Worksheet Solutions: Resources and Development

Table of Contents
1. Objective Type Questions
2. True/False
3. Assertion And Reason
4. Very Short Answer Type Questions
5. Short Answer Type Questions
6. Long Answer Type Questions
View more

Objective Type Questions 

Q1: The resources of ownership are:
(a) plantation
(b) pasture land
(c) ponds
(d) all of the above
Ans: (d)

Explanation: Each of the items listed can be classified according to ownership. A plantation may be privately owned, pasture land can be community or private property, and ponds may be owned by individuals, communities or the state. Therefore, all the options are examples of resources that can be described by ownership.

Q2: On the basis of its origin, resources can be classified into:
(a) renewable and non-renewable
(b) continuous and biological
(c) biotic and abiotic
(d) recyclable and non-recyclable
Ans: (c)  

Explanation: Classification by origin refers to whether a resource comes from living organisms or non-living sources. Biotic resources originate from living things (plants, animals), while abiotic resources come from non-living materials (minerals, water, air).

Q3: The ocean resources beyond 200 nautical miles is classified under which zone?
(a) Exclusive Economic Zone
(b) Export-processing Zone
(c) Special Economic Zone
(d) None of these
Ans: (d)  

Explanation: An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coast. Ocean resources beyond 200 nautical miles lie in the high seas or international waters and are not part of any single country's EEZ. Therefore, none of the given named zones correctly describe resources beyond 200 nautical miles.

Q4: Everything available in our environment to satisfy our needs is termed as:
(a) technology
 (b) resource
(c) natural vegetation
 (d) none of these
Ans: (b)  

Explanation: A resource is anything in the environment that can be used to satisfy human needs and wants. This includes natural materials, human-made goods, and services that fulfil needs.

Q5: Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Overgrazing
Ans: (a)

Explanation: In Punjab, intensive cultivation - continuous cropping, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and heavy use of groundwater for irrigation - is a major cause of land degradation. Overuse of land without adequate replenishment reduces soil fertility and causes problems such as salinisation and nutrient depletion.

Q6: Which of the following is not classified on the basis of status of development?
(a) Potential resource
(b) Developed stock resource
(c) Reserves resource
(d) Renewable resource
Ans: (d)

Explanation: Classification by status of development refers to how much a resource has been developed or used - such as potential resources, developed resources, and reserves. The term renewable resource describes how a resource replenishes and is not a category based on development status.

Q7: What percentage of land in India consist of fertile plains?
(a) 70%
(b) 38%
(c) 61%
(d) 43%
Ans: (d)

Explanation: Approximately 43% of India's land area is made up of plains which are largely fertile and suitable for intensive agriculture. These plains include the northern Indo-Gangetic plains and other alluvial plains.

Q8: Under which of the following type of resource can tidal energy be put?
(a) Replenishable
(b) Human-made
(c) Abiotic
(d) Non-recyclable
Ans: (a)

Explanation: Tidal energy is produced by natural and continuous movements of the sea and is therefore a replenishable source. It is also abiotic, but the best choice among the given options that emphasises its renewable nature is replenishable.

Q9: The land which is left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years is called ______?
(a) grazing land
(b) fallow land
(c) culturable wasteland
(d) barren and waste land
Ans: (c)

Explanation: Culturable wasteland refers to land that has been left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years but can be brought back under cultivation with reasonable effort. Fallow land is left uncultivated for a shorter period (usually one or a few seasons).

Q10: Which soil is also known as regur soil?
(a) Black soil
(b) Red soil
(c) Alluvial soil
(d) Laterite soil
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Black soil, also called regur soil, is rich in clay and is good for cotton cultivation. It retains moisture and is typical of the Deccan plateau region.

True/False

DIRECTION : Read each of the following statements and write if it is true or false.

Q1:  Judicious use of resources is generally called the Development of Resources.
Ans: False

Explanation: The judicious use of resources is termed conservation or sustainable use. Development of resources means making resources available for use (for example, converting a mineral deposit into a mine). These are related but not identical concepts.

Q2: Fallow land is the land put to agricultural use and for grazing. 
Ans: False

Explanation: Fallow land is land that is left uncultivated for a period (to restore fertility) and is not actively used for agriculture during that time. Land used regularly for grazing is classified differently (grazing land) and is not the same as fallow land.

Assertion And Reason

Direction : In the following questions, a statement of assertion is followed by a statement of reason. Mark the correct choice as :

Q1: Assertion : The availability of resources is not the only necessary condition for the development of any region.
Reason : Not only availability of resources but also corresponding change in technology is necessary for development of any region.
Ans: (i) Assertion: The statement is true. Mere availability of resources does not guarantee development; accessibility, technology, capital and institutions also matter.
(ii) Reason: The statement is true. Appropriate technology and methods are required to convert resources into usable goods and services.
(iii) Justification: Since the reason correctly explains why availability alone is insufficient, the correct choice is that both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Q2: Assertion : Land is a natural resource of utmost importance.
Reason : Land can be used for various purposes.
Ans: (i) Assertion: True - land is essential for agriculture, housing, industry and many other uses.
(ii) Reason: True - land's multiple uses (farming, settlement, forestry, etc.) make it extremely important.
(iii) Justification: The reason directly explains the assertion; therefore both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Q3: Assertion : Soil is the most important renewable natural resource.
Reason : Soil supports different types of living organisms on earth.
Ans: (i) Assertion: True - soil is vital for food production and supports ecosystems and human activity.
(ii) Reason: True - soil provides nutrients and a medium for many organisms including plants, microbes and animals.
(iii) Justification: The reason explains why soil is important; hence both statements are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Q4: Assertion : Arid soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
Reason : Arid soil is generally sandy in texture and saline in nature. It restricts the filtration of water.
Ans: (i) Assertion: True - arid soils are generally poor in organic matter and moisture, making them less suitable for cultivation.
(ii) Reason: Partly incorrect - arid soils tend to be sandy and often saline, but sandy texture usually allows rapid infiltration rather than restricts it. High salinity and lack of moisture, not restricted filtration, are the main causes of poor fertility.
(iii) Justification: Since the assertion is true but the reason's explanation is inaccurate, the correct evaluation is that the assertion is true and the reason is false.

Q5: Assertion : Terrace cultivation does not restrict erosion.
Reason : Running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels as gullies. This helps to cultivate crops.
Ans: (i) Assertion: False - terrace cultivation is used in hilly areas to reduce soil erosion by water and to slow runoff.
(ii) Reason: False and misleading - running water can cause gullies and erosion which harm cultivation, not help it; terracing is constructed precisely to prevent such erosion.
(iii) Justification: Both the assertion and reason are false, so the correct choice is that both are false.

Q6: Assertion : A country that was extremely rich in natural resources has mainly relied on oil extraction for revenue generation for several centuries. However, the scientists predict that the country may become poor in the future if other means of generating income are not devised.
Reason : Oil is a non-renewable resource, and it is likely to get exhausted if not used judiciously.
Ans: (i) Assertion: True - dependence on a single resource for revenue can leave a country vulnerable to depletion or price fluctuations.
(ii) Reason: True - oil is non-renewable and finite; overreliance without diversification risks future economic decline.
(iii) Justification: The reason correctly explains the assertion; thus both are true and the reason is the correct explanation.

Q7: Assertion : The crude oil reserves are going down for the entire world, and the countries need to find substitute fuel for crude oil.
Reason : A country that is dependent on imports for crude oil will demand more crude oil in the future.
Ans: (i) Assertion: True - global crude oil reserves are finite and concerns about depletion encourage searching for alternatives.
(ii) Reason: True as a general statement, but it does not directly explain the assertion about global reserves; it explains demand dynamics rather than reserve depletion.
(iii) Justification: Both statements are true, but the reason is not the direct explanation of the assertion, so the appropriate choice is that both are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Give one difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. 
Ans: 

• Renewable: Resources that are naturally replenished over short time periods and can be used sustainably, e.g., plants and solar energy.
• Non-renewable: Resources that form over geological time and are finite on human time scales, e.g., crude oil and minerals.

 Q2: What are resources which are found in a region but have not been utilised called? 
Ans:  Potential resources.

Q3: Give examples of abiotic resources. 
Ans: Rocks and metals. 

Q4: Which relief features of India has 30 percent of the total surface area of country?
Ans: Mountains.

Q5: Which regions of India have well developed terrace farming?
Ans: Western and central Himalayas

Short Answer Type Questions 

Q1: What is Agenda 21? List its two principles. 
Ans: Agenda 21 was adopted at the first International Earth Summit held in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a global action plan for sustainable development to be implemented at global, national and local levels.

The two principles are as follows:

• To combat environmental damage, poverty and disease through global cooperation based on common interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
• To encourage that every local authority or community prepare and implement its own Local Agenda 21, adapted to local needs.

 Q2: In India, some regions are rich in certain types of resources but deficient in some other resources". Do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with any three examples.
Ans: Yes. Different regions have different endowments and levels of development. Examples:

• Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal but may lack in infrastructure in some areas.
• Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources (potential for hydropower) but lacks well-developed infrastructure in many places.
• Rajasthan is rich in solar and wind energy potential but is deficient in water resources.
• (Additional example) Ladakh has cultural and tourism assets but is deficient in water in some areas and faces infrastructural challenges.

 Q3: Which is the main cause of land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? How can it be checked? Explain.
Ans:  The main cause of land degradation in these states is large-scale overgrazing, which removes protective vegetation cover and exposes soil to erosion.

• Afforestation and proper management of grazing: planting trees and controlling grazing areas helps restore vegetation.
• Planting shelter belts and windbreaks: rows of shrubs or trees reduce wind erosion.
• Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing hardy, thorny bushes to hold sand and reduce movement.
• Control of overgrazing through rotational grazing, alternative fodder development and community management of pastures.

Q4: Mention any three features of arid soils. 
Ans:  Features of arid soils :

• Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
• They are generally sandy in texture and often have high salinity.
• Due to a dry climate and high temperatures, evaporation is rapid, leaving the soil low in organic matter and moisture.
• Lower soil horizons often contain kankar (calcium carbonate nodules) because calcium accumulates downward.

Q5: Indiscriminate use of resources had led to numerous problems.' Justify this statement. 
Ans:  Resources are vital for human survival and were often treated as free gifts of nature. Uncontrolled use has caused several problems. The main consequences are:

• Exhaustion of resources: Over-exploitation has led to rapid depletion of many resources, leaving less for future generations.
• Concentration of wealth: Resources concentrated in the hands of a few create social inequality between the rich and the poor.
• Ecological crises: Overuse and pollution have contributed to global problems like global warming, ozone depletion, land degradation and other forms of environmental pollution.

 Q6: Distinguish between the renewable and nonrenewable resources. 
Ans:

• Renewable resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally or through human management within a short period, e.g., solar energy, wind, water, forests and wildlife. They can be used sustainably if managed properly.
• Non-renewable resources: Resources formed over geological time and not replaceable on human timescales, e.g., minerals and fossil fuels. Some non-renewable resources (like metals) can be recycled, but many (like oil and coal) are consumed once and eventually exhausted.

Long Answer Type Questions

 Q1: Provide a suitable classification for resources on the basis of ownership. Mention main features of any three types of such resources.
Ans:  On the basis of ownership resources can be classified into the following categories :

• Individual resources: Resources owned by a person or a family.
  Features: Access and control rest with the owner; used for private benefit; e.g., land owned by farmers, houses.
• Community resources: Resources owned and used by a community or local group.
  Features: Managed collectively, often accessed by local people for shared needs; examples include grazing land, village ponds, burial grounds and local parks.
• National resources: Resources owned by a nation and managed by the government.
  Features: Managed for national interest; access may be regulated by law; examples include roads, canals, government forest lands and public infrastructure.
• International resources: Resources beyond national jurisdiction and regulated by international agreements.
  Features: No single country owns them; usage governed by international law or treaties; example: the high seas and certain parts of Antarctica and outer space.

Q2: List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings.
Ans: Resources are essential for human survival. Initially, people believed that resources are free gifts of nature and often used them without restraint. This has given rise to several economic, social and ecological problems. The major issues are :

• Exhaustion of resources: Uncontrolled extraction and consumption have led to depletion of many non-renewable resources and stress on renewables.
• Concentration of resources: Unequal distribution and control result in social inequality, creating a divide between those who have resources and those who do not.
• Economic and social unrest: Resource scarcity and unequal access can lead to conflict, poverty and reduced well-being for many people.
• Global ecological crisis: Overuse and pollution have contributed to problems such as global warming, ozone depletion, land degradation, loss of biodiversity and widespread environmental pollution.

 Q3: 'Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country. There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development and energy saving'. Suggest and explain any three measures to solve this burning problem.
Ans:  Energy demand has been rising with development. To achieve sustainability and reduce pressure on non-renewable fuels, the following measures should be adopted:

• Increase the use of renewable energy such as solar, wind, biogas, tidal and geothermal energy to lower dependence on fossil fuels.
• Adopt judicious use of limited energy resources-for example, promote public transport, car-pooling and efficient logistics to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.
• Promote energy conservation and efficiency: use energy-efficient appliances, switch off electrical devices when not in use, install LED lighting, and encourage industries to adopt energy-saving technologies.