Test: Natural Resources and Their Use - CTET & State TET MCQ

Industrialization powered by fossil fuels often leads to the disturbance of natural cycles, including climate change and habitat destruction. These disturbances can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems and biodiversity, resulting in environmental degradation and loss of natural resources.

The International Solar Alliance aims to facilitate cooperation among countries with abundant sunshine to promote the use of solar energy. By encouraging collaboration on solar projects, ISA seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance access to clean, renewable energy for sustainable development.

The Natural Resource Curse, or Paradox of Plenty, refers to the phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources, like oil or minerals, often experience slower economic growth because they rely heavily on exporting raw materials instead of developing industries that add value. This can lead to economic instability and hinder long-term development.

Shifting to renewable energy sources is a crucial strategy to avoid the depletion of non-renewable resources. By transitioning to sustainable alternatives, countries can reduce their reliance on finite resources like coal and oil, ensuring a more sustainable future while minimizing environmental impact.

Natural resources are defined as materials or substances that originate from nature and hold value for human use. They include both living (plants, animals) and non-living (water, minerals) components of our environment. Understanding natural resources is essential for sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

Solar energy is a renewable resource because it can be replenished naturally and does not deplete over time when harnessed. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which take millions of years to form and are consumed faster than they can be replaced, solar energy is abundant and continually available as long as the sun shines.

Overexploitation of groundwater leads to decreased water tables, meaning the underground water level drops due to excessive extraction beyond natural replenishment rates. This can cause long-term sustainability issues for agriculture and water availability, highlighting the need for responsible water management practices.

Renewable resources are characterized by their ability to regenerate naturally and their availability as long as natural cycles are maintained. They can be depleted if used irresponsibly, but they do not require long geological timescales to form—this is a characteristic of non-renewable resources. Therefore, the statement 'They require long geological timescales to form' is NOT a characteristic of renewable resources.

Traditional agricultural practices, such as those outlined in Vriksayurveda, focus on maintaining and enhancing soil health and fertility through natural methods. This approach emphasizes sustainable farming techniques that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health, contrasting sharply with chemical-intensive modern practices that can harm the environment.

While being abundant can help make a resource economically feasible, it is not a necessary condition. Economic feasibility focuses more on the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of the resource rather than its abundance. This means that even scarce resources can be economically viable if they are affordable and accessible.