Chapter-1-Natural Resources and Their Use, Class 8th, Social Science, NCERT

Chapter 1: Natural Resources and Their Use

NCERT Questions and Answers

Q1. What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Answer (120–150 words):
A renewable resource becomes non-renewable if it is exploited faster than its natural rate of regeneration. For example, forests are renewable, but deforestation without replantation can destroy them permanently. Similarly, over-extraction of groundwater can turn fertile regions into dry lands. Pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices disturb the natural cycle of restoration and regeneration, making renewable resources scarce.
To prevent this, we must use resources responsibly: promote afforestation, practice water harvesting, regulate mining, and adopt organic farming. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind should replace excessive use of coal and petroleum. Recycling, reuse, and reduced wastage are also essential. Thus, human care and sustainable practices ensure that renewable resources remain available for future generations.

Q2. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Answer (80–100 words):
Ecosystems perform natural functions that directly or indirectly support human life. Five important ones are:

Oxygen production by plants and trees through photosynthesis.
Water purification by forests, wetlands, and natural filters.
Soil fertility and nutrient cycling through decomposition of organic matter.
Pollination of crops by bees, birds, and insects.
Climate regulation by forests and oceans absorbing carbon dioxide.
These functions are called ecosystem services when humans benefit from them, such as clean water, fertile farmland, and protection from floods.

Q3. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.
Answer (120–150 words):
Renewable resources are resources that regenerate naturally and can be used again and again, such as sunlight, wind, forests, and rivers.
Non-renewable resources take millions of years to form and are exhausted once used, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
To ensure renewable resources remain available, people must:

Use them sustainably, without over-exploitation.
Promote conservation practices such as afforestation, water harvesting, and organic farming.
Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase reliance on solar, wind, and hydropower.
Examples: Solar energy and timber from forests (if regeneration is maintained).

Q4. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Answer (100–120 words):
In many Indian traditions, nature is considered sacred, and this is reflected in cultural practices. For example, people worship Tulsi and Peepal trees, which are known for their ecological benefits. Festivals like Van Mahotsav encourage tree planting. In rural areas, community-managed sacred groves prevent indiscriminate cutting of trees. Clay diyas, jute bags, and banana-leaf plates are used instead of plastics in rituals and ceremonies. Water is often conserved through rituals of offering arghyam to rivers and ponds. Such practices show how culture promotes sustainability by linking spiritual values with conservation of nature.

Q5. What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
Answer (120–150 words):
While producing goods, we must ensure that our needs are met without damaging nature or depriving future generations. Some key considerations are:

Sustainability – use resources without exhausting them.
Eco-friendliness – adopt clean technologies that cause minimal pollution.
Waste management – promote recycling and reduce single-use materials.
Equity – resources and products should be accessible to all sections of society.
Long-term vision – production should not focus only on profit but also on environmental responsibility.
For example, instead of using excessive coal for electricity, industries should shift to renewable energy. Similarly, packaging should be biodegradable. This ensures that economic growth is balanced with environmental conservation.

Extra Short Answer Questions

Define natural resources.
→ Materials and substances found in nature and useful to humans, such as air, water, soil, minerals, and forests.
What is stewardship of resources?
→ It means using resources responsibly while ensuring their restoration and regeneration for future generations.
Name two renewable and two non-renewable resources.
→ Renewable: solar energy, forests. Non-renewable: coal, petroleum.
What is the ‘resource curse’?
→ It means that resource-rich regions often remain poor due to mismanagement, corruption, or over-dependence on raw resources.
What is Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda?
→ An ancient Indian science dealing with sustainable plant care, irrigation, soil management, and pest control.
Name two cultural practices that promote conservation.
→ Worship of rivers and trees; preservation of sacred groves.
Which state is fully organic in India?
→ Sikkim, declared 100% organic in 2016.
What was the problem of groundwater in Punjab?
→ Over-extraction due to paddy and wheat cultivation, leading to severe depletion and contamination.
Name two ecosystem services from forests.
→ Water purification and prevention of soil erosion.
Which international initiative did India launch in 2015 to promote renewable energy?
→ The International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Extra Long Answer Questions

Q1. Explain the implications of unsustainable use of resources with examples.
Answer:
Unsustainable use of resources leads to ecological imbalance, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of essential reserves. For instance, over-extraction of groundwater in Punjab during the Green Revolution caused water scarcity and chemical contamination. Deforestation reduces rainfall, increases soil erosion, and endangers wildlife. Overfishing has led to the decline of tuna populations, disturbing ocean ecosystems. Industrial pollution damages rivers and air quality, making them toxic for humans and animals. These examples show that ignoring sustainability causes both short-term and long-term harm. Responsible use, afforestation, and renewable energy can reduce such impacts.

Q2. Discuss the case of organic farming in Sikkim and its impact.
Answer:
Sikkim adopted a policy of becoming a fully organic state, completed in 2016. Farmers replaced chemical fertilisers and pesticides with compost and natural repellents. Initially, yields fell as the soil recovered, but over time productivity improved. Biodiversity flourished with insects and birds returning, while tourism increased due to Sikkim’s model of sustainability. Farmers earned higher incomes by selling organic produce at premium prices. The state became an international example of how sustainable farming improves both ecology and economy.

Q3. How can we ensure sustainable use of non-renewable resources?
Answer:
Non-renewable resources like coal, petroleum, and minerals are limited. To ensure sustainability:

Use them judiciously and avoid wastage.
Develop alternative sources of renewable energy like solar and wind.
Promote recycling of metals and materials.
Improve energy efficiency in industries, vehicles, and homes.
Invest in new technologies for cleaner production.
By combining conservation with innovation, we can extend the life of non-renewables until renewable substitutes become widely available.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Which of the following is a renewable resource?
(a) Coal (b) Petroleum (c) Solar energy (d) Iron ore
Answer: (c) Solar energy
The over-exploitation of groundwater is a major issue in:
(a) Kerala (b) Punjab (c) Rajasthan (d) Gujarat
Answer: (b) Punjab
Which of these is NOT an ecosystem service?
(a) Soil fertility (b) Oxygen production (c) Deforestation (d) Pollination
Answer: (c) Deforestation
The “paradox of plenty” refers to:
(a) Excess of rainfall (b) Resource curse (c) Industrial pollution (d) Recycling
Answer: (b) Resource curse
Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda deals with:
(a) Astronomy (b) Trees and plants (c) Rivers (d) Cattle
Answer: (b) Trees and plants
Which state became 100% organic in 2016?
(a) Kerala (b) Punjab (c) Sikkim (d) Assam
Answer: (c) Sikkim
Which two crops caused groundwater depletion in Punjab?
(a) Cotton and jute (b) Wheat and paddy (c) Tea and coffee (d) Sugarcane and maize
Answer: (b) Wheat and paddy
Which organisation regulates solar energy cooperation internationally?
(a) WHO (b) WTO (c) ISA (d) ILO
Answer: (c) ISA
India launched ISA with:
(a) USA (b) France (c) Germany (d) Japan
Answer: (b) France
Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
(a) Water (b) Coal (c) Sunlight (d) Timber
Answer: (b) Coal
Which material’s production is among the most polluting industries?
(a) Steel (b) Plastic (c) Cement (d) Paper
Answer: (c) Cement
Which is called “black gold”?
(a) Coal (b) Petroleum (c) Gold (d) Iron ore
Answer: (b) Petroleum
Which festival promotes afforestation in India?
(a) Diwali (b) Holi (c) Van Mahotsav (d) Pongal
Answer: (c) Van Mahotsav
The Kaveri river water dispute is between:
(a) Punjab and Haryana (b) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (c) Gujarat and Rajasthan (d) UP and Bihar
Answer: (b) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Which practice helps conserve soil fertility?
(a) Excess fertiliser use (b) Mulching (c) Overgrazing (d) Deforestation
Answer: (b) Mulching
Which state is known as the “Granary of India”?
(a) Punjab (b) Gujarat (c) Odisha (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a) Punjab
What is the main aim of stewardship of resources?
(a) Exploitation (b) Conservation (c) Profit-making (d) Pollution control only
Answer: (b) Conservation
Which is the largest solar park in India?
(a) Charanka (b) Bhadla (c) Pavagada (d) Kurnool
Answer: (b) Bhadla
Which natural resource is linked to deforestation?
(a) Timber (b) Iron (c) Bauxite (d) Coal
Answer: (a) Timber
Which of these shows unsustainable use?
(a) Organic farming (b) Rainwater harvesting (c) Overfishing of tuna (d) Solar parks
Answer: (c) Overfishing of tuna
Which Indian text describes tree care and sustainable farming?
(a) Arthashastra (b) Rigveda (c) Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda (d) Manusmriti
Answer: (c) Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda

Fill in the Blanks

The first fully organic state of India is Sikkim.
The over-extraction of groundwater is a major issue in Punjab.
The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France in 2015.
Cement production is one of the most polluting industries.
Petroleum is also known as black gold.
The decline in the variety of life on Earth is called biodiversity loss.
The festival that encourages tree plantation is Van Mahotsav.
Coal reserves in India may last only another 50 years.
Sacred groves are protected community forests.
The case study of sustainable agriculture in Sikkim is linked to organic farming.

True/False

Solar energy is a renewable resource. ✅
Over-extraction of groundwater is a problem only in Punjab. ❌
Van Mahotsav encourages water conservation. ❌ (It promotes tree planting.)
Petroleum is called black gold. ✅
ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France. ✅
Cement is the least polluting industry. ❌
Sacred groves promote conservation of biodiversity. ✅
Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda deals with astronomy. ❌
Organic farming increases biodiversity. ✅
The natural resource curse means abundance of resources always brings wealth. ❌

Chapter-1-Natural Resources and Their Use, Class 8th, Social Science, NCERT