Resources And Development - Olympiad Level MCQ, Class 10 SST MCQs & solutions

Gully erosion is commonly found in Chambal basin valley in Uttar Pradesh and also in of Maharastra.

Gully erosion is the removal of soil along with the drainage lines by surface water runoff.

Gullies continue to move by headward erosion or by slumping of the side walls unless steps are taken to stabilize the disturbance.

Repair work that is done in the early stages of newly formed gullies is easier and more economical than letting the problem go unchecked for too long as large gullies are difficult and costly to repair.

Black soil, also known as regur soil or black cotton soil, is a type of soil that is rich in clay and organic matter. It is found in several parts of India and is known for its fertility and water-retaining capacity. The crop that is mainly grown in black soil is cotton.

There are several reasons why cotton is primarily cultivated in black soil:

• Fertility: Black soil is highly fertile due to its clay content, which helps in retaining moisture and nutrients. This makes it suitable for the growth of cotton plants.


• Water Retention: Black soil has good water-retaining capacity, which is essential for the growth of cotton plants, as they require a significant amount of water.


• Drainage: Black soil has a good drainage system, which prevents waterlogging and allows excess water to drain out. This is important for cotton plants, as they can be susceptible to diseases caused by waterlogging.


• Texture: The texture of black soil is ideal for cotton cultivation, as it is loose and allows the roots of cotton plants to penetrate easily.

Therefore, considering the fertility, water-retaining capacity, drainage, and texture of black soil, cotton is the crop that is primarily grown in this type of soil.

The ‘resources’ which are found in a ‘region’ but ‘have not been utilized’ are called as “potential resources”.  

These resources can be used in the future. For example, mineral oils exist many parts of India but still, they are not put into use because of the need of future.  

These resources can be also defined as stock resources. Coal, Water, petrol, uranium, and etc are the other examples of potential resources.

Terrace cultivation is the practice of cutting flat areas out of a hilly or mountainous landscape in order to grow crops. 

Uttaranchal is 86% mountainous  and most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers.

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of land quality and the reduction of its productivity. In Punjab, the main cause of land degradation is over-irrigation. Over-irrigation occurs when more water is applied to the land than is required by crops, leading to the leaching of nutrients and the accumulation of salts in the soil.

• Salinization: Excessive irrigation causes the water table to rise, bringing salt to the surface. As the water evaporates, the salt is left behind, leading to salinization of the soil. This makes the land unsuitable for agriculture.


• Waterlogging: Over-irrigation can result in waterlogging, where the water table rises too close to the surface, saturating the soil. This deprives plant roots of oxygen and leads to poor crop growth.


• Leaching: Excessive irrigation can cause nutrients to be washed away from the root zone of plants, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced soil fertility.


• Erosion: Over-irrigation can increase soil erosion as the excess water can wash away the topsoil, which is rich in nutrients and organic matter.

• Extensive cultivation: Intensive and continuous cultivation of the same crop in Punjab has led to the depletion of nutrients in the soil, reduced soil fertility, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.


• Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture and urbanization has resulted in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased water-holding capacity of the soil.


• Overgrazing: Uncontrolled grazing by livestock can lead to soil compaction, erosion, and the destruction of vegetation, contributing to land degradation.

The main cause of land degradation in Punjab is over-irrigation.

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of land quality, reducing its productivity and making it less suitable for agricultural activities. In Punjab, the main cause of land degradation is over-irrigation, which is explained in detail below:

• Over-irrigation: Punjab heavily relies on irrigation for agricultural activities. Excessive and inefficient use of water for irrigation leads to waterlogging and salinization of the soil. This occurs when the water table rises, bringing salts to the surface, which negatively affects crop growth and productivity.

It is important to note that while other factors such as intensive cultivation, overgrazing, and deforestation can contribute to land degradation, over-irrigation is identified as the main cause in Punjab.

A biotic resource refers to any living component of the environment that can be used by humans for different purposes. It includes all the living organisms that exist on Earth and their products. Examples of biotic resources include:

• Animal: Animals such as mammals, birds, fish, and insects.


• Plants: Trees, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation.


• Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms.


• Animal Products: Products derived from animals, such as meat, milk, eggs, and leather.


• Plant Products: Products derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, timber, and fibers.

Among the given options, the example of a biotic resource is Animal (Option D).

Laterite soil is found in areas of high temperature, and high rainfall. These soils have mainly developed in the higher areas of peninsular plateau. Laterite soils are found mainly in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly regions of Orissa and Assam.

Explanation:

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, is the person who gave the statement - "There is enough for everybody's need and not for any body's greed."

Gandhi believed in the principles of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and non-violence. He advocated for a society where everyone's basic needs are met, and resources are shared equitably. His philosophy emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the needs of others, rather than being driven by personal greed.

This statement reflects Gandhi's belief in the importance of living a simple and sustainable life, where the focus is on meeting everyone's basic needs rather than accumulating excessive wealth or resources.

Overall, Mahatma Gandhi's quote highlights the idea that the Earth's resources are limited, and it is essential to prioritize the well-being of all individuals by addressing their needs rather than allowing greed to dominate.

• Definition: Biotic resources are living or once-living resources that are derived from the biosphere (living organisms and their products).


• Examples of Biotic Resources:




• Plants: Trees, crops, flowers, etc.


• Animals: Fish, birds, mammals, insects, etc.


• Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.


• Human beings: As a part of the biosphere, humans are considered biotic resources.

In this question, the options given are:

• A: Land


• B: Water


• C: Human beings


• D: Rocks

Among these options, the correct answer is C: Human beings. Human beings are living organisms and are considered biotic resources.

When running water cuts through clayey soils and makes deep channels, it leads to gully erosion.

• Gully erosion occurs when water flowing over the land cuts deep channels into the soil.


• Clayey soils have fine particles that are highly cohesive, meaning they stick together and do not easily break apart.


• When water flows over clayey soils, it can easily erode the soil and form deep channels due to the cohesive nature of clay particles.


• These deep channels are known as gullies.


• Gully erosion is a severe form of soil erosion that can lead to the loss of valuable topsoil, damage to crops and vegetation, and the alteration of natural drainage patterns.

Therefore, when running water cuts through clayey soils and makes deep channels, the correct answer is A: Gully erosion.

• Madhya Pradesh: Overgrazing in Madhya Pradesh has led to land degradation. The excessive grazing of livestock has resulted in the loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion.


• Rajasthan: Overgrazing is a significant cause of land degradation in Rajasthan. The state has a large population of livestock, and the continuous grazing has led to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and desertification in certain areas.

Therefore, the correct answer is B: Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

1. Laterite soil is a type of soil which is sandy and has the capability to absorb more water
2. For cotton production, laterite soil is best as cotton needs more water
3. Laterite soil is available in damp area which is good for cotton production
4. The cotton grows well in damp soil which has more water-absorbing and saving capability

Based on the exhaustibility, resources are classified as renewable and non-renewable.
Renewable resources: These are the sources that can be replenished over a period of time. Example: solar energy.
Non-renewable: These are the sources that cannot be renewed and available in limited quantities. Example: coal.