Natural Resources and Their Use
Short Questions
1. What is a natural resource?
Answer :- Materials and substances from nature that are useful to humans.
2. When does nature become a resource?
Answer :- When it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
3. Name one resource essential for life.
Answer :- Water.
4. Give an example of a resource for energy.
Answer :- Coal.
5. What is a renewable resource?
Answer :- A resource that can regenerate over time if used sustainably.
6. Name a non-renewable resource.
Answer :- Petroleum.
7. What is restoration in nature?
Answer :- Returning something to its original healthy state.
8. What is regeneration in nature?
Answer :- Creating new life and conditions for thriving.
9. Why are forests renewable?
Answer :- They can renew themselves if not over-harvested.
10. What causes the ‘natural resource curse’?
Answer :- Having lots of resources but slow economic growth.
11. Name a traditional Indian science for plant care.
Answer :- Vrikshayurveda.
12. What is biodiversity loss?
Answer :- Decline in the variety of life on Earth.
13. Give an example of overexploitation in Punjab.
Answer :- Over-pumping groundwater for farming.
14. What is Sikkim famous for in farming?
Answer :- Being 100% organic state.
15. What is lokasangraha in Bhagavad Gita?
Answer :- Acting for the wellbeing of all.
Long Questions
1. Explain how natural resources are categorized based on their uses.
Answer :- Natural resources can be grouped as essential for life like air and water, for materials like wood and marble, and for energy like coal and sunlight. This helps us understand their role in daily life and economy.
2. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?
Answer :- Renewable resources like solar energy and timber can regenerate if managed well, while non-renewable ones like coal and gold are limited and cannot be replaced quickly. We must use renewables sustainably and non-renewables wisely to avoid depletion.
3. How does uneven distribution of natural resources affect human life?
Answer :- It shapes settlements, trade, and conflicts as some areas have more resources like minerals, leading to jobs and growth but also wars over control. In India, it influences economic activities and requires fair sharing across states.
4. What are the implications of unsustainable use of natural resources?
Answer :- It leads to pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, like groundwater depletion in Punjab from over-farming. This harms future generations, so we need restoration practices like water harvesting to fix it.
5. Describe the ‘natural resource curse’ with an example.
Answer :- It means countries rich in resources may have slow growth due to poor management, like not building industries to add value. India avoids this by investing in technology to use resources better for long-term benefits.
6. How can we restore and regenerate renewable resources?
Answer :- By using traditional methods like mulching and crop rotation to heal soil, and avoiding over-extraction of water through harvesting techniques. This keeps resources like forests and rivers available for future use.
7. Explain the problem with cement production and possible solutions.
Answer :- Cement making causes air, soil, and water pollution from dust and wastes, harming health and plants. Solutions include using traditional materials like mud or recycled plastic, and following pollution control rules.
8. What lessons can we learn from Sikkim’s organic farming?
Answer :- Sikkim switched to organic methods using compost and natural pests control, boosting biodiversity and farmer incomes by 20%. It shows that sustainable farming can improve ecology and economy for the whole region.
9. How does Vrikshayurveda help in sustainable agriculture?
Answer :- It teaches ancient ways like choosing plants for soil types, natural irrigation, and pest control with plants. This promotes soil health through rotation and mixed cropping, reducing chemical use.
10. Why is responsible use of resources important, and how can we practice it?
Answer :- It prevents depletion and ensures resources for future generations, like switching to solar energy from coal. We can practice stewardship by recycling, conserving water, and following ideas like lokasangraha for everyone’s wellbeing.
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