Looking for answers to the Class 8 Geography chapter “Resources”? Look no further! We provide here comprehensive question answers and solutions to the NCERT exercises in this chapter. With our easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step solutions, you’ll be able to understand the nature of the questions and their answers.
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Resources: Textbook Exercise Solutions
1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
(ii) What is resource conservation?
(iii) Why are human resources important?
(iv) What is sustainable development?
Answers:
(i) The distribution of resources depends on various factors such as physical nature of the place. The physical factors include terrain, climate, height above sea level, etc. Since these factors vary in different parts of the world, resources are not distributed over the earth.
(ii) Resource development is the method of utilising our intelligence in order to improve the quality, usability and utility of a resource.
(iii) Human resources are important because they have an intelligent mind which can make best use of nature to create more resources. Had humans not been there, different substances would not have been resources. Their utility can only be realised by human beings.
(iv) We should use resources in such a balanced way that we satisfy our needs as well as conserve them for future. This concept is called sustainable development.
2. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Which one of the following does NOT make substance a resource?
(a) utility (b) value (c) quantity
(ii) Which one of the following is a human made resource?
(a) medicines to treat cancer
(b) spring water
(c) tropical forests
(iii) Complete the statement.
Non-renewable resources are
(a) those which have limited stock
(b) made by human beings
(c) derived from non-living things
Answers: (i) (c), (ii) (a), (iii) (a).
3. Activity
“Rahiman paani raakhiye,
Bin paani sab soon.
Paani gaye na ubere
Moti, manus, choon…”
[Says Rahim, keep water, as without water there is nothing. Without water pearl, swan and dough cannot exist. ]
These lines were written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhana, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. What kind of resource is the poet referring to?
Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared.
Answer:
The resource referred to in the poem is water, which is essential for the survival of all living beings on Earth. Water plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, including agriculture, industry, transportation, and human consumption. Without water, the world as we know it would cease to exist.
If water disappeared, there would be a devastating impact on the environment and ecosystems. The lack of water would lead to the death of plants and animals, and the food chain would be disrupted. Human civilization would also be severely affected, as water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene. The shortage of water would lead to conflicts over resources and the displacement of communities.
The absence of water would also have significant economic consequences, as many industries rely on water for their operations. The lack of water would result in reduced agricultural output and increased food prices. Moreover, transportation and tourism industries would also be affected as waterways and beaches would disappear. In summary, the disappearance of water would lead to catastrophic consequences for both nature and human society.
4. For Fun
1. Pretend that you live in the prehistoric times on a high windy plateau. What are the uses you and your friends could put the fast winds to? Can you call the wind a resource?
Now imagine that you are living in the same place in the year 2138. Can you put the winds to any use? How? Can you explain why the wind is an important resource now?
Answers:
If I were living in prehistoric times on a high windy plateau, I and my friends could use the fast winds for several purposes. For instance, we could use the wind to generate electricity using windmills to power our homes or grind grains. Additionally, we could use the wind to transport goods, dry our clothes and crops, and to cool ourselves during hot weather.
Yes, wind can be considered a resource as it provides us with energy that we can harness and utilize in several ways.
If I were living in the same place in the year 2138, we could put the winds to even more use. For example, we could use the wind to generate electricity using more advanced technologies like wind turbines. Wind turbines can provide a significant amount of clean energy to power homes, businesses, and cities, which can help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wind is an important resource now because it provides us with a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of energy. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, wind power can help us to transition to a more sustainable future. Wind energy is also abundant and available in many parts of the world, which means it can provide a reliable and affordable source of energy for people and communities.
2. Pick up a stone, a leaf, a paper straw and a twig. Think of how you can use these as resources. See the example given below and get creative!
Answer: (There can be many answers with a few possible answers as given below)
| You can use a leaf… | Use/Utility |
|---|---|
| Use a leaf as a bookmark while reading your favourite book. The leaf can be placed between the pages to mark the spot where you left off. | Natural bookmark (tool) |
| Some types of leaves can be used to make tea. You can use a clean and fresh leaf as a natural tea infuser to add a unique flavour to your cup of tea. | Herbal tea (beverage) |
| You can use large leaves as a natural wrapping material for food items such as rice, fish, or vegetables. The leaves can be wrapped around the food item, tied with a string, and then steamed or grilled. | Natural packaging (tool) |
| Certain types of leaves have natural insect-repellent properties. You can use these leaves to keep insects away from your clothes, bed, or even your skin | Natural insect repellent (insecticide) |
| Leaves can be used as a natural art material to create unique designs and patterns. You can use leaves as stamps to make prints on paper or fabric. | Art material (decoration) |
| Some types of large leaves can be used as a disposable plate or bowl for serving food. This can be a great eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic or paper plates. | Eco-friendly plate (tool) |