Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Question Answers - Resources and Development

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the terms resource conservation and sustainable development.
Ans: Resource conservation involves using resources thoughtfully to prevent their rapid depletion. It aims to ensure availability for future generations by maintaining a balance between our needs and resource preservation. This approach aligns with sustainable development, where resources are utilized to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Q2: Why are human beings resources?

Ans: Human beings possess intelligence, which allows them to recognize the value of substances and their utility. Without humans, resources wouldn't hold significance. Interdependence among humans showcases their usefulness to each other, as seen with roles like postmen providing essential services.

For example, a postman renders us an important service, so he is a resource.

Q3: Explain how resources are classified broadly.

Ans: 

• Resources are broadly classified into natural, human-made and human. 
• Natural resources are those that are taken from nature. 
• They are used without modifying them, i.e., in the same form they exist in. Rivers, lakes, air, soils, minerals, trees, mountains, etc. are natural resources. 
• Human-made resources have not been provided to us by nature. 
• Human beings have used their intelligence to manufacture them for their own use. 
• Examples include vehicles, buildings, roads, telephones, etc.
• Human resources include people who serve us in any way. A teacher, doctor, carpenter, cobbler, etc. are human resources.

Q4: Write a short note on the significance of time and technology in making a substance a resource.

Ans: Time and technology are important factors in making substances resources. With time, technology develops. As technology develops, we begin to discover new ways to make life better. 

In this process, certain substances which were useless to us earlier become useful.  Invention and discovery give us new resources.  An example is hydroelectricity. This technology has made water a source of electricity.

Q5: As human beings, how can we ensure sustainable development?

Ans: Since we live on the earth, it is our duty to practice sustainable development. We can do this by ensuring that:

• The usage of renewable resources is sustainable
•  The diversity of life on earth is maintained
• The damage caused to nature by our activities is as low as possible.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe how resources are classified.

Ans: Resources are categorized into three main types: natural, human-made, and human resources.

1. Natural Resources: These are obtained from the environment and include rivers, minerals, air, soil, mountains, and trees. They are used as they are found in nature and can be further divided into renewable (replenished naturally) and non-renewable (limited) resources.
2. Human-made Resources: These are products of human skill and effort, like buildings, vehicles, roads, and technology. They are created to fulfil specific needs and enhance our quality of life.
3. Human Resources: This refers to the human workforce that provides services and expertise, such as doctors, teachers, carpenters, and other skilled individuals.

Resources can also be classified based on their development stage:

• Actual Resources: Currently in use, and their quantity is known.
• Potential Resources: Not utilized now but might have value in the future.

Furthermore, resources can be categorized by their origin:

• Biotic Resources: Derived from living organisms.
• Abiotic Resources: Non-living, like minerals and metals.

Lastly, based on their distribution:

• Ubiquitous Resources: Found everywhere.
• Localized Resources: Limited to certain regions.

Q2. What do you mean by “Human-made resources”?

Ans. 

• "Human-made resources" refer to the various materials, tools, and structures created by humans through their knowledge, skills, and efforts to fulfil their needs and improve their quality of life. 
• These resources are not naturally occurring but are the result of human creativity and technological advancements.
• Examples include infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as machinery, factories, and technological systems. Human-made resources play a crucial role in enhancing productivity, enabling economic development, and facilitating daily life activities. 
• They are distinct from natural resources, which are found in the environment without human intervention. Proper management of human-made resources is essential for sustainable development.

Q3. Mention a few principles of sustainable development.

Ans. Some of these principles are –

• To care and respect for all forms of life.
• To minimise the use of natural resources to protect them for future generations.
• To improve the quality of life, especially the human life.
• To protect and conserve the earth’s diversity.
• To create more communities for the care of our environment.
• To change one’s behaviour towards the environment and practices performed by them in our environment.