NCERT Exemplar for Class 10 Science Chapter 16 - Management of Natural Resources (Book Solutions)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. From the list given below pick the item that is not a natural resource

(a) Soil

(b) Water

(c) Electricity

(d) Air

Ans: Soil, water and air are found directly in nature, hence they are natural resources. Electricity is generated using different processes and it is not a natural resource.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

2. The most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world is

(a) Water

(b) Forests

(c) Wind

(d) Sunlight

Ans: Forests are minimizing with time due to deforestation and other human activities. Whereas water, wind and sunlight can not be exhausted. Water and air must be prevented from getting polluted.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

3. The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is

(a) present only on land

(b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

(c) a man-made substance placed in nature

(d) available only in the forest

Ans: Natural resources are those resources which are given to us by nature itself. Sunlight, soil, forest , etc. are such natural resources which are very essential for life on our planet.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

4. The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is

(a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water

(b) discharge of effluents from electroplating industries

(c) washing of clothes

(d) immersion of ashes

Ans: The main cause for the abundant coliform bacteria in the Ganga river is the disposal of unburnt corpses into water. These bacteria are present in the human intestine and their presence in water demonstrates contamination by disease-causing microorganisms.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

5. The pH of water samples collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 – 4.5, on the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?

(a) Soap and detergent factory

(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory

(c) Plastic cup manufacturing factory

(d) Alcohol distillery

Ans: Due to the presence of sodium sulphate ions or other ions soap and detergent factory effluents have a slightly alkaline pH. Lead battery production plants utilize acids that are having  lower pH, which, when discharged into neighbouring water bodies, are more likely to reduce the pH of the water. The pH range of effluents from alcohol distilleries and plastic cup manufacturing plants is somewhat alkaline

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

6. The pH range most conducive for life of fresh water plants and animal’s is

(a) 6.5 – 7.5

(b) 2.0 – 3.5

(c) 3.5 – 5.0

(d) 9.0 – 10.5

Ans: Since fresh water is neutral  in nature and neutral substances have a pH around the value of 7. Substances which have pH more than 7 are considered to be basic and less than 7 are considered to be acidic in nature. Therefore, the pH of freshwater that is conducive for life of plants and animals is around the neutral range which is 6.5-7.5.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

7. The three R’s that will help us to conserve natural resources for long term use are

(a) recycle, regenerate, reuse

(b) reduce, regenerate, reuse

(c) reduce, reuse, redistribute

(d) reduce, recycle, reuse

Ans: To conserve the natural resources for a long term use, we must reduce the use of natural resources, and recycle the used resources as much as possible, and then reuse the recycled resources.

Hence, the correct answer is (d).

8. Given below are a few statements related to biodiversity. Pick those that correctly describe the concept of biodiversity

(i) Biodiversity refers to the different species of flora and fauna present in an area

(ii) Biodiversity refers to only the flora of a given area

(iii) Biodiversity is greater in a forest

(iv) Biodiversity refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species living in an area

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (ii) and (iv)

(c) (i) and (iii)

(d) (ii) and (iii)

Ans: Biodiversity refers to the different species of both the flora and the fauna present in an area. Biodiversity is always greater in a forest than in other places.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

9. Among the statements given below, select the ones that correctly describe the concept of sustainable development

(i) Planned growth with minimum damage to the environment

(ii) Growth irrespective of the extent of damage caused to the environment

(iii) Stopping all developmental work to conserve the environment

(iv) Growth that is acceptable to all the stakeholders

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (iii) only

Ans: Sustainable development means that the development which is done without harming the existing environment. We can also understand it by the word eco-friendly which keeps the environment safe without stopping human development.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

10. In our country, vast tracts of forests are being cleared and a single species of plant is being cultivated. This practice promotes

(a) biodiversity in the area

(b) monoculture in the area

(c) growth of natural forest

(d) preserves the natural ecosystem in the area

Ans: If a vast tract of forests are being cleared and only a single species of plant is being cultivated then this practice does not promote biodiversity, instead it promotes monoculture in the area.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

11. A successful forest conservation strategy should involve

(a) protection of animals at the highest trophic level

(b) protection of only consumers

(c) protection of only herbivores

(d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Ans: A successful forest conservation must be balanced to preserve all the essential components of an  ecosystem whether it is biological or physical.

Hence, the correct answer is (d).

12. The important message conveyed by the ‘Chipko Movement’ is

(a) to involve the community in forest conservation efforts

(b) to ignore the community in forest conservation efforts

(c) to cut down forest trees for developmental activities

(d) government agencies have the unquestionable right to order destruction of trees in forests

Ans: Chipko movement was an important step in the way of forest conservation and it involved the masses in forest conservation efforts which conveyed the message of the importance of trees for the life of not only humans but for our whole planet.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

13. In our country, there are attempts to increase the height of several existing dams like Tehri and Almatti dams across Narmada. Choose the correct statements among the following that are a consequence of raising the height of dams

(i) Terrestrial flora and fauna of the area is destroyed completely

(ii) Dislocation of people and domestic animals living in the area

(iii) Valuable agricultural land may be permanently lost

(iv) It will generate permanent employment for people

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (i) , (ii) and (iii)

(c) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (i) , (iii) and (iv)

Ans: If the height of existing dams is increased then the water storage capacity of the dams will also increase. That means the land around the dam will be submerged in water in case of a rising water level. It will result in the destruction of flora and fauna in the area and fertile agricultural land will be drowned in water.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

14. Expand the abbreviation GAP

(a) Governmental Agency for Pollution Control

(b) Gross Assimilation by Photosynthesis

(c) Ganga Action Plan

(d) Governmental Agency for Animal Protection

Ans: The abbreviation GAP stands for the government strategy called as the Ganga Action Plan which was initiated for the purification of the river water.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

15. Select the incorrect statement

(a) Economic development is linked to environmental conservation

(b) Sustainable development encourages development for current generation and conservation of resources for future generations

(c) Sustainable development does not consider the viewpoints of stakeholders

(d) Sustainable development is a long planned and persistent development

Ans: Sustainable development values the involvement of all stakeholders which can be affected by any development programme.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

16. Which of the following is not a natural resource?

(a) Mango tree

(b) Snake

(c) Wind

(d) Wooden house

Ans: Man-made things are not considered as natural resources such as a wooden house.

Hence, the correct answer is (d).

17. Select the wrong statement

(a) Forests provide variety of products

(b) Forests have greater plant diversity

(c) Forests do not conserve soil

(d) Forests conserve water

Ans: Forests perform an important role in the conservation of soil. The roots of trees hold them tightly and prevent them from washing away due to rain, flood and other natural factors.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

18. Arabari forests of Bengal is dominated by

(a) Teak

(b) Sal

(c) Bamboo

(d) Mangroove

Ans: The Arabari forests of West Bengal are known for their dominant vegetation which is the Hardwood Sal. Sal is a commercially well paid crop.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

19. Ground water will not be depleted due to

(a) afforestation

(b) thermal power plants

(c) loss of forest, and decreased rainfall

(d) cropping of high water demanding crops

Ans: Planting trees helps in maintaining the soil able to hold water on the suitable levels. Hence, afforestation will help in preventing the depletion of groundwater.

Hence, the correct answer is (a).

20. Opposition to the construction of large dams is due to

(a) social reasons

(b) economic reasons

(c) environmental reasons

(d) all the above

Ans: Construction of large dams will affect many stakeholders due to its social, economic and environmental reasons.

Hence, the correct answer is (d).

21. Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples for

(a) grain storage

(b) wood storage

(c) water harvesting

(d) soil conservation

Ans: Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are examples for water harvesting.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

22. Pick the right combination of terms which has no fossil fuel.

(a) Wind, ocean and coal

(b) Kerosene, wind and tide

(c) Wind, wood, sun

(d) Petroleum, wood, sun

Ans: Fossil fuels are those types of resources which are made from decomposition of plants and animals over millions of years. These fuels are found in the Earth's crust and are composed of carbon and hydrogen, which can be combusted for energy. 

Here coal, kerosene and petroleum are fossil fuels, while wood is not a fossil fuel.

The option containing the combination of wind, wood and sun has no fossil fuel among them.

Hence, the correct answer is (c).

23. Select the eco-friendly activity among the following

(a) Using car for transportation

(b) Using poly bags for shopping

(c) Using dyes for colouring clothes

(d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

Ans: Cars, polythene bags and dyes are not environment friendly and they affect nature by increasing pollution whereas windmills generate electrical power without creating pollution or damaging the environment.

Hence, the correct answer is (d).

24. It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they

(i) hold water for irrigation

(ii) hold water and prevent soil erosion

(iii) recharge ground water

(iv) hold water permanently

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (iii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Ans: Small check dams across the flooded gullies help in holding the water and preventing soil erosion and they also recharge the level of ground water in the area.

Hence, the correct answer is (b).

Short Answer Questions

25. Prepare a list of five items that you use daily in the school. Identify from the list such items that can be recycled.

Ans: Five items that are used by students in the school are-: notebook , water-bottle , lunch box , wax boxes & pencil . Out of all the five notebooks , water bottles & lunch boxes are recyclable.

26. List two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level.

Ans: The two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level are:

(a) It reduces the overexploitation of water resources.

(b) It also helps to recharge the natural wells and provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.

27. In a village in Karnataka, people started cultivating crops all around a lake which was always filled with water. They added fertilizers to their field in order to enhance the yield. Soon they discovered that the waterbody was completely covered with green floating plants and fishes started dying in large numbers. Analyse the situation and give reasons for excessive growth of plants and death of fish in the lake.

Ans: Due to the excessive use of fertilizers, which contain chemicals like phosphate and nitrate, it got carried away into the lake with the help of rain and underground water passage. This helped the aquatic plants to grow in the lake which resulted in blockage of sunlight and less dissolved oxygen and other nutrients for the aquatic animals, hence , the fishes started to die.

28. What measures would you take to conserve electricity in your house?

Ans: I will follow these steps to conserve electricity in my house:

1. I will not leave any electrical appliances switched on without purpose such as TV, bulb, fan, etc.

2. I will replace the old appliances which run on high electricity.

3. I will minimize the use of heavy appliances such as AC, refrigerator, oven, heater, etc.

4. I will only use electricity where it is necessary.

29. Although coal and petroleum are produced by degradation of bio- mass, yet we need to conserve them. Why?

Ans: Coal and petroleum are fossil fuels which take millions of years to form after the degradation of biomass. These resources are present in a limited amount and can be exhausted before their next formation. Hence, we need to conserve them and also minimize their use as well as we should find some other fuel source such as solar energy.

30. Suggest a few measures for controlling carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Ans: Following measures can be taken to control the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere:

• We must plant more and more trees and stop deforestation.

• Excessive use of petrol and diesel using vehicles should be minimized.

• Solar energy should be encouraged in more parts of the country.

• Industries should follow strict measures to ensure the purification of their industrial waste.

• CNG and electric vehicles should be used more.

• We should not burn unnecessary waste, instead we should recycle the waste materials.

31. Answer the following:

(a) Locate and name the water reservoirs in Figures 16.1 (a) and (b).

(b) Which has an advantage over the other and why?

Ans: (a) The water reservoir that is shown in Figure 16.1 (a) is a pond whereas in Figure 16.1 (b), the shown water reservoir is an underground water body i.e. groundwater.

(b) The groundwater shown in Figure 16.1 (b) has more advantages over the other because it does not get polluted, evaporated neither allows insects to breed and is fresh and drinkable and can also be used for crops.

Long Answer Questions

32. In the context of conservation of natural resources, explain the terms reduce, recycle and reuse. From among the materials that we use in daily life, identify two materials for each category.

Ans: Reduce means reducing the use of resources only upto our needs such as petroleum, water, etc.

Recycle means to recreate an used resource into some other useful resource which can be used again such as plastic utensils, polythene bags, paper waste, etc.

Reuse means to use an article/object again and again instead of throwing it away such as water bottles, clothes, utensils  containers etc.In this way we can make the resources last longer.

33. Prepare a list of five activities that you perform daily in which natural resources can be conserved or energy utilisation can be minimized.

Ans: Followings activities help in the conservation of natural resources and energy utilization:

• Cycling to work/school instead of using vehicles.

• Water which is undrinkable can be given to plants.

• Using LEDs instead of CFL and other conventional bulbs.

• By turning off electrical appliances when not being used.

• Planting trees in a nearby area.

• Avoiding the wastage of water by turning off the water taps.

34. Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.

Ans: Yes, water conservation is very necessary because-:

• more than seventy percent of our body is made up of water. All living organisms need water for various biological processes. Hence , water is essential for our survival.

• on the earth most of the water is present as oceans which are not drinkable. Only 1% of total water on earth is fresh and drinkable. Due to the increasing population, the demand has increased for usable water due to which people are facing the shortage of water at many places. 

35. Suggest a few useful ways of utilising waste water.

Ans: Following steps may be taken to utilise the waste water.

1. Waste water can be used from watering plants.

2. It can be used for washing vehicles.

3. It can also be used for recharging the groundwater.

4. It can be treated chemically to make it useful again.

5. It can be used to treat an unfertile or drought soil.

36. What is the importance of forest as a resource?

Ans: Forests are very important as a resource because:

1. They are renewable resources and do not need human help to grow.

2. They provide us food & wood.

3. They protect biodiversity.

4. They provide shelter to the entire wildlife.

5. They are responsible for rain.

6. They balance the oxygen level in the atmosphere and reduce carbon dioxide.

7. They conserve soil from soil erosion.

8. They protect nature from floods.

Hence , there is a huge importance of forests for making life on our planet possible. 

37. Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

Ans: The Arabari forests are considered to be an excellent example of forest conservation due to the involvement of the local people around the forest in the conservation programme to conserve the decreasing Arabari forest. The Arabari forest range lies in the Midnapore district of West Bengal in India and Sal is the main tree species that is found in large numbers in this forest.

After the year 1970, the Sal trees had started to decrease in this forest. The forest department of Arabari then changed their strategy of conservation and decided to take help from the local people. Then the villagers were involved by the forest department in order to protect the forest land of almost 1,272 hectares. Also, in exchange of keeping the forest conserved and protected, the local people were given 25% of the final harvest of a period and they were also allowed to pick firewood and fodder for their household use for a lower fee.

This decision succeeded and helped in ensuring people’s involvement in forest conservation and it also changed the condition of the Arabari forest as the number of sal trees in the forest increased to crores by the end of the year 1983.

These are the reasons why Arabari forests of Bengal are known to be a good example of conserved forest.

NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science Chapter 16 Management of Natural Resources is carefully curated by the experts after careful research into previous year question papers, exam patterns and reference books. Students are recommended to solve all the questions for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Preparing Exemplar other than textbooks helps the student gain in-depth knowledge and confidence to solve tough questions in exams. Many times questions similar to those in exemplar are asked in the board exams. This component has MCQs, long and short answer questions. Students can download them for free from the below-given links. Students can access Vedantu for more related material for free. 

This NCERT Exemplar Class 10 Science Chapter 16 Management of Natural Resources deals with natural resources like water, wildlife, coal, petroleum, forests and also techniques to conserve them. Practising as many questions as possible will improve students' confidence and also help them understand complex topics in further classes.