Reviewing the Class 8 SST Extra Questions and Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Extra Questions before exams can boost your confidence.
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Extra Question Answer
Extra Questions of Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What conditions must be met for an element of nature to be called a resource?
Answer:
For an element of nature to be called a resource, it must be technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable. Without these three conditions, a natural material cannot be considered a usable resource.
Question 2.
What is the difference between ecosystem functions and ecosystem services?
Answer:
- Ecosystem functions are the natural processes through which ecosystems work, such as trees producing oxygen and forests filtering water.
- Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from these functions, such as clean water and pollinated crops.
Question 3.
Why is the ‘natural resource curse’ considered a paradox?
Answer:
The natural resource curse is considered a paradox because regions with abundant natural resources often experience slower economic growth. This happens when countries cannot develop industries to convert raw materials into higher-value products, resulting in limited long-term benefits.
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
How did the Green Revolution create both success and challenges in Punjab?
Answer:
The Green Revolution initially made Punjab a leader in food production, helping India become self-sufficient in food. High-yielding varieties of wheat and paddy were introduced in the 1960s, leading to record harvests. However, these crops required large amounts of water, which led to excessive extraction of groundwater. Free electricity encouraged over-pumping. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides contaminated the groundwater and degraded soil quality. As a result, Punjab now faces falling water tables and environmental degradation. This shows that short-term success can create long-term environmental problems if resources are overused.
Question 2.
How does Sikkim’s experience with organic farming serve as a model for sustainable agriculture?
Answer:
Sikkim became India’s first 100% organic state in 2016 after transitioning from chemical-based to organic farming. Although yields initially dropped as the soil recovered from years of chemical use, farms eventually thrived. Farmers could sell cardamom, ginger and traditional vegetables at premium prices. Local biodiversity flourished as beneficial insects and birds returned, and tourism increased. Farmers’ incomes grew by 20% on average. Sikkim’s experience demonstrates that an entire region can successfully adopt sustainable farming practices while improving both ecological and economic outcomes.
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Explain the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources. Support your answer with examples from the chapter.
Answer:
Responsible stewardship means taking care of natural resources so that they continue to support life for present and future generations.
- In Punjab, excessive extraction of groundwater for high-yielding crops led to water tables dropping drastically, with nearly 80% of the state classified as “over-exploited”. This shows the consequences of ignoring sustainable practices.
- Cement production causes air, soil and water pollution. The CPCB has set guidelines for cement factories, and alternative materials like mud, stone and recycled plastics are being explored.
- Sikkim’s transition to organic farming in 2016 resulted in improved biodiversity, higher farmers’ incomes and global recognition as a sustainable agriculture model.
- India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (2015) demonstrates the shift towards renewable energy sources like solar power.
Thus, responsible stewardship, combining traditional wisdom with modern technology, is essential for ensuring the long-term availability and health of our natural resources.
Question 2.
How does the distribution of natural resources affect people, places and international relations? Explain with examples.
Answer:
The uneven distribution of natural resources across the world has a significant impact on people, places and international relations.
- Industries develop near resource-rich areas, creating employment and economic growth. For example, states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have rich mineral deposits that support mining and industrial activity.
- However, resource extraction can also lead to displacement of communities and threats to sacred sites, causing social conflicts.
- Shared natural resources often lead to interstate and international tensions. The sharing of Kaveri River water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry required careful negotiations to ensure fair use. Internationally, rivers like the Brahmaputra, shared by China, India and Bangladesh, require cooperation and careful negotiations over water use.
Thus, the distribution of natural resources directly shapes settlements, livelihoods, trade patterns and diplomatic relations between regions.
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Case Based Questions
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. The fertile plains of Punjab were once home to the Green Revolution that helped India become self-sufficient in food. In the 1960s, farmers shifted to high-yielding varieties of wheat and paddy, which required more water than traditional seeds. Farmers began extracting groundwater to meet this increased demand. Free or subsidised electricity further encouraged over-pumping. Modern farming also introduced chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Over time, groundwater levels fell drastically, and chemical residues contaminated the remaining water, creating serious health risks. Today, almost 80 % of Punjab’s area has been classified as “overexploited” in terms of groundwater. The state that once ensured food security for the short term now faces long-term sustainability challenges.
(i) What caused the excessive use of groundwater in Punjab?
Answer:
The excessive use of groundwater in Punjab was caused by the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties that needed more water, and the availability of free or subsidised electricity that encouraged unlimited pumping.
(ii) What were the consequences of over-extraction of groundwater and use of chemical fertilisers?
Answer:
Groundwater levels fell drastically, with the water table reaching depths of 30 metres in many areas. Chemical residues from fertilisers and pesticides dissolved in the groundwater, causing serious health hazards. Almost 80% of Punjab’s area has been classified as “overexploited” in terms of groundwater.
(iii) What does the Punjab case teach us about the relationship between short-term gains and long-term sustainability?
Answer:
The Punjab case teaches us that short-term food security was achieved at the cost of longterm environmental sustainability. Overuse of groundwater and chemicals led to resource depletion and health problems, showing that development must be balanced with responsible resource management.
Class 8 Natural Resources and Their Use Extra Questions for Practice
Question 1.
Why are coal and petroleum viewed as exhaustible natural resources?
(a) They are used by developed countries only
(b) They take millions of years to form
(c) They exist only in deserts
(d) They are expensive to transport
Question 2.
Using resources wisely so that they last for future generations represents the idea of:
(a) Industrialisation
(b) Urbanisation
(c) Mechanisation
(d) Sustainability
Question 3.
Which of the following practices shows respect for Nature and mindful use of natural resources?
(a) Overfishing during the spawning season
(b) Cutting trees faster than forests can regenerate
(c) Protecting sacred groves and avoiding cutting trees there
(d) Dumping industrial waste into rivers
Question 4.
The fact that a mature tree produces around 275 litres of oxygen per day helps people understand:
(a) The monetary value of trees
(b) The functional benefit of natural processes
(c) That trees compete with humans for oxygen
(d) The process of artificial oxygen creation
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer these questions by selecting the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Question 5.
Assertion (A) : Organic farming in Sikkim reduced crop yield and farmers’ income permanently.
Reason (R) : The shift to organic farming increased biodiversity and raised average farmer incomes by 20%.
Question 6.
Assertion (A) : Rajasthan’s Bhadla Solar Park is successful due to ideal sunlight conditions.
Reason (R) : The desert region receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year.
Question 7.
_______ is the process of returning something to its original healthy state after it has been degraded or damaged.
Question 8.
The Central _______ Control Board has created guidelines for cement factories to minimise pollution.
Question 9.
The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and in 2015.
Question 10.
A mature tree produces about 275 litres of oxygen per day.
Question 11.
Non-renewable resources can be replenished within a few years.
Question 12.
The Kaveri River water is shared among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
Question 13.
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Cement is essential for constructing houses, schools, hospitals, bridges, roads and airports. However, cement production is listed as one of the most polluting industries. The manufacturing process releases fine dust into the air, which enters the lungs of humans and animals, settles on plant leaves reducing their vields, and causes soil and water pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board has set guidelines for cement factories to reduce this pollution. In addition, there is a growing movement towards using alternative building materials such as stone, mud, plant-based materials and recycled waste materials. The Auroville Earth Institute in India has demonstrated that modern buildings can be constructed using mud with special techniques, reducing pollution while supporting local employment.
(a) Why is cement production considered one of the most polluting industries? (1)
(b) Why has the CPCB created guidelines for cement factories? (1)
(c) How do alternative building materials and traditional construction methods help reduce environmental damage: Give two examples. (2)
Question 14.
What are ecosystem services? Give one example.
Question 15.
Why are the Himalayan glaciers referred to as the “Water lower of Asia”:
Question 16.
What is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
Question 17.
Explain the three essential conditions that must be met for an element of nature to be called a resource. Give one example for each condition.
Question 18.
How can responsible stewardship help in the sustainable use of natural resources? Explain with suitable examples.
OR
How does traditional wisdom guide modern environmental management? Explain with reference to Vrikşhāyurveda and Sikkim’s organic farming experience.