Lesson: Management of Natural Resources

Question: 1

From the list given below pick the item that is not a natural resource:

(a) Soil

(b) Water

(d) Air

Solution:

Question: 2

The most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world is:

(a) Water

(b) Forests

(d) Sunlight

Solution:

Question: 3

The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is:

(a) present only on land

(b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

(d) available only in the forest

Solution:

Question: 4

The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is:

(a) Disposal of unburnt corpses into water

(b) Discharge of effluents from electroplating industries

(d) Immersion of ashes

Solution:

Question: 5

The pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 $-$ 4.5, on the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river.

The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?

(a) Soap and detergent factory

(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory

(d) Alcohol distillery

Solution:

Question: 6

The pH range most conducive for life of fresh water plants and animals is:

(a) 6.5 $-$ 7.5

(b) 2.0 $-$ 3.5

(d) 9.0 $-$ 10.5

Solution:

Question: 7

The three R’s that will help us to conserve natural resources for long term use are:

(a) Recycle, Regenerate, Reuse

(b) Reduce, Regenerate, Reuse

(d) Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

Solution:

Question: 8

Given below are a few statements related to biodiversity. Pick those that correctly describe the concept of biodiversity:

(a) Biodiversity refers to the different species of flora and fauna present in an area

(b) Biodiversity refers to only the flora of a given area

(d) Biodiversity refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species

living in an area

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iii)

Solution:

Question: 9

Among the statements given below, select the ones that correctly describe the concept of sustainable development:

(a) Planned growth with minimum damage to the environment

(b) Growth irrespective of the extent of damage caused to the environment

(d) Growth that is acceptable to all the stakeholders

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (iii) only

Solution:

Question: 10

In our country, vast tracts of forests are cleared and a single species of plant is cultivated.

This practice promotes:

(a) Biodiversity in the area

(b) Monoculture in the area

(d) Preserves the natural ecosystem in the area

Solution:

Question: 11

A successful forest conservation strategy should involve:

(a) Protection of animals at the highest trophic level

(b) Protection of only consumers

(d) Comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Solution:

Question: 12

The important message conveyed by the ‘Chipko Movement’ is:

(a) To involve the community in forest conservation efforts

(b) To ignore the community in forest conservation efforts

(d) Government agencies have the unquestionable right to order destruction of trees in forests

Solution:

Question: 13

In our country, there are attempts to increase the height of several existing dams like Tehri and Almati, dams across Narmada.

Choose the correct statements among the following that are a consequence of raising the height of dams:

(a) Terrestrial flora and fauna of the area is destroyed completely

(b) Dislocation of people and domestic animals living in the area

(d) It will generate permanent employment for people

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (i), (ii) and (iii)

(d) (i), (iii) and (iv)

Solution:

Question: 14

Expand the abbreviation GAP:

(a) Governmental Agency for Pollution Control

(b) Gross Assimilation by Photosynthesis

(d) Governmental Agency for Animal Protection

Solution:

Question: 15

Select the incorrect statement:

(a) Economic development is linked to environmental conservation

(b) Sustainable development encourages development for current generation and conservation of resources for future generations

(d) Sustainable development is a long planned and persistent development

Solution:

Question: 16

Which of the following is not a natural resource?

(a) Mango tree

(b) Snake

(d) Wooden house

Solution:

Question: 17

Select the wrong statement:

(a) Forests provide variety of products

(b) Forests have greater plant diversity

(d) Forests conserve water

Solution:

Question: 18

Arabari forests of Bengal is dominated by:

(a) Teak

(b) Sal

(d) Mangroove

Solution:

Question: 19

Ground water will not be depleted due to:

(a) Afforestation

(b) Thermal power plants

(d) Cropping of high water demanding crops

Solution:

Question: 20

Opposition to the construction of large dams is due to:

(a) Social reasons

(b) Economic reasons

(d) All the above

Solution:

Question: 21

Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples for:

(a) Grain storage

(b) Wood storage

(d) Soil conservation

Solution:

Question: 22

Pick the right combination of terms which has no fossil fuel:

(a) Wind, Ocean and Coal

(b) Kerosene, Wind and Tide

(d) Petroleum, Wood, Sun

Solution:

Question: 23

Select the eco-friendly activity among the following:

(a) Using car for transportation

(b) Using polybags for shopping

(d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

Solution:

Question: 24

It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they

(a) hold water for irrigation

(b) hold water and prevent soil erosion

(d) hold water permanently

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Solution:

Short Answer Questions (7)

Question: 25

Prepare a list of five items that you use daily in the school.

Identify from the list such items that can be recycled.

Paper, blade, plastic box, eraser, compass, steel lunch box and steel spoon can be recycled.

Solution:

Items used in schools and whether they can be recycled are given below.

Items	Recycled or Not	Explanation
Bag	Yes	Yes, if it is made up of cotton and not plastic.
Paper	Yes	Paper can be recycled.
Pencil	Yes	The wood of the pencil can be recycled.
Water bottle	Yes	Water bottle made up of metal can be recycled. However, if it is made up of plastic, it cannot be recycled.
Lunch box	Yes	Lunch box made up of metal can be recycled. However, if it is made up of plastic, it cannot be recycled.

Question: 26

List two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level.

Solution:

(a) The ground water does not evaporate, thus keeps the soil moist.

(b) The water can be stored for future use.

Question: 27

In a village in Karnataka, people started cultivating crops all around a lake which was always filled with water. They added fertilizers to their field in order to enhance the yield. Soon they discovered that the water body was completely covered with green floating plants and fishes started dying in large numbers.

Analyse the situation and give reasons for excessive growth of plants and death of fish in the lake.

Solution:

Addition of fertilisers promoted the excessive growth of aquatic plants and the surface of water was completely covered with those aquatic plants. These plants used up most of the oxygen available. The growth of these plants resulted in the depletion of light in the water body and insufficient availability of dissolved oxygen. This resulted in the death of fish.

Question: 28

What measures would you take to conserve electricity in your house?

Solution:

Measures:

(a) Using solar water heater when we require hot water.

(b) Switching off fans and bulbs when not required.

(d) Avoiding use of room heater in winter; rather using more woollen clothes.

Question: 29

Although coal and petroleum are produced by degradation of bio- mass, yet we need to conserve them. Why?

Solution:

Coal and petroleum take millions of years for their formation. The current rate of formation of petroleum or coal is much slower than the rate at which they are being used up. Thus, we need to conserve them.

Question: 30

Suggest a few measures for controlling carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Solution:

Some of the measures that can be taken for controlling carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are:

(a) Using CNG or clean fuel instead of petrol in automobiles

(b) Preventing the release of harmful gases by proper treatment of smokes

(d) Using alternate source of energy instead of fossil fuels

Question: 31

(a) Locate and name the water reservoirs in Figures (a) and (b).

(b) Which has an advantage over the other and why?

Solution:

(a) The water reservoir in figure (a) is a pond. The water reservoir in figure (b) is underground water body.

(b) Underground water has more advantage than pond water due to the following reasons:

i) Pond water evaporates whereas underground water does not.

ii) Pond water cannot be stored for longer duration whereas underground water can be.

iii) Underground water provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.

iv) Underground water is not contaminated by animal and human waste.

v) Underground water prevents the breeding of insects.

Long Answer Question (6)

Question: 32

In the context of conservation of natural resources, explain the terms reduce, recycle and reuse.

From among the materials that we use in daily life, identify two materials for each category.

Solution:

Reduce: It means to use a material/commodity as less as possible.

Examples: Reduction in consumption of water, electricity, etc.

Recycle: It means sending back the used material to the manufacturer so that they reuse the material for producing some other useful product.

Example: Glass tumblers, metal objects, etc. are returned to the manufacturers to use the materials for making new products.

Reuse: It means using a thing repeatedly instead of throwing it away.

Examples: Using carry bags, bottles, etc. for alternate use like storage of food items, storing water, etc.

Question: 33

Prepare a list of five activities that you perform daily in which natural resources can be conserved or energy utilisation can be minimised.

Solution:

(a) Using unused water for watering plants, cleaning plates, etc.

(b) Using fan, light only when required.

(d) Avoiding leakage of water through tanks, taps, etc.

(e) Avoiding use of polythene bags.

Question: 34

Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.

Solution:

Due to fluctuation in rainfall, use of water for agriculture and industries, there have been cases of shortage of water.

It is an irony that we face the situation of both drought and flood in many parts of the country. Therefore, it is very important to conserve water.

Question: 35

Suggest a few useful ways of utilising waste water.

Solution:

Some useful ways to utilise waste water are:

(a) Using it for irrigation

(b) Make it available to water treatment plants.

Question: 36

What is the importance of forest as a resource?

Solution:

Forest is a major source of energy and resource for us. Forest not only releases a large quantity of oxygen, but also helps in reducing the pollution due to industries and other man-made activities, regulating water cycles, etc. From forests we get wood, papers, medicines and other raw materials for industries. It also provides a place for various animals to live in.

Question: 37

Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

Solution:

In 1972, the West Bengal Forest Department took notice of the fact that it had failed in reviving the degraded sal forests in the south-western districts of the state of West Bengal. Due to a complete alienation of the people from the administration, there had been frequent clashes between the forest officials and the villagers.

The department changed its strategy and involved villagers in the protection of 1,272 hectares of badly degraded sal forest. In return, the villagers were given:

· employment

· harvesting operations

· 25 per cent of the final harvest and

· allowed fuel wood and fodder collection on payment of a nominal fee.

This helped in the conservation of the sal forests.