SectionA.Very Short question Answers
1. Who wrote the book ‘Small is Beautiful’? [1]
Ans.1. Schumacher
2. Which type of soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern Coast? [1]
Ans.2. Alluvial Soil
3. Write the two types of renewable resources. [1]
Ans.3. Continuous and Biological resources
4. From which Five Year Plan has India made concerted efforts for achieving the
goals of resource planning?
Ans.4. First Five Year Plan
5. Give any two factors which determine the land use pattern of a nation. [1]
Ans.Topography and Population
6. How much degraded land is present in India? [1]
Ans.. 130 million hectare
7. By which name is the bad land known in Chambal basin? [1]
Ans. Ravines
8. Name the institution which is empowered by the government of India to acquire
land?
Ans. Urban Development Authorities
9. What is strip cropping? [1]
Ans. Large fields divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops. This
breaks up the force of the wind. This method is known as strip cropping.
10. Name the way which helps the sand dune to stabilization. [1]
Ans.. Shelter Belts have contributed significantly to the establishment of sand dunes.
11. Name the areas where terrace farming is practiced in India? [1]
Ans.Western and central Himalayas of India
12. Why are the lower horizons of the soil occupied by Kankar?
Ans. Because of the increasing calcium contents downwards
13. Name the soil which is suitable for the cropping of cashew nuts. [1]
Ans. Red Laterite Soil
14. Name the nutrient in which black soils is poor? [1]
Ans. Phosphoric contents
15. Name any two nutrients which are found in black soils? [1]
Ans. Calcium carbonate and magnesium
16. Mention the reason due to which red soils looks red?
Ans. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks.
17. Name the soils which are well known for their capacity to hold moisture. [1]
Ans. Black soils
18. Which region of India is known as Basalt region? [1]
Ans. The Deccan trap region spread over northwest Deccan plateau.
19. In which state overgrazing is the main reason of land degradation in India? [1]
Ans. Gujarat
20. Where was first international earth summit held?
Ans.. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
Section B
1. What was the main contribution of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987? [3]
Ans.A. The seminal contribution with respect to resource conservation at the global level
was made by the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987.
B. This report introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Development’ and advocated it
as a means for resource conservation, which was substantially published in a book,
entitled Our Common Future.
2. Define resources? Name some resources? [3]
Ans.A. Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs,
provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally
acceptable can be termed as Resource.
B. Land, Soil, Tree and air are some examples of resources.
3. Explain the interdependent relationship between nature, technology and
institutions.[3]
Ans.A. The process of transformation of things available in our environment involves an
interdependent relationship between nature, technology and institutions.
B. Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to
accelerate their economic development.
C. Resources are the functions of activities.
4. “Resources are a function of human activities”. Elaborate the statement with
suitable arguments.[3]
Ans.A. Natural resources are the free gifts of nature but many manmade resources are
used by the humanity.
B. Resources are functions of human activities. Human beings themselves are
essential components of resources.
C. They transform material available in our environment into resources and use them.
5. Classify resources on the basis of origin. Give examples. [3]
Ans.A. Biotic resources: These are obtained from biosphere and have life such as human
beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc.
B. Abiotic resources: All those things which are composed of non-living things are
called abiotic resources. For example, rocks and metals.
6. Classify resources on the basis of exhaustibility. Write examples. [3]
Ans.A. Renewable resources: The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by
physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as renewable resources: For
example, solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.
B. Non Renewable resources: These occur over a very long geological time. Minerals
and fossil fuels are examples of such resources. These resources take millions of
years in their formation. Some of the recourses like metals are recyclable and some
like fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.
7.. List the problems caused due to the indiscriminate use of resources by human
being?[3]
Ans.A. Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of few individuals.
B. Accumulation of resources in few hands, which, in turn, divide the society into two,
segments i.e. ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ or rich and poor.
C. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as,
global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land
degradation.
8. What was agenda 21? [3]
Ans.A. It is the declaration signed by world leaders in 1992 at the united Nation’s
conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
B. It focuses on attaining Global Sustainable Development.
C. It’s mainly aim is to fight the environmental damage, poverty, diseases through
global cooperation on common interest, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
D. An important and distinct aim of the agenda is that every local government should
draw its own local Agenda 21.
9. Write a short note on Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992. [3]
Ans.A. Rio de Janeiro was the meeting ground for the first International Earth Summit.
B. More than 100 heads of state met at this famous conference which was convened in
June 1992 to address the urgent problems of environmental protection and socioeconomic
development at the global level.
C. A declaration on Global Climatic change and the Biological Diversity was signed by
the assembled leaders.
D. They adopted Agenda 21 and endorsed the global forest Principles to achieve
Sustainable Development in the 21st century.
10. What is resource planning? Why is resource planning essential? [3]
Ans.A. Resource planning: Resource planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious
use of resources.
B. Resource planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.
C. Sustainable existence is a component of sustainable development.
11. Define sustainable development? What are their importances? [3]
Ans.A. Sustainable Development: Sustainable development means development should
take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present
should not compromise with the needs of the future generations.
B. It is essential for sustained quality of life.
C. If the present trend of resource depletion by a few individuals and countries
continues, the future of our planet is in danger. So sustainable development is very
important to save our planet and our self.
12. Explain the three steps that involved in the complex process of resource planning? [3]
Ans.A. Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. This
involves surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and
measurement of the resources.
B. Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and
institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.
C. Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.
13. How far it is correct to say that the availability of resources is a necessary
condition for the development of any region? Explain.[3]
Ans.The availability of resources is a necessary condition for the development of any
region, but mere availability of resources in the absence of corresponding changes in
technology and institutions may hinder development. There are many regions in our
country that are rich in recourses but these are included in economically backward
regions. On the contrary there are some regions which have a poor resource base but
they are economically developed.
14. Explain the relationship between the process of colonization and rich resources of
colonies.[3]
Ans.A. The History of colonization reveals that rich resources in colonies were the main
attractions of the foreign traders.
B. It was primarily the higher level of technological development of colonizing
countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and established
their supremacy over colonies.
C. There for resources can contribute to development only when they are
accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes.
15. What are the different factors that determine land use? [3]
Ans.A. Both physical and human factors determine the land use pattern of any area.
B. Physical factors include topography, climate, and soil types.
C. Human factors include population density, technological capability and cultural
traditions.
16. What type of relief covers most of India’s land? Explain. [3]
Ans.A. India has land under a variety of relief features, namely: mountains, plateaus, plains
and islands.
B. About 43 per cent of land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and
industry.
C. Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country and
ensure perennial flow of rivers, provides facilities of tourism and ecological
aspects.
D. About 27 per cent of the area of the country is plateau region. It possesses rich
reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.
17. What is the reason behind the availability of Land use data for only 93 percent of
the total geography area of India?[3]
Ans.A. Total geographical area of India is 3.28 million sq lm land use data, however is
available only for 93 per cent of the total geographical area.
B. Because the land use reporting for most of the nor-east states except Assam has not
been done fully.
C. Moreover, some areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have
also not been surveyed.
18. Why does the net sown area vary from one state to another? [3]
Ans.A. There are wide variations in the pattern of net sown area from one state to another
state.
B. If we compare Haryana and Punjab with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands there is a great disparity.
C. In Punjab and Haryana the net sown area is 80% of the total area but in other
mentioned states it is less than 10% of the total area.
D. The reasons for this differences are many, e.g., climate, soil, relief, irrigation
facilities.
19. Distinguish between Khadar and Bhangar. [3]
20. How is land a natural resource of utmost importance? Explain with suitable
arguments.[3]
Ans.A. All economic activities are performed on land.
B. It supports natural vegetation and wildlife.
C. It is used for transportation and communication system.
D. Most of the minerals are formed in land.
21. What is soil erosion? Explain the major types of soil erosion? [3]
Ans.A. Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is the removal of soil by the forces of nature like wind and
water is called soil erosion. This can also be described as denudation of soil cover
and subsequent washing down. Following are its two types:
B. Wind Erosion: Wind blows loose soil off flat or slopping land. This is known as
wind erosion.
C. Water Erosion: When running water is responsible for the removal of the top most
layer of the earth that is known as water erosion.
22. Explain the two types of water erosion. [3]
Ans.A. Sheet Erosion: When the top layer of the soil is removed over a large area by the
running water is called as sheet erosion. In such cases the top soil is washed away.
B. Gully erosion: The running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep
channels as gullies. The land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as bad
land. In Chambal basin such lands are called ravines.
23. Which type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main
features of this type of soil.[3]
Ans.Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast.
A. The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
B. According to their age alluvial soil can be classified as old alluvial and new alluvial
to well connected developers.
C. Due to its high fertility, region of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and
densely populated.
24. How far it is correct to say that it is possible to reverse land degradation? Explain
the statement while giving the example of village Sukhomajri?[3]
Ans.A. The village of Sukhomajti and the district of Jhabua have shown that it is possible to
reverse land degradation. Tree density in Sukhomajari increased from 13 percent
hectare in 17976 to 1,272 per hectare in 1992.
B. Regeneration of the environment leads to economic well being as a result of greater
resource availability improved agriculture and animal care, and consequently,
increased incomes. Average annual household income in Sukhomajri ranged from
10000-15000 between 1979 and 1984.
C. People’s management is essential for ecological restoration. With people being
made the decision-makers by Madhya Pradesh government, 2.9 million hectares or
about 1 per cent of India’s land area, are being greened across the state through
watershed management.
25. Elucidate the views of Gandhiji regarding the conservation of resources. [3]
Ans.A. Gandhiji was very apt in voicing his concern about resource conservation.
B. He said, “There is enough for everybody’s need and not for anybody’s greed.
C. He placed the greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern
technology as the root cause for resource depletion at the global level.
D. He was against mass production and wanted to replace it with the production by
the masses.
26. Why is resource planning essential? [3]
Ans.A. As the resources are limited, so their planning is quite necessary so that we can use
them properly and at the same time save them for our coming generations.
B. For the balanced development of the country, the planning of the resources
becomes very essential.
C. A resource planning is also necessary to save their exploitation or unlawful
exploitation by the unscrupulous elements of the society.
27. Explain any three human activities which are mainly responsible for land
degradation in India.[3]
Ans. A. Some human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mining and quarrying
too have contributed significantly in land degradation.
B. Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars
and traces of over-burdening.
C. Deforestation due to mining has caused severe land degradation.
D. Over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to water logging leading to
increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
28. Suggest some ways to solve the problems of land degradation. [3]
Ans.A. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent to solve
the problem of land degradation.
B. Planting of shelter belts of plants, control on over grazing, stabilization of sand
dunes by growing thorny bushes is some of the methods to check land degradation.
C. Proper management of waste lands, control of mining activities, proper discharge
and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land and
water degradation in industrial and suburban areas.
29. How do rocks plays an important role in the formation of soil? [3]
Ans. A. Parent rock and bed rock are main factors in the formation of soil.B. Climatic conditions with the parent rock material are the important factors for the
formation of black soil. The Deccan trap region is made up of lava flows.
C. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall.
30. What is meant by two types of natural resources? Give one example of each. [3]
Ans.A. All gifts of nature which are useful in making the life of human beings comfortable
and worth living are known as natural resources.
B. Their two main types are biotic and abiotic resources.
C. Forests and animals are biotic resources while land water and soil are abiotic
natural resources.
Section C.
1. Which type of soil is ideal for growth of cotton? What are the main characteristics
of this type of soil? Name some areas where they found.[5]
Ans.Black soil is ideal for the growth of cotton soil. Following are its characteristics:
A. Black soils are also known as ‘regur’ soil or black cotton soils.
B. Such a soil is ideal for growing cotton and hence the name.
C. They have extremely good moisture retention capacity but become sticky when
wet.
D. These soils are difficult work upon unless tilled during pre-monsoon periods or just
after the first shower.
E. Black soils are rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash
and lime but poor in phosphoric contents.
F. This soil is found in Deccan trap areas. This includes Maharashtra, Western
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, some parts of Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
2. What is soil? Analyze the four main factors which help in the formation of soil.
Ans.Soil: Soil is the most important renewable natural resource. It is the medium of plant
growth and supports different types of living organisms on the earth. The soil is a
living system. It takes million of years to form soil up to a few cm in depth.
A. Relief, parent rock or bed rock, climate, vegetation and other forms of life and time
are important factors in the formation of soil.
B. Various forces of nature such as change in temperature, actions of running water,
wind and glaciers, activities of decomposition etc, contribute to the formation of
soil.
C. Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are equally important.
D. Soils also consist of organic (humus) or inorganic materials.
3. How is red soil formed? Mention its features. [5]
Ans.A. Formation: most of the red soils have come into existence due to weathering of
ancient crystalline igneous rocks.
B. Soils are loamy in deep depressions and in upload. They consist of loose gravels
and highly coarse materials.
C. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks.
D. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
E. This soil is found in the areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of
the Deccan plateau.
4. Which is most widely spread and important soil of India? State the characteristics
of this type of soil?
Ans.Alluvial soil is most widely spread and important soil of India. In fact the entire
northern plains are made of alluvial soils.
A. These soils have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems-the
Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
B. The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
C. According to their age alluvial soil can be classified as old alluvial and new alluvial.
D. Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. Mostly these soils contain adequate
proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of
sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.
E. Due to its high fertility, region of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and
densely populated.
5. Explain the land use pattern in India? [5]
Ans.A. The net sown area in India has decreased from 45.26% to 43.41%. This means that
more and more agricultural land is being shifted to other activities.
B. The pattern of the net sown area varies gently from one state to another. In Punjab
and Haryana the net sown area is 80% of the total area but Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is less than 10% of the
total area.
C. The area under forests has been increased from 18.11% in 1960-61 to 22.57% in
2000-2003 and to 23% in 2005-06 yet it is far below than the scientific norms.
D. The land under permanent pastures is very low, i.e., only 3.45%.
E. Area under fallow land has also decreased which shows, that subsistence
agriculture is being replaced by commercial agriculture.
6. Explain any five proper farming techniques which can be used for sol
conservation.
Ans. A. Strip Cropping: To counter the effect of wind the practice of strip cropping is
followed to stop wind erosion. Large fields are divided in strips. Grass in strips is
left to grow between the crops.
B. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines does not let water run down
the slopes. This technique involved ploughing along contours, so that the furrows
follow lines linking points of the same height. Such furrows halt the downward flow
of water and reduce erosion.
C. Terrace Farming: Since ancient times farmers have built terraces or steps up a
hillside creating several levels of farms. Hill slopes are cut into a number of terraces
having horizontal top and steep slopes on the back and front.
D. Crop rotation: If the same crop is sown in the same field, year after year, this
consumes particular nutrients from the soil making it infertile. Crop rotation can
check the type of erosion.
E. Shelter Belts: Planting trees to create shelter also works in a similar way. Rows of
such trees are called shelter belts. These shelter belts have contributed significantly
to the stabilization of sand dunes and in establishing the desert in western India.
7.Why is resource planning important in the context of a country like India? [5]
Ans.A. India has enormous diversity in the availability of recourses.
B. There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in
some other resources.
C. There are some regions which can be considered self sufficient in terms of
availability of resources and there are some regions which have acute shortage of
some vital resources.
D. For example the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in
Minerals and coal deposits. Arunachal Pradesh abundance of water resources but
lake of infrastructural development.
E. The state of Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks
in water resources.
F. The cold desert of Ladhakh is entirely isolated from the rest of the country.
8. How has technical and economic development led to more consumption of
resources?
Ans.A. Human beings interacted with nature through technological and create institutions
to accelerate their economic development.
B. As more technological development occurs there is increased need for inputs and
utilization of resources.
C. Technical and technological development is closely linked to economic
development.
D. For example more factories providing employment to more people are a necessity.
For the factory land and labour is used. For this mining of minerals and metals
increases.
9. Classify resources on the basis of ownership with example. [5]
Ans.A. Individual resources: These are owned privately by individuals. Many farmers own
land which allotted to them by government against the payment of revenue. People
own plots, houses and other property.
B. Community owned Resources: There are resources which are accessible to all the
members of the community. Village commons, public parks, burial ground,
playgrounds in urban areas are de facto accessible to all the people living there.
C. National resources: All the resources belong to the nation. The country has legal
power to acquire even private property for public good. We have seen roads,
canals, railways being constructed on fields owned by some individuals. Urban
Development Authorities get empowered by the government to acquire land.
D. International Resources: There are international institutions which regulate some
resources. The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the exclusive Economic Zone
belong to open ocean and no individual country can utilize these without the
concurrence of international institutions.
10. Classify resources on the basis of state of development with example.
Ans.A. Potential Resources: Resources which are found in a region, but have not been
utilized due to the lack of capital. For example, the western parts of India
particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat have enormous potential for the development of
wind and solar energy, but so far these have not been developed properly.
B. Developed resources: Resources which are surveyed and their quality and quantity
have been determined for utilization. The development of resources depends on
technology and level of their feasibility.
C. Stock: material in the environment which have the potential to satisfy human needs
but human being do not have the appropriate technology to access these, are
included among stock. For example water is a compound of two inflammable gases:
Hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as a rich source of energy. But we do not
have the required technology to use them for this purpose. Hence it can be
considered as stock.
D. Reserves: Reserves are the subset of stock, which can be put into use with the help
of existing technology but their use has not been started. These can be used for
meeting future requirements.
1. Who wrote the book ‘Small is Beautiful’? [1]
Ans.1. Schumacher
2. Which type of soil is found in the river deltas of the Eastern Coast? [1]
Ans.2. Alluvial Soil
3. Write the two types of renewable resources. [1]
Ans.3. Continuous and Biological resources
4. From which Five Year Plan has India made concerted efforts for achieving the
goals of resource planning?
Ans.4. First Five Year Plan
5. Give any two factors which determine the land use pattern of a nation. [1]
Ans.Topography and Population
6. How much degraded land is present in India? [1]
Ans.. 130 million hectare
7. By which name is the bad land known in Chambal basin? [1]
Ans. Ravines
8. Name the institution which is empowered by the government of India to acquire
land?
Ans. Urban Development Authorities
9. What is strip cropping? [1]
Ans. Large fields divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops. This
breaks up the force of the wind. This method is known as strip cropping.
10. Name the way which helps the sand dune to stabilization. [1]
Ans.. Shelter Belts have contributed significantly to the establishment of sand dunes.
11. Name the areas where terrace farming is practiced in India? [1]
Ans.Western and central Himalayas of India
12. Why are the lower horizons of the soil occupied by Kankar?
Ans. Because of the increasing calcium contents downwards
13. Name the soil which is suitable for the cropping of cashew nuts. [1]
Ans. Red Laterite Soil
14. Name the nutrient in which black soils is poor? [1]
Ans. Phosphoric contents
15. Name any two nutrients which are found in black soils? [1]
Ans. Calcium carbonate and magnesium
16. Mention the reason due to which red soils looks red?
Ans. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks.
17. Name the soils which are well known for their capacity to hold moisture. [1]
Ans. Black soils
18. Which region of India is known as Basalt region? [1]
Ans. The Deccan trap region spread over northwest Deccan plateau.
19. In which state overgrazing is the main reason of land degradation in India? [1]
Ans. Gujarat
20. Where was first international earth summit held?
Ans.. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
Section B
1. What was the main contribution of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987? [3]
Ans.A. The seminal contribution with respect to resource conservation at the global level
was made by the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987.
B. This report introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Development’ and advocated it
as a means for resource conservation, which was substantially published in a book,
entitled Our Common Future.
2. Define resources? Name some resources? [3]
Ans.A. Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs,
provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally
acceptable can be termed as Resource.
B. Land, Soil, Tree and air are some examples of resources.
3. Explain the interdependent relationship between nature, technology and
institutions.[3]
Ans.A. The process of transformation of things available in our environment involves an
interdependent relationship between nature, technology and institutions.
B. Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to
accelerate their economic development.
C. Resources are the functions of activities.
4. “Resources are a function of human activities”. Elaborate the statement with
suitable arguments.[3]
Ans.A. Natural resources are the free gifts of nature but many manmade resources are
used by the humanity.
B. Resources are functions of human activities. Human beings themselves are
essential components of resources.
C. They transform material available in our environment into resources and use them.
5. Classify resources on the basis of origin. Give examples. [3]
Ans.A. Biotic resources: These are obtained from biosphere and have life such as human
beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc.
B. Abiotic resources: All those things which are composed of non-living things are
called abiotic resources. For example, rocks and metals.
6. Classify resources on the basis of exhaustibility. Write examples. [3]
Ans.A. Renewable resources: The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by
physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as renewable resources: For
example, solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.
B. Non Renewable resources: These occur over a very long geological time. Minerals
and fossil fuels are examples of such resources. These resources take millions of
years in their formation. Some of the recourses like metals are recyclable and some
like fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.
7.. List the problems caused due to the indiscriminate use of resources by human
being?[3]
Ans.A. Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of few individuals.
B. Accumulation of resources in few hands, which, in turn, divide the society into two,
segments i.e. ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ or rich and poor.
C. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as,
global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land
degradation.
8. What was agenda 21? [3]
Ans.A. It is the declaration signed by world leaders in 1992 at the united Nation’s
conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
B. It focuses on attaining Global Sustainable Development.
C. It’s mainly aim is to fight the environmental damage, poverty, diseases through
global cooperation on common interest, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
D. An important and distinct aim of the agenda is that every local government should
draw its own local Agenda 21.
9. Write a short note on Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992. [3]
Ans.A. Rio de Janeiro was the meeting ground for the first International Earth Summit.
B. More than 100 heads of state met at this famous conference which was convened in
June 1992 to address the urgent problems of environmental protection and socioeconomic
development at the global level.
C. A declaration on Global Climatic change and the Biological Diversity was signed by
the assembled leaders.
D. They adopted Agenda 21 and endorsed the global forest Principles to achieve
Sustainable Development in the 21st century.
10. What is resource planning? Why is resource planning essential? [3]
Ans.A. Resource planning: Resource planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious
use of resources.
B. Resource planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.
C. Sustainable existence is a component of sustainable development.
11. Define sustainable development? What are their importances? [3]
Ans.A. Sustainable Development: Sustainable development means development should
take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present
should not compromise with the needs of the future generations.
B. It is essential for sustained quality of life.
C. If the present trend of resource depletion by a few individuals and countries
continues, the future of our planet is in danger. So sustainable development is very
important to save our planet and our self.
12. Explain the three steps that involved in the complex process of resource planning? [3]
Ans.A. Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. This
involves surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and
measurement of the resources.
B. Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and
institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.
C. Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.
13. How far it is correct to say that the availability of resources is a necessary
condition for the development of any region? Explain.[3]
Ans.The availability of resources is a necessary condition for the development of any
region, but mere availability of resources in the absence of corresponding changes in
technology and institutions may hinder development. There are many regions in our
country that are rich in recourses but these are included in economically backward
regions. On the contrary there are some regions which have a poor resource base but
they are economically developed.
14. Explain the relationship between the process of colonization and rich resources of
colonies.[3]
Ans.A. The History of colonization reveals that rich resources in colonies were the main
attractions of the foreign traders.
B. It was primarily the higher level of technological development of colonizing
countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and established
their supremacy over colonies.
C. There for resources can contribute to development only when they are
accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes.
15. What are the different factors that determine land use? [3]
Ans.A. Both physical and human factors determine the land use pattern of any area.
B. Physical factors include topography, climate, and soil types.
C. Human factors include population density, technological capability and cultural
traditions.
16. What type of relief covers most of India’s land? Explain. [3]
Ans.A. India has land under a variety of relief features, namely: mountains, plateaus, plains
and islands.
B. About 43 per cent of land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and
industry.
C. Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country and
ensure perennial flow of rivers, provides facilities of tourism and ecological
aspects.
D. About 27 per cent of the area of the country is plateau region. It possesses rich
reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.
17. What is the reason behind the availability of Land use data for only 93 percent of
the total geography area of India?[3]
Ans.A. Total geographical area of India is 3.28 million sq lm land use data, however is
available only for 93 per cent of the total geographical area.
B. Because the land use reporting for most of the nor-east states except Assam has not
been done fully.
C. Moreover, some areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have
also not been surveyed.
18. Why does the net sown area vary from one state to another? [3]
Ans.A. There are wide variations in the pattern of net sown area from one state to another
state.
B. If we compare Haryana and Punjab with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands there is a great disparity.
C. In Punjab and Haryana the net sown area is 80% of the total area but in other
mentioned states it is less than 10% of the total area.
D. The reasons for this differences are many, e.g., climate, soil, relief, irrigation
facilities.
19. Distinguish between Khadar and Bhangar. [3]
20. How is land a natural resource of utmost importance? Explain with suitable
arguments.[3]
Ans.A. All economic activities are performed on land.
B. It supports natural vegetation and wildlife.
C. It is used for transportation and communication system.
D. Most of the minerals are formed in land.
21. What is soil erosion? Explain the major types of soil erosion? [3]
Ans.A. Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is the removal of soil by the forces of nature like wind and
water is called soil erosion. This can also be described as denudation of soil cover
and subsequent washing down. Following are its two types:
B. Wind Erosion: Wind blows loose soil off flat or slopping land. This is known as
wind erosion.
C. Water Erosion: When running water is responsible for the removal of the top most
layer of the earth that is known as water erosion.
22. Explain the two types of water erosion. [3]
Ans.A. Sheet Erosion: When the top layer of the soil is removed over a large area by the
running water is called as sheet erosion. In such cases the top soil is washed away.
B. Gully erosion: The running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep
channels as gullies. The land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as bad
land. In Chambal basin such lands are called ravines.
23. Which type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main
features of this type of soil.[3]
Ans.Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast.
A. The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
B. According to their age alluvial soil can be classified as old alluvial and new alluvial
to well connected developers.
C. Due to its high fertility, region of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and
densely populated.
24. How far it is correct to say that it is possible to reverse land degradation? Explain
the statement while giving the example of village Sukhomajri?[3]
Ans.A. The village of Sukhomajti and the district of Jhabua have shown that it is possible to
reverse land degradation. Tree density in Sukhomajari increased from 13 percent
hectare in 17976 to 1,272 per hectare in 1992.
B. Regeneration of the environment leads to economic well being as a result of greater
resource availability improved agriculture and animal care, and consequently,
increased incomes. Average annual household income in Sukhomajri ranged from
10000-15000 between 1979 and 1984.
C. People’s management is essential for ecological restoration. With people being
made the decision-makers by Madhya Pradesh government, 2.9 million hectares or
about 1 per cent of India’s land area, are being greened across the state through
watershed management.
25. Elucidate the views of Gandhiji regarding the conservation of resources. [3]
Ans.A. Gandhiji was very apt in voicing his concern about resource conservation.
B. He said, “There is enough for everybody’s need and not for anybody’s greed.
C. He placed the greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern
technology as the root cause for resource depletion at the global level.
D. He was against mass production and wanted to replace it with the production by
the masses.
26. Why is resource planning essential? [3]
Ans.A. As the resources are limited, so their planning is quite necessary so that we can use
them properly and at the same time save them for our coming generations.
B. For the balanced development of the country, the planning of the resources
becomes very essential.
C. A resource planning is also necessary to save their exploitation or unlawful
exploitation by the unscrupulous elements of the society.
27. Explain any three human activities which are mainly responsible for land
degradation in India.[3]
Ans. A. Some human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mining and quarrying
too have contributed significantly in land degradation.
B. Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars
and traces of over-burdening.
C. Deforestation due to mining has caused severe land degradation.
D. Over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to water logging leading to
increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
28. Suggest some ways to solve the problems of land degradation. [3]
Ans.A. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent to solve
the problem of land degradation.
B. Planting of shelter belts of plants, control on over grazing, stabilization of sand
dunes by growing thorny bushes is some of the methods to check land degradation.
C. Proper management of waste lands, control of mining activities, proper discharge
and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land and
water degradation in industrial and suburban areas.
29. How do rocks plays an important role in the formation of soil? [3]
Ans. A. Parent rock and bed rock are main factors in the formation of soil.B. Climatic conditions with the parent rock material are the important factors for the
formation of black soil. The Deccan trap region is made up of lava flows.
C. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall.
30. What is meant by two types of natural resources? Give one example of each. [3]
Ans.A. All gifts of nature which are useful in making the life of human beings comfortable
and worth living are known as natural resources.
B. Their two main types are biotic and abiotic resources.
C. Forests and animals are biotic resources while land water and soil are abiotic
natural resources.
Section C.
1. Which type of soil is ideal for growth of cotton? What are the main characteristics
of this type of soil? Name some areas where they found.[5]
Ans.Black soil is ideal for the growth of cotton soil. Following are its characteristics:
A. Black soils are also known as ‘regur’ soil or black cotton soils.
B. Such a soil is ideal for growing cotton and hence the name.
C. They have extremely good moisture retention capacity but become sticky when
wet.
D. These soils are difficult work upon unless tilled during pre-monsoon periods or just
after the first shower.
E. Black soils are rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash
and lime but poor in phosphoric contents.
F. This soil is found in Deccan trap areas. This includes Maharashtra, Western
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, some parts of Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
2. What is soil? Analyze the four main factors which help in the formation of soil.
Ans.Soil: Soil is the most important renewable natural resource. It is the medium of plant
growth and supports different types of living organisms on the earth. The soil is a
living system. It takes million of years to form soil up to a few cm in depth.
A. Relief, parent rock or bed rock, climate, vegetation and other forms of life and time
are important factors in the formation of soil.
B. Various forces of nature such as change in temperature, actions of running water,
wind and glaciers, activities of decomposition etc, contribute to the formation of
soil.
C. Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are equally important.
D. Soils also consist of organic (humus) or inorganic materials.
3. How is red soil formed? Mention its features. [5]
Ans.A. Formation: most of the red soils have come into existence due to weathering of
ancient crystalline igneous rocks.
B. Soils are loamy in deep depressions and in upload. They consist of loose gravels
and highly coarse materials.
C. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks.
D. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
E. This soil is found in the areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of
the Deccan plateau.
4. Which is most widely spread and important soil of India? State the characteristics
of this type of soil?
Ans.Alluvial soil is most widely spread and important soil of India. In fact the entire
northern plains are made of alluvial soils.
A. These soils have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems-the
Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
B. The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
C. According to their age alluvial soil can be classified as old alluvial and new alluvial.
D. Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. Mostly these soils contain adequate
proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of
sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.
E. Due to its high fertility, region of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and
densely populated.
5. Explain the land use pattern in India? [5]
Ans.A. The net sown area in India has decreased from 45.26% to 43.41%. This means that
more and more agricultural land is being shifted to other activities.
B. The pattern of the net sown area varies gently from one state to another. In Punjab
and Haryana the net sown area is 80% of the total area but Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is less than 10% of the
total area.
C. The area under forests has been increased from 18.11% in 1960-61 to 22.57% in
2000-2003 and to 23% in 2005-06 yet it is far below than the scientific norms.
D. The land under permanent pastures is very low, i.e., only 3.45%.
E. Area under fallow land has also decreased which shows, that subsistence
agriculture is being replaced by commercial agriculture.
6. Explain any five proper farming techniques which can be used for sol
conservation.
Ans. A. Strip Cropping: To counter the effect of wind the practice of strip cropping is
followed to stop wind erosion. Large fields are divided in strips. Grass in strips is
left to grow between the crops.
B. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines does not let water run down
the slopes. This technique involved ploughing along contours, so that the furrows
follow lines linking points of the same height. Such furrows halt the downward flow
of water and reduce erosion.
C. Terrace Farming: Since ancient times farmers have built terraces or steps up a
hillside creating several levels of farms. Hill slopes are cut into a number of terraces
having horizontal top and steep slopes on the back and front.
D. Crop rotation: If the same crop is sown in the same field, year after year, this
consumes particular nutrients from the soil making it infertile. Crop rotation can
check the type of erosion.
E. Shelter Belts: Planting trees to create shelter also works in a similar way. Rows of
such trees are called shelter belts. These shelter belts have contributed significantly
to the stabilization of sand dunes and in establishing the desert in western India.
7.Why is resource planning important in the context of a country like India? [5]
Ans.A. India has enormous diversity in the availability of recourses.
B. There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in
some other resources.
C. There are some regions which can be considered self sufficient in terms of
availability of resources and there are some regions which have acute shortage of
some vital resources.
D. For example the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in
Minerals and coal deposits. Arunachal Pradesh abundance of water resources but
lake of infrastructural development.
E. The state of Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks
in water resources.
F. The cold desert of Ladhakh is entirely isolated from the rest of the country.
8. How has technical and economic development led to more consumption of
resources?
Ans.A. Human beings interacted with nature through technological and create institutions
to accelerate their economic development.
B. As more technological development occurs there is increased need for inputs and
utilization of resources.
C. Technical and technological development is closely linked to economic
development.
D. For example more factories providing employment to more people are a necessity.
For the factory land and labour is used. For this mining of minerals and metals
increases.
9. Classify resources on the basis of ownership with example. [5]
Ans.A. Individual resources: These are owned privately by individuals. Many farmers own
land which allotted to them by government against the payment of revenue. People
own plots, houses and other property.
B. Community owned Resources: There are resources which are accessible to all the
members of the community. Village commons, public parks, burial ground,
playgrounds in urban areas are de facto accessible to all the people living there.
C. National resources: All the resources belong to the nation. The country has legal
power to acquire even private property for public good. We have seen roads,
canals, railways being constructed on fields owned by some individuals. Urban
Development Authorities get empowered by the government to acquire land.
D. International Resources: There are international institutions which regulate some
resources. The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the exclusive Economic Zone
belong to open ocean and no individual country can utilize these without the
concurrence of international institutions.
10. Classify resources on the basis of state of development with example.
Ans.A. Potential Resources: Resources which are found in a region, but have not been
utilized due to the lack of capital. For example, the western parts of India
particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat have enormous potential for the development of
wind and solar energy, but so far these have not been developed properly.
B. Developed resources: Resources which are surveyed and their quality and quantity
have been determined for utilization. The development of resources depends on
technology and level of their feasibility.
C. Stock: material in the environment which have the potential to satisfy human needs
but human being do not have the appropriate technology to access these, are
included among stock. For example water is a compound of two inflammable gases:
Hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as a rich source of energy. But we do not
have the required technology to use them for this purpose. Hence it can be
considered as stock.
D. Reserves: Reserves are the subset of stock, which can be put into use with the help
of existing technology but their use has not been started. These can be used for
meeting future requirements.
Thanks lt is helping me a lot
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