Class 8 new ncert Chapter 1 SST Solution - Natural Resources and their Use

Chapter 1: Natural Resources and Their Use

Question 1: When does nature become a resource?

Answer: When humans use things from nature (such as water, air, trees, etc.) for their life, then that nature becomes a resource.

Question 2: What are natural resources?

Answer: Natural resources are those things which are found in nature and are useful for humans, such as— water, air, soil, minerals, etc.

Question 3: What conditions are necessary for something to become a resource?

Answer:

• It should be technically usable
• Its use should be economically possible
• It should be socially acceptable

Question 4: How are natural resources classified?

Answer: Natural resources are mainly classified in two ways—

1. On the basis of use
2. On the basis of renewability

Question 5: State the types of resources on the basis of use.

Answer: Types of resources on the basis of use –

1. Resources essential for life (water, air, food)
2. Material resources (wood, metals)
3. Energy resources (coal, petroleum, solar energy)

Question 6: What are renewable resources?

Answer: Resources that can be formed again over time are called renewable resources. Example: solar energy, wind, water, forests

Question 7: What are non-renewable resources?

Answer: Resources that take a very long time to form and can get exhausted quickly are called non-renewable resources. Example: coal, petroleum, minerals

Question 8: What is unequal distribution of natural resources?

Answer: When resources are not found in equal quantity everywhere, it is called unequal distribution.

Question 9: What are the effects of unequal distribution of resources?

Answer:

• Settlement of people is affected
• Trade increases
• Conflicts may arise between countries

Question 10: What is ‘natural resource curse’?

Answer: When a region has abundant resources but still does not develop, it is called the natural resource curse.

Question 11: What is unsustainable use/overexploitation of resources?

Answer: When resources are used excessively or improperly due to which they start getting exhausted, it is called unsustainable use.

Question 12: What should be done for the conservation of renewable resources?

Answer:

• Planting trees
• Conserving water
• Reducing pollution
• Using resources in a balanced way

Question 13: How should non-renewable resources be used?

Answer:

• Use less and carefully
• Adopt alternatives (such as solar energy)
• Save energy

Question 14: What are ecosystem services?

Answer: Services provided by nature such as—

• Clean air
• Clean water
• Soil fertility

These are called ecosystem services.

Question 15: What is the importance of responsible use of resources?

Answer:

• The environment remains safe
• Resources are saved for future generations
• Pollution and climate change are reduced

Question 16: What problems arise due to excessive exploitation of groundwater?

Answer:

• Water level goes down
• Water scarcity occurs
• Agriculture and life are affected

Question 17: What are the measures for better management of resources?

Answer: Measures for better management of resources –

• Water conservation
• Recycling
• Use of traditional methods
• Balanced development

NCERT Solutions

Question 1. What do you understand by ‘natural resources’? Explain with examples.

Answer: Natural resources are those substances and materials which are found in nature and are useful for humans. Example: water, air, soil, forests, minerals, etc. When humans use them for their livelihood or to make goods, they are called resources.

Question 2. On what bases can resources be classified?

Answer: Resources can be mainly classified on the following bases:

1. On the basis of origin – natural and man-made
2. On the basis of availability – renewable and non-renewable
3. On the basis of use – energy resources, food resources, etc.

Question 3. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Answer:

Renewable Resources	Non-renewable Resources
These resources can be obtained again and again	These resources get exhausted after one-time use
They are quickly formed by nature	They take millions of years to form
Example: water, solar energy, air	Example: coal, petroleum, natural gas

Question 4. Identify such cultural practices in your home and neighborhood that indicate the wise use of natural resources.

Answer: There are many traditions in homes and neighborhoods that show proper use of resources, such as:

• Worship of plants (such as Tulsi worship)
• Saving water
• Using natural materials in festivals
• Not wasting food
• Reusing old items

Question 5. What points should be kept in mind while producing goods for present use?

Answer: The following points should be kept in mind in production of goods:

• Resources should be used wisely
• Less harm should be caused to the environment
• Reuse and recycling should be promoted
• Local resources should be used
• Pollution-reducing technologies should be used

Let’s Explore

1. Assess the types of renewable resources in your area. What changes have occurred over time? What are the reasons for these changes?

Answer: The main renewable resources in my area are—

• Solar energy (sun)
• Wind energy (air)
• Water resources (rivers/ponds)
• Forests and plants

Over time, there has been a decrease or change in these resources, such as cutting of trees and decline in water level. Reasons: population growth, excessive use, pollution. Measures:

• Tree plantation
• Water conservation
• Greater use of renewable energy

2. Which non-renewable resources do you use daily? What are their alternatives?

Answer: We use these non-renewable resources daily—

• Petrol/Diesel
• LPG gas
• Electricity generated from coal

Alternatives (renewable):

• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Biogas

Measures:

• Use of solar panels
• Saving electricity
• Use of public transport

3. Give information about any conflict over resources at the international level.

Answer: Example: River water disputes (such as distribution of river water between India and other countries) Reasons:

• Unequal distribution of water resources
• Excessive use

Solutions:

• Mutual discussions
• Agreements
• Proper management of resources

4. Do you know any traditional practices that help maintain environmental balance?

Answer: Yes, there are many traditional practices—

• Worship of trees (such as Tulsi worship)
• Offering water to the Sun
• Respecting water and nature
• Using natural materials in festivals

These practices help in maintaining environmental balance.

5. Find information about any resource conflict in the international context.

Answer: Example:

• Nile river water dispute (in Africa)
• Cauvery river dispute (between states in India)

The reason for these conflicts is unequal distribution and excessive use of resources. Cooperation and agreements are necessary for solutions.

6. Identify such activities around you that are reducing the capacity of nature for restoration and regeneration. What kind of interventions can be made to restore the natural cycle?

Answer: Such activities are—

• Cutting of trees
• Excessive extraction of water
• Spreading pollution
• Excessive use of chemical fertilizers

Measures:

• Tree plantation
• Water conservation
• Reducing pollution
• Adopting organic farming