CHAPTER -1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
GEOGRAPHY
Chapter 1
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Q1. Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly
grown in it.
Ans. Black soil is found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
It is the best soil for growing cotton.
Q2. What type of soil is found in the the river deltas of of the eastern
coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.
.
Ans. Alluvial soil is found in the the deltas of of rivers Mahanadi ,
Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri on the the eastern coastal plains.
The main features of the alluvial soil are:
1. It contains different proportion of of sand silt and clay. It is very fertile.
2. It contains right proportion of potash line and phosphoric acid.
3. It is ideal for growing sugarcane, wheat and paddy.
Q3. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
Ans.
1. Contour Ploughing : Ploughing along the contour lines in the hilly
areas reduce the flow of water down the slopes and checks sheet
erosion.
2. Terrace Cultivation: Steps can be cut on the slopes making terraces.
Terraces can restrict soil erosion. It is mainly done in Western and
central himalayas.
3. Strip Cropping: Large fields are divided into strips. Strips of crops are
left to grow between the crops . It breaks up the force of wind.
4. Shelter Belts: Planting trees in a row is called shelter belt. It also also
reduces the force of wind. Shelter belts have contributed in stabilising sand
1
CHAPTER -1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
dunes in Rajasthan.
Q4. What are are the biotic and abiotic resources? Give some examples.
Ans.
a) Biotic resources are obtained from biosphere and have life such as
human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, live stock etc.
B) Abiotic resources contain all those things which are composed of non-
living things . For example rocks and metals.
Q5. ‘India's vast and diverse size is the most important resource’. Support
the statement.
Ans.
1. India has land under a variety of relief features: mountains, plateaus,
plains and Islands.
2. About 43% of the land area is plain ,which provides facilities for
agriculture and industry.
3. Mountains account for 30% of the total surface area of the country and
ensure perennial flow of some rivers, provide facilities for tourism and
ecological aspects.
4. About 27% of the area of the country is the plateau region. It possess
rich reserves of minerals , fossil fuels and forests.
Q6. Examine the three major problems created as a result of indiscriminate
utilisation of of natural resources.
Ans.
Indiscriminate use of resources by human beings has led to economic
social and ecological problems such as:
1. Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few individuals.
2. Accumulation of resources in few hands which has divided the society
into two segments haves rich and poor.
3. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological
crisis such as global warming ,ozone layer depletion ,environmental
pollution and land degradation.
2
CHAPTER -1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Q7. Write a short note on first Earth summit.
Ans.
1. The first international Earth summit was held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
in 1992.
2. The summit was held for addressing urgent problems of environmental
protection and socio- economic development at the global level.
3. The members signed Agenda 21 for achieving sustainable development
in 21st century.
4. Agenda 21 aims at sustainable development to combat environmental
damage, poverty and disease through global co-operation.
5. One major objective of the agenda 21 is that every local government
should draw its own local agenda 21.
Q8. Mention three physical factors and three human factors which
determine the use of of land in India.
Ans.
Factors that determine the use of land are :
Physical factors : Topography, Climate and soil type .
Human factors: Population density, Technological capability and Culture.
Q9. “33% of the total land area of a country should be under forest.’’
Justify the statement highlighting the environmental values of forest.
Ans.
1. Forest area in our country is lower than the desired 33% of total
geographical area as outlined in the National forest policy (1952).
2. It was considered essential for maintaining the ecological balance.
3. The livelihood of millions of people who live in these forests depend
upon it.
4. Forest protect the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better
growth of species and breeding.
5. Forest are the primary producers on which all other living organisms
survive.
3
CHAPTER -1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Q10. ‘’Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect
national or state boundaries.’’ Justify the statement.
Ans.
1. Environment belongs to the earth and its impact is felt by the whole
planet.
2. For example-- if carbon dioxide is being released by some rich
countries , global warming is affecting the lives of all the people on the
planet.
3. Air pollution moves along with air and cannot be restricted to any place
or country.
4. Ozone layer depletion has serious consequences for people all over the
world.
Q11. Explain any three factors responsible for the formation of soil.
Ans.
Soil is the most important renewable natural resource as it
supports many kind of living organisms and it is a medium of plant growth.
Following are the factors responsible for the formation of soil:-
1. Relief ,bedrock ,climate, vegetation and other forms of life and time are
important factors in the formation of soil .
2. Various forces of nature such a change in temperature, actions of
running water, wind and glaciers, activities of decomposers.
3. Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are equally
important.
Q12. Distinguish between Khadar and Bangar.
Ans.
Khadar Bangar
1. On the basis of age these are On the basis of age these are old
new alluvial soils. alluvial soils.
2. These soils are fine and fertile. The soils are course and less
fertile than Khadar.
3. They are found in the lower They are found in the upper reaches
reaches of river valleys. of river valleys.
4
CHAPTER -1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
