NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 Resources

1. Answer the following questions.

(i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?

Ans.The distribution of natural resources depends upon number of physical factors like terrain, climate and altitude. Difference in these factors has resulted in unequal distribution of resources over the earth.

(ii) What is resource conservation?

Ans. Using resources carefully, giving them time to get renewed and saving resources for the future generations is called resource conservation.

(iii) Why are human resources important?

Ans. Human resources are important because they can make the best use of nature to create more resources as they have the knowledge, skill and the technology to do so. Education and health help in making people a valuable resource.

(iv) What is sustainable development?

Ans. Balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future is called sustainable development.

2. Tick the correct answer.

(i) Which one of the following does NOT make substance a resource?

(a) utility                   

(b) value                 

(c) quantity

(ii) Which one of the following is a human made resource?

(a) medicines to treat cancer

(b) spring water

(c) tropical forests

(iii) Complete the statement.

Biotic resources are

(a) derived from living things

(b) made by human beings

(c) derived from non-living things

3. Differentiate between the followings.

(a) Potential and actual resources

(b) Ubiquitous and localised resources 

4. Activity

 “Rahiman paani raakhiye, Bin paani sab soon. Paani gaye na ubere Moti, manus, choon…” [Says Rahim, keep water, as without water there is nothing. Without water pearl, swan and dough cannot exist. ] These lines were written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhana, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court.

What kind of resource is the poet referring to? Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared?

Answer:

The poet is referring to water as a precious resource in these lines.

Earth is known as blue planet because of presence of large quantity of water. Life is impossible without water. Water balances the entire ecosystem and makes the existence of plants, animals and humans possible on earth.

Water is the most essential component of life and is vital for sustenance. All living bodies are made up of water, like human body is made up of two third of water.

Water is available in different forms and is used for various purposes. It is used for irrigation in agriculture, for producing electricity, for transportation and for various domestic purposes.

There are various resources present in the water bodies like food, minerals, etc.

Thus, water in all its forms is the essential ingredient to life.