CBSE Class 8 Social Science Geography (Resources and Development) Important Questions

Q1: What are the different types of resources? Explain with examples.
Answer: Resources are classified into three main types:

• Natural resources: These are resources provided by nature, such as water, forests, minerals, and air. For example, rivers and forests are natural resources.

• Human-made resources: These are resources created by humans using natural resources. For instance, buildings, roads, and machinery are human-made resources.

• Human resources: These refer to the skills, knowledge, and abilities of people. For example, teachers, doctors, and engineers are considered human resources because they contribute to the development of society.

Q2: Why is the conservation of resources important?
Answer: Conservation of resources is essential for the following reasons:

• Future generations: It ensures that future generations have access to the resources they need. Overuse of resources can lead to their depletion.

• Sustainable development: Conservation helps maintain a balance between using resources and preserving them for the future, promoting sustainable development.

• Environmental balance: Proper resource management helps in maintaining ecological balance, protecting biodiversity, and preventing environmental degradation.

Q3: What are the main factors affecting the formation of soil?
Answer: Soil formation is a complex process influenced by several factors:

• Climate: The amount of rainfall and temperature influence the rate of weathering of rocks, which is crucial for soil formation.

• Parent material: The original rock from which soil is formed determines its texture and mineral content.

• Topography: The slope of the land affects soil formation, as soil on steeper slopes may erode faster, slowing down the formation process.

• Time: Soil formation is a slow process that takes thousands of years.

• Biological activity: Organisms like earthworms, bacteria, and plants contribute to the breakdown of materials and add organic content to the soil.

Q4: How can water resources be conserved?
Answer: Water conservation is crucial for managing this vital resource. Some ways to conserve water include:

• Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for future use helps recharge groundwater and reduces the strain on natural water bodies.

• Efficient irrigation: Using methods like drip irrigation ensures that water is delivered directly to the roots of plants, reducing wastage.

• Reducing water wastage: Simple actions like fixing leaking taps, using water-saving devices, and reducing household water consumption can help conserve water.

• Recycling water: Reusing treated wastewater for purposes like agriculture and industrial use can significantly conserve fresh water.

Q5: What are the different types of farming practised in India?
Answer: India has diverse farming practices based on the region and climate:

• Subsistence farming: This is practised by small-scale farmers who grow crops primarily for their own family’s consumption, with little surplus for sale. Crops like rice, wheat, and pulses are common in subsistence farming.

• Commercial farming: Farmers grow crops mainly for sale and profit. Cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and tea are examples of commercial farming.

• Plantation farming: This involves large-scale cultivation of a single crop, often for export. Common plantation crops in India include tea, coffee, rubber, and sugarcane.

Q6: How does climate affect agriculture?
Answer: Climate plays a significant role in determining the success of agriculture:

• Rainfall: Adequate rainfall is essential for crops to grow. Regions with heavy rainfall support crops like rice, while dry regions rely on irrigation for crops like wheat.

• Temperature: Crops require specific temperature ranges to grow. For example, wheat grows well in cooler climates, while cotton needs warmer weather.

• Seasonal changes: Agriculture depends on seasonal cycles, with crops being planted, grown, and harvested in specific seasons based on climate conditions.

Q7: What are the major types of industries?
Answer: Industries can be categorised into three major types:

• Primary industries: These involve extracting raw materials from nature, such as agriculture, fishing, mining, and forestry.

• Secondary industries: These industries use raw materials to manufacture goods. Examples include textiles, automobiles, and food processing.

• Tertiary industries: These provide services rather than goods. Examples include education, banking, transport, and healthcare.

Q8: How do industries impact the environment?
Answer: Industries have both positive and negative impacts on the environment:

• Pollution: Many industries release pollutants into the air, water, and soil, causing environmental degradation. For example, factories may emit harmful gases, and untreated industrial waste can pollute water bodies.

• Deforestation: The expansion of industries often leads to the clearing of forests for land, reducing biodiversity and increasing carbon emissions.

• Resource depletion: Industries consume large amounts of natural resources like water, minerals, and fossil fuels, leading to their depletion.

• Sustainable practices: To reduce the negative impact, industries can adopt sustainable practices like recycling, using renewable energy, and reducing emissions.

Q9: What is the role of education and health in human resource development?
Answer: Education and health are vital for developing human resources:

• Education: It improves skills, knowledge, and productivity, enabling individuals to contribute more effectively to society and the economy. Educated individuals are better equipped to innovate and solve problems.

• Health: A healthy population is more productive and can work for longer periods. Good healthcare ensures that people can maintain a high quality of life and contribute to the economy without being limited by illness.

Q10: How does population distribution affect resource use?
Answer: Population distribution has a direct impact on the consumption and management of resources:

• High-population areas: Densely populated regions consume more resources, such as water, food, and energy, leading to higher demand and potential strain on local resources.

• Low-population areas: Sparsely populated areas may have underutilised resources, but these areas can also face challenges in accessing services like education and healthcare.

• Balanced distribution: Efficient resource management is crucial in areas with high population density to prevent depletion, while sparsely populated areas may need infrastructure development to improve resource use.

Here are 10 important questions from all chapters. For more detailed, chapter-wise questions, refer to the table above and download the PDF. This will help you gain a better understanding of each chapter and enhance your exam preparation.

How do Social Science Geography (Resources and Development) Important Questions Class 8 Help you with Exams?

• It focuses on important topics that are likely to come up in exams, helping students revise effectively.

• Helps in understanding key concepts from each chapter, making it easier to answer exam questions.

• It provides practice for different types of questions and improves problem-solving skills.

• Builds confidence by familiarising students with the exam pattern and commonly asked questions.

• Improves time management by practising answering questions within a set time.

• Encourages regular revision, which helps in better retention of information.

• Offers targeted preparation, ensuring students cover all essential topics.

• Helps in self-assessment, allowing students to identify areas where they need improvement.

• Supports exam readiness by providing detailed answers for better understanding.

• Reduces exam stress by making students more familiar with the subject matter and question types.

Vedantu’s Class 8 Social Science Geography (Resources and Development) Important Questions provide a focused approach to exam preparation. These questions cover key topics from the syllabus, helping students understand important concepts more easily. By practising these questions, students can improve their answering skills, manage time effectively during exams, and gain confidence. With detailed answers available, students can also learn the correct approach to solving questions. Vedantu’s resources ensure students are well-prepared and ready to perform their best in exams.

Additional Study Materials for Class 8 Social Science - Geography