Social Science STD 7 Chapter 14: Resource - Exercises

1. Choose the correct alternative from the option given below to answer the following questions:

1. 1. Into how many major groups resources are divided?

   (A) Two

2. 2. Which of the following are the means of irrigation?

   (D) All

3. 3. Where are the forests mainly found in India?

   (C) Andaman-Nicobar

4. 4. Which of the following bird is found in the desert of 'Kutch'?

   (B) Flamingo

5. 5. Which special animal is found in Ladakh?

   (A) Yak

2. Answer the following in one sentence:

1. 1. What do the people of Sahara cultivate?

   Due to the availability of water in the vast Nile valley within the Sahara desert, people cultivate crops like dates and wheat.

2. 2. What is the name given to the earth's crust made up of fragments of rock, gravel and clay?

   The earth's crust made up of fragments of rock, gravel, and clay is called 'Regolith'.

3. 3. Which is the main source of water?

   Rainfall is the main source of water on the Earth's surface.

4. 4. Which animal is on the verge of extinction that is found in the rivers of Gujarat?

   Otters found in the rivers of Gujarat like Narmada, Tapi, and Sabarmati are on the verge of extinction.

5. 5. Which region of India is known as 'Small Tibet'?

   The Ladakh region of India is known as 'Small Tibet' due to the widespread influence of Tibetan culture.

3. (a) Write a short note:

1. 1. Desert of Kutch

   The Kutch desert is located in the North-West of Gujarat and is part of the larger Thar Desert. It is divided into the Little Rann and the Great Rann of Kutch. The area is believed to have formed due to the lifting of the continental shelf. The climate is hot and dry. The region is known for its flora like wild acacia trees and fauna such as wild ass (Ghudkhar), nilgai, golden fox, and birds like flamingos and the Great Indian bustard. The people's livelihood depends on animal rearing, shipping, fishing, and shrimp farming, as well as handicrafts and embroidery.

2. 2. Preservation of water resources

   Since water is a precious and limited resource, its preservation and management are crucial. Measures include building more reservoirs, making efforts to raise the groundwater level by harnessing river water, and collecting rainwater through the construction of dams, recharge wells, and farm ponds. Additionally, public awareness should be increased, and people should be encouraged to use water sparingly in daily activities. Protecting reservoirs and rivers from pollution is also an essential step in water conservation.

3. 3. Land resources

   Land is a crucial natural resource that forms the solid crust of the Earth. It provides land for human settlement, agriculture, and raw materials for industries. The upper layer of the land, known as soil, is vital for vegetation growth and a country's economic development. Soil is formed from rock fragments and organic elements. There are eight types of soil in India. The conservation of land involves preventing soil erosion by planting trees, using terracing on slopes, and controlling uncontrolled grazing. The soil's fertility can be maintained by adding organic matter.

4. 4. Desert of Ladakh

   Ladakh is a cold desert located in the north of India, surrounded by the Karakoram and Zaskar mountain ranges. The climate is cold and dry with very thin air. Vegetation is scarce, with only short grass and some trees like cedar and poplar. The wildlife includes species like snow leopards, red foxes, yaks, and various birds. The people, who are mostly Buddhist, live in villages and engage in farming and animal rearing. The region is known for its mountainous beauty, monasteries, and a growing tourism industry.

5. 5. Conservation/preservation of wildlife

   Wildlife conservation is essential to protect the diverse species of animals, birds, and insects in India. Laws, like those passed by Emperor Ashoka in ancient times, and modern legal steps are implemented to curb poaching and atrocities against wildlife. Wildlife is counted at regular intervals to monitor its population. Preventing deforestation, providing medical treatment for animals, and creating protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries are key to conservation. Awareness campaigns through media also play a vital role in educating the public about the importance of protecting wildlife.

(b) Answer briefly:

1. 1. What is resource?

   A resource is any natural substance found on Earth that is useful to human beings. Resources can be natural, such as air, water, land, and minerals, or man-made, such as industrial units and social institutions. Human beings themselves are also considered a resource due to their knowledge, skills, and intelligence.

2. 2. Economical Importance of forests

   Forests are economically important as they provide valuable resources like timber from trees such as Teak and Sal. Wood from Cedar and Pine is used for sports articles, and bamboo is used to make paper and rayon. Forests also provide other essential products like lacquer, glue, honey, and herbs, and they offer a livelihood to the people living within or near them.

3. 3. Write a note on flora and fauna of the desert of Sahara.

   The Sahara desert has a hot and dry climate, which limits its flora and fauna. The main vegetation consists of date palms and thorny bushes. The wildlife in this region includes foxes, striped hyenas, desert scorpions, chameleons, desert lizards, and snakes. Despite the harsh environment, the Nile valley within the desert supports agriculture, allowing for the cultivation of dates and wheat.

4. 4. What is water scarcity?

   Water scarcity is a situation where there is a shortage of water to meet human needs. This problem is exacerbated by the growing population, increasing demand for water for cash crops and industries, and rising urbanization. The over-extraction of groundwater through tube wells has caused a decline in the water table, leading to a serious crisis of water availability.

5. 5. Which are the remedies to prevent soil-erosion?

   To prevent soil erosion, several remedies can be applied: plant trees on fallow land and river ravines; use step-farming on sloping land; build barriers to slow down water flow; control uncontrolled grazing; and add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.