Chapter-1 Resource and Development

 1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Which of the following types of resource is iron ore?

(a) Renewable

(b) Biotic

(c) Flow

(d) Non-renewable

Explanation:

Iron ore is a non-renewable resource since it cannot be renewed after it is exhausted. It will take millions of years to form iron ore since it is a fossil fuel and fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the decaying remains of plants and animals.


2. Under which of the following type of resources tidal energy can be put?

(a) Replenishable

(b) Human-made

(c) Abiotic

(d) Non-recyclable

Explanation:

Tidal energy can be put into replenishable category since it is a renewable source of energy and can be replaced in the near future from time to time.This is non-conventional energy sources and do not cause any pollution and safe to use since it will not be exhausted in the future like fossil fuels.


3. Which one among the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Intensive cultivation

(b) Deforestation

(c) Over-irrigation

(d) Overgrazing

Explanation:

The main cause of land degradation in Punjab is over-irrigation as it causes loss in crop yield due to higher dampness and salinity. Due to over-irrigation, the moisture in the crop is lost which is present in the top layers of the soil. It causes the plants to lose nitrogen which is one of the essential ingredients for the plants to grow.


4. In which one among the following states is terrace cultivation practiced?

(a) Punjab

(b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh

(c) Haryana

(d) Uttarakhand

Explanation:

Terrace cultivation is practiced in Uttarakhand among the given states. As Uttarakhand is a hilly area, terrace farming is practiced here which involves the creation of leveled steps in order to cultivate crops to prevent soil erosion. It is very effective in preventing water runoff in the hill slopes where traditional farming methods are not feasible.

5. In which one among the following states is black soil predominantly found?

(a) Jammu and Kashmir

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Jharkhand

Explanation:

Among the given listed states,  black soil is found in Maharashtra. Black soil is very fertile and is characterized by its dark colour which is a reslt of the high concentration of organic matter in the soil. It is one of the major soils grown in our country and forms the to part of the surface of the earth .

6. Give answers to the following questions in about 30 words.

Name three states from India having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.

Explanation:

The states in India where black soil is grown are as follows : Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where there is moderate rainfall . 

The main crop that is grown in this type of soil is cotton and so this soil is known as black cotton soil.The soil is known for its ability to retain moisture, even during dry periods, which is an important characteristic in areas that experience monsoons and dry seasons.

7. What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast of India? Give three main features of this category of soil?

Explanation:

In the river deltas, Alluvial soil is commonly found. This type of soil is found in river valleys, floodplains, and deltas, and is characterized by its high fertility and ability to retain moisture.

The various characteristics of Alluvial soil which  are as follows:

a.This type of soil consists of sand, silt and clay in different ratios depending on the location and source of the sediment.

b.Alluvial soil is very fertile and is good for the cultivation of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereals.

c. It is rich in lime, potash and, phosphoric acid. This type of soil in the drier areas and are more alkaline and can be productive after irrigation .

8. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas?

Explanation:

The following are the ways to prevent soil erosion in hilly areas of India:

  1. Ploughing along the contour lines which is known as contour ploughing.

  2. Terrace cultivation can also prevent soil erosion.

  3. Another is strip cropping where strips of grasses are grown.in between the trees.

9. What are the biotic and abiotic resources? Give some examples.

Explanation:

Biotic resources are those resources that come from livinf organisms and have their origin in the biosphere. For instance- flora, fauna and, fisheries and we humans constitute the biotic resources.

Abiotic resources are those resources that comes from non-living objects and don’t have life forms. These are minerals, rocks and so on .

10. Give answers to the following questions in about 120 words.

Explain the land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased in India much since 1960-61.



The land used in our country is affected by physical factors and human factors. Physical factors constitute climate, soil, air, water and, other resources whereas human factors include culture, population and, so on. Forest in the country has a cover lower than 33 percent of the total area as per reports in 1952 by the National Forest Policy. Another part is waste-land and is used for transportation facilities. It constitutes the desert,  barren land which are basically rocks. Over-utilization of land and over-irrigation in some areas have resulted in land degradation and serious measures must be taken to restore them.

11. How has technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources in India?

Explanation:

With the upgradation in technology, hidden natural resources were found and the available resources were over-exploited. So, many non-renewable resources became scarce like coal and petroleum which will be depleted in the near future. Improved medical conditions and health facilities caused rise in population which is one of the major reasons for over-exploitation and huge resource consumption.