NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 - Resources

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

Q.1. Answer the following questions.
 (i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
 (ii) What is resource development?
 (iii) Why are human resources important?
 (iv) What is sustainable development?
 Ans.
(i) The distribu tion of resou rces depends on various factors such as physical nature of the place. The physical factors include terrain, climate, height above sea level, etc. Since these factors vary in different parts of the world, resources are not distributed over the earth.
(ii) Resource development is the method of utilising our intelligence in order to improve the quality, usability and utility of a resource.
(iii) Human resources are important 
because they have an intelligent mind which can make best use of nature to create more resources. Had humans not been there, different substances would not have been resources. Their utility can only be realised by human beings.
(iv) We should use resources in such a balanced way that we satisfy our needs as well as conserve them for future. This concept is called sustainable development.
 

Q.2. Tick the correct answer.
 (i) Which one of the following does not make a substance a resource?
 (a) utility
 (b) value
 (c) quantity 
 

(ii) Which one of the following is a human-made resource?
 (a) medicines to treat cancer 
 (b) spring water
 (c) tropical forests 
 

(iii) Complete the statement. Biotic resources are
 (a) derived from living beings.
 (b) made by human beings.
 (c) derived from non-living things.
 Ans. (i) (c), (ii) (a), (iii) (a).
 

Q.3. Differentiate between the followings. (a) Potential and actual resources (b) Ubiquitous and localised resources
 Ans. (a) 

 (b)

Q.4. Activity
 “Rahiman paani raakhiye,
 Bin paani sab soon.
 Paani gaye na ubere
 Moti, manus, choon…” 

[Says Rahim, keep water, as without water there is nothing. Without water pearl, swan and dough cannot exist.]
 These lines were written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhanam, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. What kind of resource is the poet referring to? Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared?
 Ans. The resource referred to by the poet is the water. It is one of the most indispensable resources of life. It can be said to be one of the preconditions of life, like air. Firstly, water serves the most basic purpose of drinking, without which life is not possible. In the absence of water, one would be unable to clean clothes, utensils, or even take a bath. Farmers depend on water for irrigation. Rainwater is so important for proper agriculture. Water is also used in cooking food. Nowadays water has proved to be a useful source of electricity. Besides human beings, plants require water for their growth. Water is also required for various industrial purposes in factories. In short, no form of life can go on without water.