NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (Geography : Resource and Development)
The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 8 Social Science (Geography : Resource and Development) Chapter – 2 (Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources) has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.
Geography (Resource and Development)
- Chapter – 1 — Resources
- Chapter – 3 — Mineral and Power
- Chapter – 4 — Agriculture
- Chapter – 5 — Industries
- Chapter – 6 — Human Resources
Chapter – 2 (Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources)
1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Answer – The two important climatic factors responsible for soil formation are temperature and rainfall.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer – The degradation of land is one of the grave problem today. There are so many reasons for it. Mining activities, construction activities and floods cause land degradation.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer – Land is considered an important resource because it can be put to use for various purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries.
(iv) Name any two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Answer – Two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals are:
- Establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves to protect our natural vegetation and wildlife. For example, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
- Putting a ban on killing of lions, tigers, deer, great Indian bustards and peacocks.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Answer – Three main ways to conserve water are:
- Increasing forest cover and other vegetation to slow the surface runoff
- Replenishing underground water through rainwater harvesting
- Reducing the loss of water in irrigation and shifting to less water-intensive methods of agriculture
2. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?
(a) Time
(b) Soil texture
(c) Organic matter
Answer – (b) Soil Texture
(ii) Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on steep slopes?
(a) Shelterbelts
(b) Mulching
(c) Terrace cultivation
Answer – (c) Terrace cultivation
(iii) Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature?
(a) switch off the bulb when not in use
(b) close the tap immediately after using
(c) dispose poly packs after shopping
Answer – (c) Dispose poly packs after shopping
3. Match the following.
| Column A | Column B |
| Land use | prevent soil erosion |
| Humus | narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
| Rock Dams | productive use of land |
| Biosphere | organic matter deposited on top soil |
| contour ploughing |
Answer –
| Column A | Column B |
| Land use | productive use of land |
| Humus | organic matter deposited on top soil |
| Rock Dams | prevent soil erosion |
| Biosphere | narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
4. State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, give the reasons.
(i) Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
True – River valley and plains offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, they are densely populated.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
True – Due to the ever increasing population, wastage of water, pollution of water bodies, deforestation, there is a rapid decrease in the availability of water.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement are called intercropping.
False – Rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement and protect soil cover. These are called shelterbelts.
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
False – Human interferences and climatic changes adversely affect the ecosystem.
