damaging

the environment’ and development in the present should not compromise with the needs of the

future generations.

We can eradicate irrational consumption and over-utilisation of resources through conservation

of resources. Irrational consumption and over-exploitation of resources lead to many socioeconomic

and environmental problems. To overcome these problems and to preserve resources

for our future generation as well, proper management and conservation of resources is

essential.

Q.3. List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings.

Ans. Indiscriminate use of resources by human beings has led to economic, social and ecological

problems. The major problems that have arisen due to over-exploitation, irrational

consumption and indiscriminate use of resources are :

(i) Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few selfish individuals.

(ii) Accumulation of resources in a few hands, which in turn, has led to social segregation into

rich and poor. The society is divided into two segments, i.e., have and have-nots.

(iii) Indiscriminate and uncontrolled exploitation of resources without consideration for the

future have led to grave ecological problems like global warming, ozone layer depletion,

environmental pollution and land degradation.

Q.4. Why does the pattern of net sown area vary from one state to another?

Ans. The pattern of net sown area varies greatly from one state to another. It is over 80 percent of

the total area in Punjab and Haryana. Geographical conditions like climate and soil here, are

favourable for cultivation. Further, due to agricultural advancement through Green Revolution,

more areas have been brought under cultivation. On the other hand, less than 10 percent of the

total area is net sown area in Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar

Islands. Topographical constraints, unfavourable climate as well as socio-economic reasons

account for the low proportion of net sown areas in these states.

On account of the vast expanse of India, its relief, climate, soil and socio-economic set-up vary

from region to region accounting for the variation in the pattern of net sown area from one state

to another.

Q.5. Analyze the four main factors which help in the formation of soil.

Ans. Relief, nature of parent rock or bedrock, climate, vegetation and other forms of life, especially

decomposers, and time are important factors in the formation of soil. Weathering of the parent

rocks due to climatic factors like change of temperature, wind and frost action and rainfall and

natural forces like action of running water, wind, glaciers etc., lead to disintegration of rocks.

This leads to the formation of soil. The four most important factors of soil formation are

thus :

(i) Relief determines the nature of weathering and erosion.

(ii) Climate determines the rate and factor of denudation of the rocks and influences

weathering and erosion.

(iii) Nature of the parent rock determines the colour, texture and mineral content of the soil.

(iv) Time determines maturity of the soil, usually it takes millions of years to form soil upto few cms in depth.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Ans. Renewable resources Non Renewable resources

(i) The resources which get renewed by (i) These resources occur over a very

physical, chemical or mechanical processes long geological time. They gradually

are known as Renewable resources get exhausted with use.

(ii) These resources are generally available (ii) These resources are generally

throughout the world. unevenly distributed on the earth

(iii) Water, solar energy, wind energy, tidal (iii) Minerals, coal, petroleum

forests.

Q.2. Distinguish between Khadar and Bangar. Name any two states where alluvial soils are found.

Ans. KHADAR SOILS BANGAR SOILS

(i) On the basis of age these are new (i) On the basis of age these are old

alluvial soils. alluvial soils.

(ii) These soils are fine and fertile. (ii) These soils are coarse less fertile

than Khadar soils.

(iii) They are found in the lower reaches (iii) They are found in the upper reaches

of river valleys. of river valleys.

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have alluvial soils.

Q.3. What is resource planning? Give three phases of resource planning.

Ans. Resource planning is proper and judicious planning of resources. Three processes are involved.

Resources are put to use according to availability and needs for development of the Economy.

The three processes are :-

(a) Identification and inventory of resources across various regions of the country. It involves

surveying, mapping, qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the

resources.

(b) Evolving a planning structure, endowed with appropriate technological skill and

institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.

Q.4. Differentiate between stock resources and reserves.

Ans. Stock Resources Reserves

(i) The things present in the nature (i) These are the subset of stock which

which have the potential to satisfy the can be put to use with the help of

human needs but due to non-availability existing technology but they are

of appropriate technology still unused

these cannot be used for the time being,

are called stock.

(ii) For example water– it has oxygen and (ii) They can be used for future

hydrogen, these can be used in energy generation or requirement.

sector but we cannot use them as much.

Q.5. Explain what is meant by national resources and individual resources?

Ans. National Resources :- Technically all resource belong to the nation. The country has legal

powers to acquire even private property for public good. All the minerals, water, forest,

wildlife, land without the political boundary and oceanic area up to 12 Nautical miles from the

coast are National Resources.

Individual Resources :- The resources that are owned by individuals - like farming own

farms, residential plots, plantation, and all household goods, etc.

Q.6. Explain the resources on the basis of origin and exhaustibility.

Ans. Resources on the basis of origin :-

(a) Biotic :- Those resources which are available in biosphere and have life such as human

beings flora and fauna etc.

(b) Abiotic :- All those things which are non-living are called abiotic resources. For example,

rocks, soils and minerals

Resources on the Basis of Exhaustibility :-

(a) Renewable resources :- The resource which can be renewed are Renewable resources.

For Example water, forest wind etc

(b) Non-renewable resources :- These resources occur over a very long time and get

exhausted minerals and fossil fuels are examples of these resources.

Q.7. What is soil erosion? Write two human activities that lead to soil erosion.

Ans. The denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion.

Two human factors leading to soil erosion are :

(a) Deforestation :- Due to heavy deforestation, soil erosion is increasing.

(b) Overgrazing :- In many regions people still practice grazing of cattle, goats and sheap.

Gradually this leads to soil erosion.

Q.8. Explain any three steps that can be taken to solve the problem of land degradation?

Ans. (a) Contour ploughing : Ploughing along the contour lines can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes.

(b) Terrace cultivation : Steps can be cut out on the slopes, making terraces. Terrace

cultivation restricts erosion.

between the crops. This breaks up the force of the wind reducing its effect.

Q.9. Explain the role of human in resource development.

Ans. Human is at the centre of resource development. Actually all resources become resource only

only when they are put to use by humans. It is human who makes natural things usable with

help of technology. Had no technology been there, development would not have been possible.

There are regions where natural resources are in abundance but regions not developed for

example Africa. But if human are developed they make the region developed with technology,

for example, Japan.

Q.10. Explain the importance of conservation of resources.

Ans. Conservation of resources is necessary because of following reasons :

(i) Resources are vital for any developmental activity but irrational consumption and overutilization

of resources may lead to socio-economic and environmental problems. To

overcome these problems, resource conservation at various level is important.

(ii) If resources are not conserved at this point of time, then our future generations will be left

with no resources at all. So it is very important to think for conservation of resources.

Q.11. Why is it important to raise the land area under forests?

Ans. It is very important to raise area under forest because forests are essential for maintenance of

the Ecological balance. The livelihood of millions of people who live on the fringes of these

forests depends upon it. Forest also provides a number of goods that are required for industry

and medicines etc. Forest also helps in soil conservation and rainfall.

Q.12. Describe any three main characteristics of arid soil of India.

Ans. There characteristics of Arid soils in India are —

(i) They range from red to brown in colour

(ii) They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature

(iii) In some areas salt content is higher and common salt is obtained by evaporation of water.

Due to the dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humans

and moisture.

Q.13. Highlight any three problems associated with the indiscriminate use of resources by the

human beings.

Ans. Indiscriminate use of resources creates following problems :–

(i) Global ecological crises such as global warming.

(ii) It has also led to depletion of the ozone layer.

(iii) It has also caused environmental pollution and land degradation.

The resultant threat to ecology and environment has put the future of our planet in danger.

Natural disasters have become very frequent. Many species of flora and fauna have

already become extinct.

Q.14. “Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state

boundaries.” Justify the statement.

Ans. As environment belongs to the Earth its impact felt by the whole planet. For example if carbon

dioxide is being released by some rich countries global warming is affecting the lives of all

the people on the planet. Air pollution moves along with air and cannot be restricted to any

place or country.

Ozone layer depletion has serious consequences for people all over the world.

Q.15. Describe any three types of soil available in India.

Ans. Three important soils of India are :—

(i) Alluvial Soils :- It is most important and widespread soil of India. The entire northern

plain is made of this soil.

Alluvial have been deposited by three important Himalayan rivers — Ganga, Brahmaputra

and Indus. These soils consist of various proportions of sand, silt, and day. These are of

two types : Khadar and Bangar. They contain potash, phosphoric acid and limestone.

(ii) Black Soil :- These soils are black in colour and are also known as Regur or cotton soils.

This type of soil is found in Deccan plateau region and is made up of lava flows.

They are well known for their capacity to hold moisture. They are rich in calcium

carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.

(ii) Laterite Soil :- Laterite soil develops in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall.

This is the result of intense leaching. Humus content of soil is very low. These are

found in Karanataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly areas of

Orissa and Assam.

Q.16. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas?

Ans. (i) Ploughing along the contour lines can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes. This

is contour ploughing.

(ii) Steps can be cut out on the slopes mapping terraces. Terrace cultivation restricts erosion.

(iii) Strip cropping is a very effective method of soil conservation or controlling soil erosion.

Large fields are divided into strips and strips of grass are left to grow between the crops.

Q.17. Mention any three characteristics of black soil.

Ans. (i) The black soils are made of clayey material and are well-known for their capacity to hold

moisture.

(ii) They are rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.

But black soils are poor in phosphoric contents.

(iii) Black soil develop deep cracks during summer which helps in proper aeration of the soil.

These soils are sticky when wet and difficult to work on unless tilted just after the first

shower.

Q.18. “India’s vast and diverse size is the most important resource.” Support the statement.

Ans. India has land under a variety of relief features such as plains, plateaus, mountains and islands.

About 43 per cent of land areas is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and industry.

Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country and ensure perennial

flow of some rivers, provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects. About 27 per cent

of the area is the plateau region. It possesses rich reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.

Q.19. Suggest any three measures of soil conservation.

Ans. The three measures of soil conservation are —

(i) Contour ploughing—ploughing along the contour lines can lead to soil conservation.

(ii) Terrace cultivation—steps can be cut out on the slopes making terraces. Terrace cultivation

leads to soil conservation.

(iii) Creating shelter belts — planting of trees to create shelter. Rows of such trees are called shelter

belts.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. What are ‘resources’? Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. Give

examples.

Ans. Natural endowments which can be utilised to satisfy our needs, provided they are

technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable, are termed as

resources. Materials available in the environment become a resource only when human beings

utilise the available technology and institutions created by themselves to transform the

substances into usable products which have utility and fulfill human wants. Hence, resources

are a function of human activity.

Resources may be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources on the basis of their

exhaustibility.

Renewable Resources

(i) Resources whose quantity is not reduced due to use and which can be repeatedly used without fear of exhaustion are termed as renewable resources. They are inexhaustible resources.

(ii) They can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical process.

(iii) Renewable resources like sunlight, wind, water are flow resources whose stock is continuous and are being used since time immemorial.

(iv) Biotic resources that are renewable, may be temporarily diminished but may be renewed again by natural process and proper management.

(v) Example : Solar and wind energy, water, forests, wildlife etc.

Non-Renewable Resources

(i)Substances whose stock gets reduced and are gradually exhausted with use are termed as Nonrenewable

resources. They are exhaustible resources.

(ii)They cannot be increased or recovered.

(iii)Their quantity is more or less fixed because their formation takes long geological period of millions of years, e.g. minerals. Fossil fuels are exhausted totally with use while metals can be recycled.

(iv)These resources can never be renewed or replenished.

Examples : Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum,

minerals.

Q.2. What are the steps involved in the complex process of resource planning? Why is resource planning important in the context of a country like India?

Ans. Resource planning is a complex process which involves :

(i) Identification of resources across the country through surveying, mapping and preparation

of inventory of resources through their quantitate and qualitative estimation and measurement.

(ii) Develop a planning structure for resource development taking into account technology,

skill and infrastructure available for implementing the plans.

(iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans. This

involves systematic planning of exploitation of resources.

Resource planning is important in a country like India, which has enormous diversity in the

availability of resources. While some regions are rich in certain types of resources, they may

be deficient in some other types of resources. For example, a mineral-rich region may be

poor in infrastructure or may be socio-culturally backward and included in economically

backward regions.

Some regions are self-sufficient in terms of availability of resources, while, on the other hand,

there are regions that face an acute shortage of resources. Thus, for proper development,

distribution, sharing and utilization of resources, taking into consideration the technology,

quality of human resources and historical experiences of the people, resource planning is

essential for development. India has made concerted efforts for achieving the goals of resource

planning right from the First Five Year Plan launched after Independence.

Q.3. What are the main types of soil found in India? Which type of soil is the most widespread

and important soil of India ? Describe in detail about this soil type.

Ans. The main types of soil found in various parts of India are as follows :

(i) Alluvial soil.

(ii) Black soil.

(iii) Red and yellow soil

(iv) Laterite soil

(v) Arid or Desert soil.

(vi) Forest and Mountainous soil.

Alluvial soil is the most fertile, widespread and important soil of India. They are riverine soil

transported and deposited by the three great river systems— the Indus, the Ganga and

Brahmaputra – which have formed the entire Northern Plains. They are also found in the deltas

of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers along the Eastern Coastal

plains. They also extend in a narrow corridor to Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The fertility of the alluvial soil has made the Northern Plains and the Eastern Coastal Plain

the most productive agricultural regions of India with a high density of population. The alluvial

soil contain adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for

cultivation of paddy, wheat, other cereals and pulses and sugarcane.

The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay. The soil near the

floodplain are more or less fine and in the deltas they are finest. They are coarse in the upper

reaches of the river valley specially near break of slope and in piedment plains like Duars,

Chos and Terai.

Alluvial soils are renewed every year during annual floods. The new, fertile, light coloured and

fine alluvial deposited near the river is called khadar. The old alluvial deposited earlier are

found at about 30 metres above the flood level of the rivers. They are clayey, dark in colour,

coarse with kanker nodules and less fertile.

Q.4. What is soil erosion? How do human activities and natural forces cause soil erosion?

Suggest measures of soil conservation in hilly, and mountainous areas and in desert areas.

Ans. The denudation or destruction of the soil cover and their subsequent natural removal is termed

as soil erosion. Human activities as well as natural forces cause denudation of the top soil. The

soil nutrients are subsequently washed away by running water or blown away by wind.

Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, construction and mining as well as faulty

methods of farming lead to soil erosion. Natural forces like wind, water and glacier can cause

soil erosion. Surface runoff leads to formation of gullies, badlands and ravines by cutting out

channels in the soil. Entire topsoil may be washed off under the impact of sheet erosion caused

by large water flows down a slope. Loose soil may be blown away by wind easily.

In hilly and mountainous areas the following measures can help to control soil erosion :

(i) Contour ploughing or ploughing along the contour lines of a high land can decelerate flow

of water down the slopes.

(ii) Terrace cultivation or cutting of steps around the slopes to provide land for agriculture

also checks downhill flow of water and controls soil erosion, e.g. as in Western and

Central Himalayan region.

(iii) Afforestation can help in soil conservation in hilly areas.

In dry desert areas, planting of rows of trees known as shelter belts to check velocity of wind

can control soil erosion. These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the stabilization

of sand dunes and checking the spread of desert in Western India.

Q.5. What is the need for ‘conservation of resources’? Elucidate in the light of Gandhiji’s

view.

Ans. Irrational consumption and over-exploitation of resources without consideration for the future

generations have led to grave socio-economic and environmental problems. Social and

economic distinctions on the basis of have and have-nots and global ecological problems like

global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land degradation are all

consequences of uncontrolled exploitation of resources. To overcome these problems and to

preserve resources for our future generations as well, conservation of resources is essential.

Gandhiji expressed his concern about resource conservation through these words, “There is

enough for everybody’s need but not for anybody’s greed.” According to Gandhiji, greedy and

selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology is the root cause for resource

depletion at the global level. He advocated production by the masses and was against mass

production that lead to uncontrolled exploitation of resources.

Accumulation of resources in a few hands due to indiscriminate exploitation of resources has

divided the society into rich and poor. An equitable distribution of resources has become

essential for sustained quality of life and global peace. This can reduce tension between

countries and lead to planned and judicious use of resources. Similarly, conservation of

resources can also help tackle ecological crises of global level.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. What does the term ‘land degradation’ mean? Which human activities have contributed

significantly in land degradation? Suggest measures to solve the problems of land

degradation.

What are the reasons for land degradation? Describe any four measures to conserve land.

Ans. Continuous use of land over a prolonged period of time, without taking necessary steps to

conserve and manage it, has resulted is land degradation, i.e., qualitative degradation of land.

The quality of the land becomes poorer due to gradual loss of fertility due to unplanned use.

Unplanned use and over exploitation by humans have led to degradation of land and have also

aggravated the pace of natural forces to cause damage to land. Human activities such as

deforestation, over grazing, mining and quarrying have contributed significantly in land

degradation. Faulty methods of cultivation and over-irrigation have also caused land

degradation in some areas. Mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry,

industrial effluents and wastes cause pollution and lead to land degradation.

The problem of land degradation may be tackled by adopting certain measures to conserve

land.

(i) Afforestation or large scale plantation of trees and proper management of grazing.

(ii) Planting of shelter belts of plants and stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes

in windy, arid areas like desert of Rajasthan.

(iii) Proper management of wasteland and control of mining activities.

(iv) Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and waste after treatment in industrial

and suburban areas.

Q.2. What is resource planning? Why is resource planning essential? Explain with three

reasons.

Ans. Resource planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources. It is a

complex process which involves :

(i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country through

surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of

resources.

(ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional

set-up for implementing resource development plans.

(iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

Resource Planning is essential mainly because of the following reasons.

Resources are not equally distributed throughout the world. Within a country also some regions

may be rich in resources and self-sufficient in terms of availability of resources while some

other regions may have acute shortage of some vital resources.

There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other

resources.

Some regions in the country that are rich in natural resources may be included among

economically backward region. On the contrary, there are some regions which have a poor

resource base but are economically developed. Technology, quality of human resources and the

historical experiences of the people influence resource development.

In a country like India which has an enormous diversity in the availability of resources,

resource planning is indispensable.

Q.3. Explain any four human activities which are mainly responsible for land degradation in

India.

Ans. Continuous use of land over a prolonged period of time without taking necessary steps to

conserve and manage it, has resulted in land degradation.

Four human activities responsible for land degradation in India are as follows :

(i) In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa deforestation due to

mining have caused severe land degradation. Mining sites are dug, drilled or quarried and

abandoned after excavation work is over, leaving the Landover burdened and in a highly

degraded state.

(ii) Mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and

soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge quality of mineral dust in the atmosphere

which ultimately settles down on the land. It retards the process of infiltration of water

into the soil, thus, degrading the land. Discharge of industrial effluents and wastes cause

pollution and land degradation in industrial regions.

(iii) In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing is one of

the main reasons for land degradation.

(iv) In Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh over-irrigation is responsible for land

degradation. It leads to water logging which in turn increases salinity and alkalinity in the

soil and reduces its fertility.

Q.4. Give the importance of soil. Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation.

Ans. Soil is the medium of plant growth and supports different types of living organisms, including

animals and human beings, by providing them with food for their survival. Human existence

and settlement is determined by soil fertility as it determines agricultural productivity of an

area. Soil determines the natural vegetation and type of crop production of an area.

It also influences the landuse of an area. Areas of fertile soil are agriculturally productive and

densely populated. It is one of the most important renewable natural resource.

Relief, nature of parent rock or bedrock, climate, vegetation and other forms of life (especially

decomposers) and time are important factors in the formation of soil. The three most important

factors of soil formation are :

(i) Nature of parent rock. It influences the colour and texture of the soil. The mineral content

of the soil also depends on the parent rock from which it is formed.

(ii) Climate influences the rate and types of weathering and erosion of the rocks.

Weathering of the parent rocks due to climatic factors and natural forces lead to

disintegration of rocks which leads to the formation of soil.

(iii) Time determines maturity of the soil. The soil is a living system. It takes millions of years

to form soil up to a few centimeters in depth.

Q.5. Classify resources on the basis of ownership into four categories. Mention the main

features of each.

Ans. On the basis of ownership resources can be classified into the following categories :

(i) Individual Resources. (ii) Community Owned Resources.

(iii) National Resources. (iv) International Resources.

(i) Individual resources are owned privately by individuals or group of individuals. Plots of

lands owned by farmers, pasture lands, ponds, orchards, water in wells, are examples of

resources owned by individuals in the villages. Plots of lands, houses, cars, and other

property are some examples of individual resources in urban areas. Plantations are also

individual resources. Its plot of land, management, revenue, products and profits are under

individual ownership.

(ii) Community owned resources are accessible to all members of the community. These

resources can be used by all people living in the area. Picnic spots, maidans, village ponds,

grazing grounds, burial grounds, etc., in villages; playgrounds, public parks, markets, etc

in urban areas are examples of community owed resources.

(iii) National Resources mean all resources owned by a nation. All the forests, wildlife,

minerals, water resources, land within the political boundaries of a nation and oceanic area

up 12 nautical miles, i.e., 19.2 km, from the coast termed as territorial water, and resources

therein belong to the nation and are termed as national resources.

(iv) International Resources are under the jurisdiction and regulation of international

organizations. The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone

belong to open oceans and no individual country can utilize these without the concurrence

of international institutions, e.g. manganese nodules in bed of the Indian Ocean.

Resource and Development

Class 10th Social Science- Resource and Development

Class 10^th Social Science- Resource and Development