ProTeacher

Tag: Chapter – 1

  • 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:

    1. Oxygen production by plants and trees through photosynthesis.

    2. Water purification by forests, wetlands, and natural filters.

    3. Soil fertility and nutrient cycling through decomposition of organic matter.

    4. Pollination of crops by bees, birds, and insects.

    5. 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:

    1. Sustainability – use resources without exhausting them.

    2. Eco-friendliness – adopt clean technologies that cause minimal pollution.

    3. Waste management – promote recycling and reduce single-use materials.

    4. Equity – resources and products should be accessible to all sections of society.

    5. 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

    1. Define natural resources.
      → Materials and substances found in nature and useful to humans, such as air, water, soil, minerals, and forests.

    2. What is stewardship of resources?
      → It means using resources responsibly while ensuring their restoration and regeneration for future generations.

    3. Name two renewable and two non-renewable resources.
      → Renewable: solar energy, forests. Non-renewable: coal, petroleum.

    4. What is the ‘resource curse’?
      → It means that resource-rich regions often remain poor due to mismanagement, corruption, or over-dependence on raw resources.

    5. What is Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda?
      → An ancient Indian science dealing with sustainable plant care, irrigation, soil management, and pest control.

    6. Name two cultural practices that promote conservation.
      → Worship of rivers and trees; preservation of sacred groves.

    7. Which state is fully organic in India?
      → Sikkim, declared 100% organic in 2016.

    8. What was the problem of groundwater in Punjab?
      → Over-extraction due to paddy and wheat cultivation, leading to severe depletion and contamination.

    9. Name two ecosystem services from forests.
      → Water purification and prevention of soil erosion.

    10. 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:

    1. Use them judiciously and avoid wastage.

    2. Develop alternative sources of renewable energy like solar and wind.

    3. Promote recycling of metals and materials.

    4. Improve energy efficiency in industries, vehicles, and homes.

    5. 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)

    1. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
      (a) Coal (b) Petroleum (c) Solar energy (d) Iron ore
      Answer: (c) Solar energy

    2. The over-exploitation of groundwater is a major issue in:
      (a) Kerala (b) Punjab (c) Rajasthan (d) Gujarat
      Answer: (b) Punjab

    3. Which of these is NOT an ecosystem service?
      (a) Soil fertility (b) Oxygen production (c) Deforestation (d) Pollination
      Answer: (c) Deforestation

    4. The “paradox of plenty” refers to:
      (a) Excess of rainfall (b) Resource curse (c) Industrial pollution (d) Recycling
      Answer: (b) Resource curse

    5. Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda deals with:
      (a) Astronomy (b) Trees and plants (c) Rivers (d) Cattle
      Answer: (b) Trees and plants

    6. Which state became 100% organic in 2016?
      (a) Kerala (b) Punjab (c) Sikkim (d) Assam
      Answer: (c) Sikkim

    7. 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

    8. Which organisation regulates solar energy cooperation internationally?
      (a) WHO (b) WTO (c) ISA (d) ILO
      Answer: (c) ISA

    9. India launched ISA with:
      (a) USA (b) France (c) Germany (d) Japan
      Answer: (b) France

    10. Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
      (a) Water (b) Coal (c) Sunlight (d) Timber
      Answer: (b) Coal

    11. Which material’s production is among the most polluting industries?
      (a) Steel (b) Plastic (c) Cement (d) Paper
      Answer: (c) Cement

    12. Which is called “black gold”?
      (a) Coal (b) Petroleum (c) Gold (d) Iron ore
      Answer: (b) Petroleum

    13. Which festival promotes afforestation in India?
      (a) Diwali (b) Holi (c) Van Mahotsav (d) Pongal
      Answer: (c) Van Mahotsav

    14. 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

    15. Which practice helps conserve soil fertility?
      (a) Excess fertiliser use (b) Mulching (c) Overgrazing (d) Deforestation
      Answer: (b) Mulching

    16. Which state is known as the “Granary of India”?
      (a) Punjab (b) Gujarat (c) Odisha (d) Tamil Nadu
      Answer: (a) Punjab

    17. What is the main aim of stewardship of resources?
      (a) Exploitation (b) Conservation (c) Profit-making (d) Pollution control only
      Answer: (b) Conservation

    18. Which is the largest solar park in India?
      (a) Charanka (b) Bhadla (c) Pavagada (d) Kurnool
      Answer: (b) Bhadla

    19. Which natural resource is linked to deforestation?
      (a) Timber (b) Iron (c) Bauxite (d) Coal
      Answer: (a) Timber

    20. Which of these shows unsustainable use?
      (a) Organic farming (b) Rainwater harvesting (c) Overfishing of tuna (d) Solar parks
      Answer: (c) Overfishing of tuna

    21. Which Indian text describes tree care and sustainable farming?
      (a) Arthashastra (b) Rigveda (c) Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda (d) Manusmriti
      Answer: (c) Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda

    Fill in the Blanks

    1. The first fully organic state of India is Sikkim.

    2. The over-extraction of groundwater is a major issue in Punjab.

    3. The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France in 2015.

    4. Cement production is one of the most polluting industries.

    5. Petroleum is also known as black gold.

    6. The decline in the variety of life on Earth is called biodiversity loss.

    7. The festival that encourages tree plantation is Van Mahotsav.

    8. Coal reserves in India may last only another 50 years.

    9. Sacred groves are protected community forests.

    10. The case study of sustainable agriculture in Sikkim is linked to organic farming.

    True/False

    1. Solar energy is a renewable resource. ✅

    2. Over-extraction of groundwater is a problem only in Punjab. ❌

    3. Van Mahotsav encourages water conservation. ❌ (It promotes tree planting.)

    4. Petroleum is called black gold. ✅

    5. ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France. ✅

    6. Cement is the least polluting industry. ❌

    7. Sacred groves promote conservation of biodiversity. ✅

    8. Vr̥ikṣhāyurveda deals with astronomy. ❌

    9. Organic farming increases biodiversity. ✅

    10. The natural resource curse means abundance of resources always brings wealth. ❌

  • Chapter-1-Geographical Diversity of India, Class 7th, Social Science, NCERT

    NCERT Answers

    Q1. What, in your opinion, are two important geographical features of India? Why do you think they are important?

    Answer:
    Two important geographical features of India are:

    1. The Himalayas – They protect India from cold winds, give rise to rivers, and are a source of water, forests, and minerals.

    2. The Northern Plains – They are very fertile due to rivers like the Ganga, which makes farming possible for millions of people.

    These features are important because they support life, farming, transport, and culture.

    Q2. What do you think India might have looked like if the Himalayas did not exist?

    Answer:
    If the Himalayas did not exist:

    • Cold winds from Central Asia would enter India, making the climate very cold.

    • Rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra would not exist.

    • Fertile plains would not have formed, and agriculture would be very poor.
      India would look like a dry and barren land without much greenery.

    Q3. India has been called a ‘mini-continent’. Based on what you’ve read, why do you think this is so?

    Answer:
    India is called a ‘mini-continent’ because it has:

    • All types of landforms like mountains, deserts, plateaus, plains, coasts, and islands.

    • A variety of soils, rivers, animals, and plants.

    • Different climates from hot desert to cold mountains.
      This diversity makes India look like a continent in itself.

    Q4. Follow one of India’s big rivers from where it starts to where it meets the ocean. What are the different ways in which people might utilise this river along its journey?

    Answer (example: River Ganga):

    • Origin (Gangotri Glacier): Source of fresh water, pilgrimage site.

    • Middle course (plains of UP, Bihar): Irrigation for farming, drinking water, transport, fishing.

    • Lower course (West Bengal): Water for industries, navigation, fertile soil for farming.

    • Mouth (Bay of Bengal): Creates delta, supports mangroves and fishing.

    Q5. Why is the southern part of India referred to as a peninsular plateau?

    Answer:
    The southern part of India is called a peninsular plateau because it is a raised landmass with flat surfaces and is surrounded by water on three sides – the Arabian Sea (west), Bay of Bengal (east), and Indian Ocean (south).

    Q6. Which UNESCO Heritage Site mentioned in this chapter did you find more interesting? Write a short paragraph.

    Answer (example: Sundarbans):
    I found the Sundarbans most interesting. It is a unique delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It has mangrove forests and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. It shows the close link between rivers, sea, and land.

    Q7. Look at the two maps of India, physical as well as political, given at the end of this book. Identify the place you are at now. Which physical feature of India would you use to describe its location?

    Answer:
    (Students will answer according to their location. Example:)
    I live in Delhi. On the physical map, Delhi is in the Northern Plains near the Yamuna River.

    Q8. Food preservation techniques differ from place to place across India. Do a class project. Gather different methods of preserving food.

    Answer (examples):

    • Drying fish in coastal areas.

    • Making pickles from mangoes in hot regions.

    • Using spices and oil to preserve food in Rajasthan.

    • Fermenting rice and bamboo shoots in the Northeast.

    • Storing grains in air-tight containers in villages.

    Q9. Despite having such different regions (mountains, deserts, plains, coasts), India remains one country. How do you think our geography has helped unite people?

    Answer:
    Geography has united India because:

    • Rivers connect people by water and transport.

    • Mountains and plains provide resources to all.

    • Different climates give rise to different crops, which people share through trade.

    • Coasts allow India to connect with the world.
      Thus, India’s geography has made people interdependent and united.

    Extra Questions for Practice

    Short Answer Questions (2–3 sentences each)

    1. What does the word ‘Himalaya’ mean?
      → The word ‘Himalaya’ comes from Sanskrit: Hima means snow and Alaya means abode. So, it means “Abode of Snow.”

    2. Why are the Himalayas called the ‘Water Tower of Asia’?
      → Because the snow and glaciers in the Himalayas feed many rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which provide water to millions of people.

    3. Name the three main ranges of the Himalayas.
      → Himadri (Greater Himalayas), Himachal (Middle Himalayas), and Shivalik (Outer Himalayas).

    4. What is special about Ladakh’s climate?
      → Ladakh is a cold desert where winter temperatures fall below –30°C, and rainfall is very little.

    5. Why is the Northern Plain fertile?
      → The rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra deposit rich alluvial soil, making the land very fertile.

    6. Which states are covered by the Thar Desert?
      → Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.

    7. Why are the Aravalli Hills important?
      → They are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world and act as a barrier to prevent the Thar Desert from spreading eastward.

    8. Name two rivers that flow westward from the Peninsular Plateau.
      → Narmada and Tapti.

    9. Which is the only active volcano in India and where is it located?
      → Barren Island volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    10. Why is Meghalaya famous?
      → Meghalaya gets very heavy rainfall, has lush forests, living root bridges, and the cleanest village of Asia (Mawlynnong).

    Long Answer Questions (5–6 sentences each)

    1. Describe how the Himalayas are useful to India.
      → The Himalayas protect India from cold winds of Central Asia. They are the source of many important rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra. They provide fertile soil to the plains. They are rich in forests, wildlife, and natural resources. They are also home to many pilgrimage sites and tourist spots.

    1. Explain the main features of the Peninsular Plateau.
      → The Peninsular Plateau is a triangular landmass surrounded by water on three sides. It is bordered by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Important rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow through it. It is rich in minerals, forests, and has many waterfalls. Tribal communities like Santhal and Gond live here, closely connected with nature.

    1. What makes India a land of geographical diversity?
      → India has a wide variety of landforms: snowy Himalayas, fertile plains, hot deserts, plateaus, coasts, and islands. It has different soils, climates, forests, animals, and rivers. Each region has its own way of life, food, and traditions. This diversity supports different cultures, but at the same time, unites India as one nation.