Natural Resources : Chapter 2 : Important Questions & Answers

 Q. What is the need of conservation of natural resources ?

Answer: There is a need for conservation of natural resources because man is transformed the natural environment into a place which provides resources to the humans. This will lead to dangerous levels of pollution in air, water and soil making it more difficult for life to sustain on earth. Therefore, we need to conserve the natural resources.

Q. Define natural resource.

Answer: The natural resources are components of hydrosphere, lithosphere or atmosphere which can be drawn upon for supporting life. These are sources of energy or materials which are needed for survival and prosperity.

Q. What are renewable and non-renewable resources?

Answer: Renewable resources: The resources which have an inherent capacity to replenish themselves through reproduction, recycling and replacement within a reasonable time and maintain themselves are called renewable resources.

example: water, forest, wildlife,etc.

Non-renewable resources: The resources which once used are lost forever and cannot be regenerated are called non-renewable resources.

example: fossil fuels, petroleum, coal,etc.

Q. Explain water management.

Answer: Water management is a programme to provide an adequate supply of good quality water without endangering the life of the source or reserve of water. It includes the following aspects:-

1. Recharge ground water reservoirs.

2. Recycling the waster water.

3. Sending water from abundant region to region of scarcity.

4. Desalination of water from sea.

5. Reducing overconsumption of water.

Q. What are the three stages of sewage treatment?

Answer: The three stages of sewage treatment are:-

1) Primary Stage: The waste water or sewage is treated in tanks or pond for many days so the large particles settle down and small particles settle down using alum.

2) Secondary Stage: In this stage aeration is done for bacterial decomposition of organic compounds and chlorination is done to kill harmful germs.

3) Tertiary Stage: This stage removes nitrates and phosphates from water.

Q. What factors are responsible for land degradation?

Answer: The factors responsible for land degradation are:

1. Soil pollution: Adding chemicals to soil.

2. Salination of soil: Adding soluble salts to soil.

3. Soil erosion : Removal of upper layer of soil due to various reasons.

4. Shifting cultivation: Unhealthy method of cultivation which disturbs soil quality.

5. Desertification : Result of erosion of top soil.