Resources And Development - Olympiad Level MCQ, Class 10 SST - Class 10 MCQ

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 and the Crop Grown:

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.

Reasons for Cotton Cultivation in Black Soil:

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.

Types of resources on the basis of origin:
There are different types of resources based on their origin. These include:
1. Biotic and abiotic resources:
- Biotic resources are derived from living organisms or their products. Examples include plants, animals, and their by-products such as food, timber, and medicines.
- Abiotic resources, on the other hand, are non-living and include natural resources like minerals, metals, and fossil fuels.
2. Renewable and non-renewable resources:
- Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or regenerated naturally within a human lifespan. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, and water resources.
- Non-renewable resources are finite in nature and cannot be replenished within a short period of time. These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
3. Individual and community resources:
- Individual resources are owned and controlled by individuals or private entities. These may include personal assets like land, buildings, and vehicles.
- Community resources, on the other hand, are collectively owned and managed by a group of people or a community. Examples include public parks, communal forests, and common grazing lands.
4. Potential and reserves:
- Potential resources refer to the resources that exist in a region but are not yet being utilized due to various reasons such as lack of technology or economic feasibility.
- Reserves, on the other hand, are the resources that have been identified, quantified, and are currently being utilized.
In conclusion, resources can be classified based on their origin into biotic and abiotic resources, renewable and non-renewable resources, individual and community resources, and potential and reserves.

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.

Introduction:
Tidal energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated from the tides in the ocean. It is a promising source of energy that can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. In order to understand under which type of resource tidal energy can be classified, let's explore the options provided in the question.
Explanation:
Tidal energy can be classified under different types of resources, but it does not fit under any of the options provided in the question. Here's a breakdown of the options and why tidal energy does not fall under them:
1. Human made: Tidal energy is not human-made. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
2. Biotic: Biotic resources are derived from living organisms, such as plants and animals. Tidal energy is not derived from living organisms but rather from the movement of ocean tides.
3. Non-recyclable: Tidal energy is a renewable resource, meaning it is constantly replenished by the natural processes of the Earth. It is not a non-recyclable resource that will deplete over time.
4. None of these: As discussed above, tidal energy does not fit under any of the options provided.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, tidal energy does not fall under any of the options provided in the question. It is a renewable resource that is not human-made, not derived from living organisms, and not a non-recyclable resource. Tidal energy is a promising source of renewable energy that can contribute to a sustainable future.

Main Cause of Land Degradation in Punjab: Over-irrigation

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.

Effects of Over-irrigation on Land Degradation:

• 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.

Other Factors Contributing to Land Degradation in Punjab:

• 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.

Overall, while factors such as extensive cultivation, deforestation, and overgrazing also contribute to land degradation in Punjab, over-irrigation is identified as the main cause. Implementing appropriate irrigation management practices and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help mitigate land degradation and ensure the long-term productivity of the land.

Intense leaching and the formation of soil:
Definition:
Intense leaching refers to the process in which water removes soluble minerals and nutrients from the soil, leading to the formation of specific types of soil.
The process and characteristics of intense leaching:
- Intense leaching occurs in regions with high rainfall and high temperatures.
- The excessive water in these regions percolates through the soil, carrying away the nutrients and minerals.
- As a result, the soil becomes highly acidic and lacks essential nutrients.
- Intense leaching leads to the depletion of clay, iron, and aluminum oxides from the soil.
Soil formed by intense leaching:
- The soil formed by intense leaching is known as laterite soil.
- Laterite soil is characterized by its red color and is commonly found in tropical regions.
- It is highly acidic and lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium.
- Due to intense leaching, laterite soil is not suitable for agriculture unless proper fertilization and soil management practices are employed.
Other types of soils:
- Alluvial soil: Formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers and streams. It is fertile and suitable for agriculture.
- Red soil: Formed by weathering of igneous rocks. It is rich in iron and aluminum oxides and has a reddish color.
- Desert soil: Formed in arid and semi-arid regions. It is characterized by low organic matter content and poor water-holding capacity.
Conclusion:
Soil formed by intense leaching is laterite soil, which is highly acidic and lacks essential nutrients. It is not suitable for agriculture without proper fertilization and soil management practices. Other types of soils formed by different processes include alluvial soil, red soil, and desert soil.

The cold desert that is relatively isolated from the rest of the country is Ladakh.
Explanation:
- Ladakh is a region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is known for its cold desert landscapes.
- It is located in the eastern part of the state, bordering China and Pakistan.
- Ladakh is relatively isolated from the rest of the country due to its remote location and difficult terrain.
- It is surrounded by high mountain ranges, including the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, which makes it geographically separated from the rest of India.
- The region is sparsely populated and has a low population density.
- The main town in Ladakh is Leh, which is the center of administration, transportation, and tourism in the region.
- Ladakh is known for its unique culture, Buddhist monasteries, and picturesque landscapes, including the famous Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley.
- The region experiences extreme weather conditions, with cold winters and short summers.
- Due to its isolation and challenging climate, Ladakh has a distinct identity and charm that sets it apart from the rest of the country.
Overall, Ladakh's remote location, surrounded by mountains, and its distinct cultural and geographical features make it a relatively isolated cold desert region in India.

The non-renewable resource among the given options is fossil fuels. Let's break down each option to understand why.
A: Solar energy
- Solar energy is a renewable resource because it is derived from the sun, which is a constant source of energy.
B: Wind energy
- Wind energy is also a renewable resource as it is generated by harnessing the power of wind.
C: Forests
- Forests are considered a renewable resource because they can be replenished through sustainable management practices.
D: Fossil fuels
- Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are non-renewable resources. They are formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Fossil fuels, which is not a renewable resource.

Main Cause of Land Degradation in Punjab:

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

Explanation:

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.

Explanation:
The question asks for the option that is not a 'Biotic Resource'. Biotic resources are living resources that come from the biosphere and include plants, animals, and other organisms.
Let's analyze each option:
- Option A: Flora and Fauna - Flora refers to plants and fauna refers to animals. Both are examples of biotic resources.
- Option B: Rocks - Rocks are non-living and do not come from the biosphere. Therefore, rocks are not considered biotic resources.
- Option C: Fisheries - Fisheries refer to the various species of fish and other aquatic organisms. They are considered biotic resources.
- Option D: Livestock - Livestock includes domesticated animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. They are living organisms and are considered biotic resources.
Conclusion:
Among the given options, rocks are not a 'Biotic Resource'. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

To find the percentage of the mountain share in the total land area, we need to calculate the proportion of the mountain area to the total land area and then convert it into a percentage.
Let's assume that the total land area is 100 units.
Step 1: Calculate the proportion of the mountain area to the total land area.
- Let's say the mountain area is 'x' units.
- The remaining non-mountain area will be (100 - x) units.
Step 2: Convert the proportion into a percentage.
- We can find the percentage by using the formula: (part/whole) * 100.
- In this case, the mountain area is the part and the total land area is the whole.
Putting the values into the formula, we get:
- Percentage of mountain share = (x/100) * 100 = x%
According to the given options, the correct answer is 30% (option A).
Therefore, the mountain share in the total land area is 30%.

The percentage share of plains in the total land area can be calculated by dividing the area of plains by the total land area and then multiplying by 100. Here's how you can solve it:
Step 1: Understand the problem
We need to find the percentage share of plains in the total land area.
Step 2: Define the variables
Let P represent the area of plains.
Let T represent the total land area.
Step 3: Set up the equation
The percentage share of plains in the total land area can be calculated using the formula:
Percentage Share = (P / T) * 100
Step 4: Solve the equation
To solve the equation, we need to know the values of P and T. However, the given information does not provide these values.
Step 5: Evaluate the answer choices
We can evaluate the answer choices to find the correct percentage share of plains in the total land area:
A: 43%
B: 23%
C: 33%
D: 27%
Step 6: Determine the correct answer
Based on the given answer choices, the correct answer is A: 43%.
Step 7: Provide a conclusion
Therefore, the percentage share of plains in the total land area is 43%.

Biotic Resources

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.

Answer

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.

The correct answer is B: Mahatma Gandhi.

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.

The community-owned resources are resources that are collectively owned and managed by a community or a group of people. They are typically used for the benefit of the community and are not privately owned.
To identify the resource that is not community-owned, let's analyze each option:
A: Grazing grounds
- Grazing grounds are usually owned and managed by the community for the purpose of grazing livestock. They are a common community-owned resource.
B: Burial grounds
- Burial grounds are community-owned spaces where community members can bury their deceased loved ones. They are typically managed by the community and are considered a community-owned resource.
C: Village ponds
- Village ponds are water bodies that are often owned and managed by the community. They serve various purposes such as irrigation, fishing, and recreational activities. They are a common example of community-owned resources.
D: Privately owned house
- A privately owned house is a property that is owned by an individual or a family. It is not a community-owned resource as it is privately owned.
Therefore, the resource that is not community-owned is option D: Privately owned house.

Biotic Resource:

• 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.

Explanation:

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.

To determine which one of the following is not an Abiotic Resource, we need to understand what abiotic resources are. Abiotic resources are non-living things that are derived from the environment and used by living organisms. They include natural resources such as minerals, metals, water, air, and land.
Let's analyze each option to determine if it is an abiotic resource or not:
A) Metals: Metals are naturally occurring substances that are found in the Earth's crust. They are considered abiotic resources.
B) Rocks: Rocks are also naturally occurring solid materials found in the Earth's crust. They are considered abiotic resources.
C) Machines: Machines are man-made objects that are used to perform tasks. They are not naturally occurring and therefore not considered abiotic resources.
D) Horses: Horses are living organisms and not considered abiotic resources. They fall under the category of biotic resources.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) Horses. Horses are not an abiotic resource.

Classification of resources based on their origin:
There are different ways to classify resources based on their origin. One common classification system is based on whether the resources are biotic or abiotic.
Biotic resources:
- Biotic resources are derived from living organisms or organic matter.
- Examples include plants, animals, forests, fisheries, and agricultural crops.
- Biotic resources are renewable in nature as they can be replenished through natural processes.
Abiotic resources:
- Abiotic resources are non-living or inorganic substances.
- Examples include minerals, metals, air, water, and soil.
- Abiotic resources can be further classified as renewable or non-renewable based on their availability and rate of replenishment.
Another classification system is based on the renewability of resources:
Renewable resources:
- Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over a short period of time.
- Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, and biomass.
- Renewable resources are considered sustainable as they can be used without depleting their availability.
Non-renewable resources:
- Non-renewable resources are those that are limited in quantity and cannot be replenished within a short period.
- Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), minerals (iron ore, copper, gold), and nuclear energy.
- Non-renewable resources take millions of years to form and their extraction and use contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.
In conclusion, resources can be classified based on their origin as biotic and abiotic, or based on their renewability as renewable and non-renewable. These classifications help in understanding the nature, availability, and sustainability of resources for human use.

Explanation:

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

Reasoning:

• 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.

Explanation:
The word "laterite" is derived from the Greek word "later," which means brick. This word was used to describe the type of soil or rock that is commonly found in tropical regions.
- The Greek word "later" means brick.
- "Laterite" is a term used to describe a type of soil or rock found in tropical regions.
- Therefore, the correct answer is B: Brick.

These are resources which have been surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation. The development of resources depends on technology and level of their feasibility. For example, India has a cumulative total of 2,47,847 million tones of coal resources.

The method that will not help in soil conservation is "Ploughing up and down the slopes".
Reason:
Ploughing up and down the slopes can lead to soil erosion rather than soil conservation. Here's why:
1. Contour ploughing:
- This method involves ploughing along the contours of the land, creating ridges and furrows that act as barriers to prevent water runoff.
- It helps in reducing soil erosion by slowing down the flow of water and allowing it to infiltrate into the soil.
2. Strip cropping:
- Strip cropping is a technique where different crops are grown in alternating strips to break the flow of water and reduce soil erosion.
- It helps in conserving soil by reducing wind and water erosion and improving soil fertility.
3. Creating shelter belts:
- Shelter belts are rows of trees or shrubs planted along the edges of fields to act as windbreaks.
- They help in reducing wind speed, preventing soil erosion, and protecting crops from wind damage.
4. Ploughing up and down the slopes:
- Ploughing up and down the slopes can increase the chances of soil erosion.
- It creates channels for water runoff, leading to soil erosion and loss of topsoil.
- This method is not suitable for soil conservation as it can result in the loss of valuable soil nutrients and decrease soil fertility.
Therefore, ploughing up and down the slopes is not an effective method for soil conservation.

States responsible for land degradation due to overgrazing:

• 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.

To determine the desired area required for forests in our country, we need to refer to the given information from the 2010 (T-1) question.
The correct answer is D: 33%.
Now, let's break down the solution into headings and bullet points for better clarity:
Given information:
- The question states that the desired area required for forests in our country is being asked.
- The options provided are A: 16%, B: 20%, C: 23.2%, and D: 33%.
- The correct answer is option D: 33%.
Analysis:
- We need to calculate the percentage of the desired area required for forests in our country.
- The options given represent different percentages.
- We need to determine which option represents the correct percentage.

- The correct answer is D: 33%.
- This means that the desired area required for forests in our country is 33%.
- This indicates that approximately one-third of the total area of the country should be covered by forests.
Therefore, the desired area required for forests in our country is 33%.

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.

The Parent Rock for Black Soil
The parent rock for black soil is Basalt.
Here is a detailed explanation:
What is black soil?
Black soil, also known as regur soil or black cotton soil, is a type of soil that is rich in nutrients and has a high moisture-holding capacity. It is known for its dark color, which is attributed to the presence of organic matter and iron oxide.
Parent rock of black soil:
The parent rock refers to the original rock from which the soil is formed. In the case of black soil, the parent rock is Basalt.
Why is basalt the parent rock for black soil?
Basalt is an igneous rock that is formed from solidified lava. It is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. When basalt weathers and breaks down over time, it forms black soil. The weathering process of basalt leads to the release of these minerals, which contribute to the fertility of black soil.
Other options:
Let's look at the other options provided and why they are not the correct answer:
- Granite: Granite is an igneous rock, but it does not contribute to the formation of black soil like basalt does. Granite is more commonly associated with the formation of sandy or loamy soils.
- Kankar: Kankar is a type of calcareous rock that is rich in calcium carbonate. It does not play a significant role in the formation of black soil.
- Sand: Sand is not a parent rock for black soil. Sand is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of small mineral particles. It is commonly associated with the formation of sandy soils.
In conclusion, the correct parent rock for black soil is basalt. Its weathering process leads to the formation of black soil, which is known for its fertility and dark color.