Social Science STD 8 Chapter 9: Resources : Exercises

1. Write the answers of the following questions in one sentence:

1. 1. What is a natural vegetation?

   Self-growing vegetation, including creepers, shrubs and trees, is called a natural vegetation.

2. 2. Which animals are included in wildlife?

   Various animals, birds, and insects are part of the wildlife.

3. 3. On what basis are natural vegetation classified?

   Natural vegetation is classified based on the diversity in their structure and form, which varies due to altitude from sea level and climate.

4. 4. What should be done to increase the water storage capacity of lakes and ponds?

   To increase the water storage capacity of lakes and ponds, the silt deposited in them should be removed, and they should be deepened.

2. Answer the following questions:

1. 1. Describe the types of resources based on their distribution.

   Resources are classified into four types based on their distribution. Ubiquitous Resources are available everywhere, such as oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. Common Resources are generally readily available, like water and pasture land. Rare Resources are found in limited places, such as coal, various metals, and crude oil. Lastly, Unique Resources are minerals found in only one or two places in the world, for example, Cryolite from Greenland.

2. 2. Distinguish: Renewable Resources and Non-renewable Resources.

   Renewable Resources are those that can be automatically replenished or are inexhaustible over a specific period. Examples include forests, animals and birds, sunlight, and wind.

   Non-renewable Resources, once used, are impossible to renew in the near future. These resources take thousands of years to form. Examples include coal, crude oil, natural gas, and nuclear minerals.

3. 3. Write a short note about human-resource.

   Human beings are a powerful resource themselves because they use their knowledge and skills to turn natural elements into usable resources. Humans are both the creators and the users of resources. Education and health services play a crucial role in making a person a special resource, and the process of developing this is called human resource development. The maximum use of natural resources is possible only when there are skilled, knowledgeable, and technologically advanced people to utilize them.

4. 4. What are the main factors responsible for water crisis?

   The main factors responsible for the water crisis are population explosion, which increases the demand for water. The increase in cultivation of cash crops, a modern lifestyle, and rapid urbanization also contribute to higher water consumption. Industrial growth and deforestation are other significant factors that deplete water resources and disrupt natural cycles, leading to water scarcity.

5. 5. What is an ecosystem? Explain in detail.

   An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. In this system, every organism, from the largest animal to the smallest insect, has a unique role to play. Organisms survive by interacting with one another. For example, vegetation provides food and habitat to animals, while birds control the insect population by eating them. If any part of this ecosystem is disturbed, for example, by deforestation, it can cause a serious threat to wildlife and lead to climate change, showing how all components are interconnected.

6. 6. 'Forests are very useful to us.' - Explain the statement.

   Forests are extremely useful to us as they fulfill a variety of our needs. They help in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They provide us with valuable resources like timber, fuel wood, fruits, and herbs. Forests also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and conserving groundwater. They serve as a habitat and a source of food for wildlife, contributing to the overall ecological balance.

7. 7. State the measures for conservation of resources.

   To conserve resources, several measures can be taken. We must prevent soil erosion and use natural manure instead of excessive chemical fertilizers. Drip irrigation should be encouraged to save water. To protect wildlife, stringent laws should be enacted to prevent hunting, and measures should be taken to prevent deforestation. Water scarcity can be addressed through rainwater harvesting, constructing check dams, and reusing water. For energy conservation, it is important to explore and use alternative non-conventional sources like solar and wind energy and to reuse materials whenever possible.

8. 8. 'It is the duty of all of us to conserve resources.' - Explain the statement.

   It is our duty to conserve resources because they are finite and essential for human life. With the world's growing population and technological development, the use of resources is increasing rapidly, and some non-renewable resources are on the verge of exhaustion. Without these resources, human progress and modern life will be unsustainable. Therefore, we must use resources in a planned and judicious manner to ensure their availability for future generations. It is a collective responsibility to reduce wastage and maintain a clean environment for all.

3. Find and write the correct option from the following options:

1. 1. Long term use of chemical fertilizers

   Reduces soil quality

2. 2. Which of the following resources is non-renewable?

   Coal

3. 3. Which of the following is a rare resource?

   Crude oil