CBSE Class 10 Science Management of Natural Resources Assignment Set A

Question. State any four personal choices you would like to make to reduce energy consumption without affecting the quality of life or work explaining how each one of them would help you to do so.
Answer : 1. By switching off unnecessary lights and fans. This will reduce consumption of coal in production of electricity.
2. By using public transport such as bus, metro, train etc. as much as possible. This will reduce consumption of petrol and diesel.
3. By repairing leaked water taps. We can save water by following this method. This will save energy that is spent during treatment and pumping of water.
4. Reusing used paper, envelopes, etc. This will save the trees from which paper is made; it will also save energy spent on making and recycling papers.

Question. Why are forests considered “biodiversity hot spots”? List two ways in which an individual can effectively contribute to the management of forests and wildlife.
Answer : Biodiversity is measured by the number of different life forms found in an area. In a forest, various species exist which include bacteria, fungi, ferns, plants, nematodes, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. Forests are therefore considered as biodiversity hot spots. 
An individual can contribute in the management of forests and wildlife by:
1. avoiding cutting down of forests and killing of wildlife.
2. educating people about the importance of forests and wildlife in our life.

Question. Name any four categories of people who depend on the forest resources, mentioning major needs of each category.
Answer : 1. Local people who live around forests: They use forests for grazing their cattles, collecting fruits, firewood, bamboo and thatch.
2. Industrialists: They collect raw , materials from forests for their industries.
3. Tourists: They visit forests for recreation.
4. Forest department of Government: They control the resources of forest.

Question. List any four disadvantages of using fossil fuels for the production of energy.
Answer : Disadvantages:
1. Fossil fuels cause pollution.
2. They also cause acid rain.
3. They disturb ecology.
4. They cannot be reused, i.e. they are non-renewable.

Question. Why must we conserve our forests? List any two causes for deforestation to take place.
Answer : We must conserve our forests as they are of great value. The reasons for conserving forests are:
1. Forests help in protection of land and retaining sub-soil water.
2. Forests check floods and maintain ecosystem.
Therefore, forests must be conserved for economic and social growth.
Two causes for deforestation taking place are:
1. For industrial needs.
2. For development projects like building of roads or dams.

Question. What is an equitable distribution of resources in a society and why is it necessary? State any two factors which work against an equitable distribution of resources.
Answer : Equitable distribution of resources means ensuring benefits from the development of resources to all human beings.
There should be equitable distribution of resources because every living being has an equal right on the natural resources of the earth. If anybody is using them excessively, it means somewhere else somebody is being deprived of it Factors which work against equitable distribution of resources are:
1. Advancement and development of society.
2. Energisation and materialization.