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Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 Question Answer Natural Resources and Their Use
NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Questions and Answers Solutions
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Questions? (Page 1)
Question 1.
How do we categorise natural resources?
Answer:
Natural resources are categorised in different ways:
- Based on origin: Biotic (living things like plants and animals) and abiotic (non-living things like air, water, and minerals).
- ased on renewability: Renewable (like solar energy, water) and non-renewable (like coal, petroleum).
- Based on stage of development: Potential (not yet used) and actual resources (already in use).
- Based on distribution: Ubiquitous (found everywhere, like air) and localised (found in specific places, like minerals).
Question 2.
What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
Answer:
The distribution of natural resources greatly influences the economic activities, settlements, lifestyle, and even culture of people in a region. For example, plains with fertile soil lead to farming communities, while coastal areas with fish and ports develop trade and fishing industries. Access to water, minerals, forests, and land affects employment, migration, and development patterns across regions.
Question 3.
What are the implications of unsustainable use/ overexploitation of natural resources?
Answer:
Overexploitation leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. For example, cutting too many trees causes deforestation, leading to soil erosion and climate imbalance. Unsustainable use also affeets future generations, reducing their ability to meet their own needs, and disrupts ecosystem balance.
Think About It
Question 1.
Take a pause. Look at yourself and the things around you. What is the origin of each of them? At some point they all lead to Nature; even the plastic button on your shirt. (Page 3)
Answer:
Everything around us, whether natural or man-made, originates from nature. Even artificial materials like plastic are derived from crude oil, a natural resource. This shows that nature is the ultimate source Of all our resources — from food and clothes to furniture and gadgets — and highlights our deep dependence on natural systems for daily living.
Question 2.
What might be the different criteria we can use to categorise natural resources? (Page 4)
Answer:
According to the attached file, natural resources can be categorised using various criteria:
(i) On the basis of origin:
• Biotic resources: Derived from living things (e.g., forests, animals).
• Abiotic resources: Derived from non-living things (e.g., water, minerals).
(ii) On the basis of renewability:
• Renewable resources: Can be naturally replenished (e.g., sunlight, wind).
• Non-renewable resources: Exist in finite quantity and take millions of years to form (e.g., coal, petroleum).
(iii) On the basis of development:
• Potential resources: Present in a region but not yet fully utilised (e.g., solar energy in deserts).
• Actual resources: Fully surveyed and currently used (e.g., iron ore mined in Chhattisgarh).
(iv) On the basis of distribution:
• Ubiquitous resources: Found everywhere (e.g., air, sunlight).
• Localised resources: Found only in specific places (e.g., copper, gold).
Let’s Explore
Question 1.
Identify human actions in your surroundings that result in Nature losing her ability to restore and regenerate. What types of interventions can be undertaken to restore Nature’s cycle? (Page 7)
Answer:
In our surroundings, many human actions are harming Nature and reducing her ability to restore and regenerate. These include cutting down too many trees (deforestation), throwing garbage into rivers and lakes, using too many plastic items, polluting the air with smoke from vehicles and factories, and overusing natural resources like water and fossil fuels. To restore Nature’s cycle, we can plant more trees, use cloth or paper bags instead of plastic, reduce, reuse, and recycle materials, save water and electricity, and support clean energy like solar or wind power. These steps will help Nature heal and become healthy again.
Question 2.
Take up a small research study to assess the types of renewable resources in your region; you may discuss with your teacher the geographical area of your study and sources to access information that you may need. What has been the change in their status over time? Make a small report that identifies the reasons for the change, and what may be done about it. (Page 8)
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 3.
What are the non-renewable resources that you use daily, directly or indirectly? What are the possible renewable substitutes? What are some of the steps we can take to transition to renewables? (Page 8)
Answer:
We use many non-renewable resources daily, like petrol, diesel, coal, and LPG, for transport, electricity, and cooking. These resources are limited and take millions of years to form. Renewable substitutes include solar energy, wind power, biogas, and electric vehicles. To shift to renewables, we can install solar panels, use public transport, recycle more, and spread awareness. These small steps can help reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources and protect the environment for future generations.
Question 4.
Observe the map given below. Notice the uneven distribution of important minerals. What types of resources are available in your region? How are they distributed? (Page 9)
Answer:
The natural resources, especially minerals, are unevenly distributed across India due to varying geological structures. In a region like Jharkhand, for example:
• Minerals such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, and mica are found in abundance.
• These resources are concentrated in specific belts, like the Chota Nagpur Plateau, rather than being spread uniformly.
• Coal mines are located in areas like Dhanbad and Bokaro, while iron ore is mainly found in Singhbhum.
Question 5.
Select any two natural resources. Gather information about their availability across different parts of India. Mark them on a map. What do you observe about their distribution? What are the types of economic activities connected with them? (Page 10)
Answer:
Two natural resources like – Iron Ore and Water.
(i) Availability and Distribution:
- Iron Ore:
- Found mainly in Odisha (Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj), Chhattisgarh (Bailadila), Jharkhand (Singhbhum), and Karnataka (Bellary).
- Distribution is highly localised, concentrated in mineral-rich regions like the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
- Water (Rivers):
- Major river systems like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, and Narmada flow through different parts of India.
- Water availability is more widespread, but uneven, with abundant water in the northeast and scarcity in parts of western India.
(ii) Observation on Distribution:
- Iron ore is not evenly spread across India and is confined to specific geological formations, influencing regional economic development.
- Water resources are more naturally dispersed but still uneven due to rainfall variation and topography.
(iii) Economic Activities Connected:
- Iron Ore:
- Supports mining, steel production, heavy industries, and export trade. Provides employment in mineral-rich belts and boosts regional infrastructure.
- Water:
- Supports agriculture (irrigation), hydroelectric power generation, fishing, domestic and industrial usage.
- Vital for rural livelihoods, urban water supply, and overall socio-economic development. On the map mark the location yourself.
Question 6.
Discuss the implications of extracting the natural resources in those parts for current and future generations. Suggest ways in which we can use Nature’s gifts in responsible ways. (Page 10)
Answer:
Extracting natural resources like iron ore and water has both benefits and consequences. In regions like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, excessive iron ore mining can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Similarly, overuse and pollution of river water from the Ganga, Brahmaputra, or Godavari affect aquatic life and water quality for communities.
If we don’t manage these resources carefully, future generations may face scarcity, environmental damage, and health risks. To use Nature’s gifts responsibly, we should adopt sustainable mining, recycle metals, avoid water wastage, treat wastewater, and protect forests and riverbanks. This ensures that both present and future needs are met without harming the environment.
Question 7.
Find out about such a conflict (like the sharing of Kaveri River water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry) in the international context. Discuss your findings in the class. (Page 10)
Answer:
One such international conflict is the Nile River water dispute among countries in Northeast Africa, mainly Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The conflict centers around Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its freshwater, fears the dam will reduce its water supply. Sudan also has concerns about water regulation and safety.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, argues that the dam is essential for its development and energy needs. The conflict highlights how shared water resources can cause tension when upstream and downstream countries have competing demands. International dialogue and agreements are necessary to ensure fair and sustainable use of such critical natural resources.
Question 8.
What do you think are the different inputs required to enable the use of the natural resources available in different geographical areas? (Page 11)
Answer:
To enable the use of natural resources in different geographical areas, several key inputs are required. First, there must be proper infrastructure like roads, railways, and storage facilities to access and transport the resources efficiently. Skilled human resources such as geologists, engineers, and workers are also essential. Additionally, advanced technology and tools are needed for extraction and processing. Government policies, financial investment, and environmental regulations play a crucial role in ensuring responsible and sustainable use. Lastly, awareness and cooperation of local communities are important for long-term resource management.
Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Answer:
A renewable resource can become non-renewable if it is overused or exploited faster than it can replenish itself. For example, over-harvesting forests or overusing groundwater can deplete these resources.
Actions to prevent this:
Promote sustainable use (e.g., controlled logging and replanting trees).
Use efficient technology to reduce waste.
Spread awareness and educate people about conservation.
Enforce laws and policies to protect natural resources.
Question 2.
Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Answer:
The five ecosystem functions that serve humans are:
- Pollination of crops by insects like bees.
- Purification of air and water through forests and wetlands.
- Climate regulation by forests and oceans.
- Decomposition of waste by bacteria and fungi.
- Soil formation and fertility through natural cycles.
Question 3.
What are renewable resources? Flow 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:
Renewable resources are natural resources that can regenerate or be replenished naturally over time, such as sunlight and wind. They differ from nonrenewable resources, like coal and oil, which are finite and take millions of years to form.
To ensure availability of renewable resources:
- Use resources responsibly and reduce waste.
- Promote conservation and reforestation.
- Invest in and use renewable energy sources. Examples: Solar energy and freshwater (with responsible use).
Question 4.
Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Answer:
Some cultural practices are as follows:
- Using cloth bags instead of plastic ones.
- Storing rainwater in tanks (rainwater harvesting).
- Using leftover food to feed animals or for composting.
- Turning off lights and fans when not in use.
- Using traditional methods like air-drying clothes instead of dryers.
Question 5.
What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
Answer:
Some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods are as follows:
- Minimize environmental damage and pollution.
- Use resources efficiently and avoid wastage.
- Ensure that production does not harm biodiversity.
- Promote fair labor practices and human rights.
- Plan for recycling and reusability of products.