Question Bank — Natural Resources and Their Use

QUESTION BANK

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. Which of the following is NOT a condition for an entity of nature to be called a ‘resource’?
(a) It should be technologically accessible
(b) Its exploitation should be economically feasible
(c) Its exploitation should be culturally acceptable
(d) It should be found only in large quantities

2. Resources essential for life include:
(a) Coal, petroleum and gold
(b) Air, water and soil
(c) Timber, marble and iron ore
(d) Solar energy and wind energy

3. Which of the following statements about renewable resources is correct according to the chapter?
(a) They can never be depleted
(b) They remain renewable only if the natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration is not disturbed
(c) They are created over millions of years
(d) They include coal and petroleum

4. The ‘paradox of plenty’ or ‘natural resource curse’ refers to:
(a) Abundance of resources always leading to prosperity
(b) Regions rich in natural resources experiencing slower economic growth
(c) Equal distribution of resources across countries
(d) Complete absence of resources in developed nations

5. Over-exploitation of groundwater in Punjab was mainly caused by:
(a) Use of traditional seeds and natural fertilisers
(b) High-yielding varieties requiring more water and free power supply
(c) Decrease in population
(d) Strict regulation of water use

6. Assertion (A): Nature functions in a restorative and regenerative way.
Reason (R): A forest recovers after a wildfire and a fallen tree decomposes to enrich the soil.
(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.

7. Assertion (A): Non-renewable resources like coal can be replenished at the same rate at which they are used.
Reason (R): Coal reserves in India are estimated to last only about 50 more years.
(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.

8. The chapter mentions that the uneven distribution of natural resources shapes:
(a) Only agricultural patterns
(b) Human settlements, trade patterns, international relations and conflicts
(c) Only industrial location
(d) Cultural practices alone

9. Which traditional knowledge system is described in the chapter as promoting sustainable agriculture through crop rotation and natural pest management?
(a) Ayurveda
(b) Vṛikṣhāyurveda
(c) Jyotisha
(d) Vastu Shastra

10. The International Solar Alliance was launched by:
(a) India and the United States
(b) India and France
(c) India and China
(d) India and Germany

Section B — Very Short Answer (6 questions, 2 marks each)

11. Define ‘natural resources’ as given in the chapter.
12. State any two criteria that make an entity of nature a ‘resource’.
13. Differentiate between restoration and regeneration with one example each from the chapter.
14. Identify two human actions mentioned that disturb Nature’s cycle of restoration and regeneration.
15. State the meaning of the term ‘ecosystem services’ as explained in the chapter.
16. Mention any two traditional practices of water and soil management referred to in the chapter.

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

17. Explain the three broad categories of natural resources based on their uses, with one example for each.
18. Compare renewable and non-renewable resources with suitable examples from the chapter. What condition must be met for renewable resources to remain renewable?
19. Give reasons why the distribution of natural resources leads to tensions among states and countries. Use the example of the Kaveri river.
20. Explain the concept of the ‘paradox of plenty’ or ‘natural resource curse’ with reference to the chapter. How has India generally avoided this?
21. Describe the case of groundwater over-exploitation in Punjab and its consequences as mentioned in the chapter.

Section D — Long Answer (3 questions, 5 marks each)

22. Analyse the causes and consequences of unsustainable use of natural resources. How does this affect Nature’s ability to restore and regenerate? Suggest measures mentioned in the chapter to address this.
23. Discuss the significance of stewardship and responsible use of natural resources. Explain with examples of renewable resource management (groundwater, soil) and the transition to renewable energy as described in the chapter.
24. Examine the implications of uneven distribution of natural resources on human life, economy and international relations. How can human knowledge, governance and strategic planning convert resources into lasting benefits?

Section E — Source-Based (2 questions, 4 marks each)

25. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
“When humans use these for their sustenance, or create new things from them for consumption, these elements of Nature become ‘resources’. For example, trees are part of the environment; they exist independently of humans. When we cut them and convert their wood into furniture, we see the trees as a resource. Often these entities are not easily accessible. For example, there may be petroleum in places deep under the ocean that we do not have the technology to access, or the extraction cost may be too high; or it may be culturally unacceptable like cutting trees in sacred groves. So, for an entity to be called a resource, it should be technologically accessible, and its exploitation should be economically feasible and culturally acceptable.”

(i) What does the source say about how elements of Nature become resources? (1)
(ii) List the three conditions mentioned for an entity to be called a resource. (1)
(iii) Give one example from the source of a culturally unacceptable practice. (1)
(iv) Why might petroleum deep under the ocean not qualify as a resource at present? (1)

26. Study the description of the map given in the chapter (Fig. 1.11 – Distribution of important minerals) and answer the questions that follow:
The map shows the uneven distribution of coal, oil, iron ore and bauxite across India with locations marked in states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

(i) Name any two minerals shown on the map and one state where each is found. (1)
(ii) How does the uneven distribution shown in the map affect industrial location? (1)
(iii) State one positive and one negative consequence of industries being located near mineral resources as mentioned in the chapter. (1)
(iv) What does the map tell us about the relationship between resource distribution and economic activities? (1)