Management of Natural Resources – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 10
Biology — Chapter 16: Management of Natural Resources
50 Very Short Answer Questions & Answers — NCERT-aligned for quick revision and board exam practice.
CBSE Exam Focus — Systematic Order
- Key definitions and classification of natural resources.
- Conservation methods for forests, water, soil, minerals and energy resources.
- Sustainable practices: 3R’s, rainwater harvesting, watershed management, afforestation.
- Simple examples, short diagrams and project ideas for internal assessment.
50 Very Short Answer Questions (Topic-wise)
Introduction & Classification (Q1–Q8)
1. What are natural resources?
Materials and components from the environment used by living beings, like water, soil, air, forests and minerals.
2. Define renewable resource.
A resource that can be replenished naturally in a short time, e.g., solar energy, forests, water.
3. Define non‑renewable resource.
A resource that takes geological times to form and cannot be quickly replenished, e.g., coal, petroleum.
4. What is a biotic resource?
Resources obtained from living organisms such as forests, animals and crops.
5. What is an abiotic resource?
Non‑living resources like minerals, water, air and soil.
6. Give two examples of natural resources used for energy.
Coal and solar energy (sunlight).
7. What does sustainable use of resources mean?
Using resources so that they meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
8. Why is classification of resources useful?
It helps in planning management strategies and conservation methods suitable for each resource type.
Forests & Wildlife (Q9–17)
9. List one economic and one ecological benefit of forests.
Economic: timber; Ecological: habitat for biodiversity and soil protection.
10. What is deforestation?
Clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanisation or logging leading to loss of tree cover.
11. Give one cause of deforestation.
Expanding agricultural land (slash and burn, shifting cultivation).
12. State one effect of deforestation on soil.
Increased soil erosion and loss of fertility.
13. What is afforestation?
Planting trees on lands that have not been recently forested to create new forests.
14. What are protected areas?
Designated regions like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to conserve biodiversity.
15. Name one community‑based forest management practice.
Joint forest management where local people help manage and benefit from the forest.
16. How do forests help in groundwater recharge?
Tree roots increase soil permeability allowing rainwater to percolate and recharge groundwater.
17. Give one measure to protect wildlife.
Establishing wildlife corridors and protected areas to prevent habitat fragmentation.
Water Resources (Q18–26)
18. Why is freshwater limited?
Only a small fraction of Earth’s water is fresh and accessible; most is saline in oceans or locked in glaciers.
19. What is rainwater harvesting?
Collecting and storing rainwater from surfaces for later use or groundwater recharge.
20. Define watershed management.
Conservation methods applied across a drainage basin to conserve soil and water resources.
21. Name one method to conserve water in agriculture.
Drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots and reduces wastage.
22. What is groundwater recharge?
The process by which surface water percolates down to refill underground aquifers.
23. Give one impact of over‑exploitation of groundwater.
Lowering of water table and drying up of wells.
24. What role does sewage treatment play?
It removes pollutants from wastewater so treated water can be reused safely or released without harming ecosystems.
25. Mention one domestic practice to save water.
Fixing leaking taps promptly to prevent wastage.
26. What is the aim of watershed management plantations?
To reduce runoff, control erosion and increase water retention in the basin.
Soil, Minerals, Coal & Petroleum (Q27–34)
27. Why is soil conservation important?
To maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion for sustainable agriculture.
28. Give one cause of soil erosion.
Deforestation and removal of vegetation cover expose soil to erosion by wind and water.
29. What are minerals?
Naturally occurring inorganic substances extracted from Earth used in industry and construction.
30. What is sustainable mining?
Mining practices that minimise environmental damage and restore land after extraction.
31. How is coal formed?
From ancient plant material compressed over millions of years under heat and pressure.
32. Give one environmental problem caused by burning fossil fuels.
Release of greenhouse gases like CO₂ leading to global warming.
33. Why should we recycle metals?
To reduce the need for new mining and conserve finite mineral resources.
34. Name one alternative to petroleum for vehicles.
Electric vehicles powered by electricity from renewable sources.
Biomass, Energy & Waste Management (Q35–42)
35. What is biomass?
Organic matter from plants and animals used as fuel or for biogas production.
36. What is biogas?
A mixture of gases, mainly methane, produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste.
37. Give one advantage of biogas use.
Reduces reliance on firewood and decreases indoor air pollution.
38. What are the 3R’s?
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — principles to manage waste and conserve resources.
39. How does recycling help resource management?
It recovers materials for reuse, lowering demand for virgin raw materials and energy use.
40. Define composting.
Biological decomposition of organic waste into nutrient‑rich manure for soil improvement.
41. One household way to reduce solid waste is?
Segregating biodegradable and non‑biodegradable waste at source for proper processing.
42. What is e‑waste?
Discarded electronic devices like phones and computers that need special recycling.
Conservation Policies & Community Role (Q43–48)
43. Name one important environmental law (India) relevant to forests.
The Forest Conservation Act (1980) which regulates diversion of forest land for non‑forest purposes.
44. How do NGOs help in resource management?
By running awareness programs, community projects and technical support for conservation efforts.
45. What is community participation in conservation?
Local people’s involvement in planning and managing resources for sustainable use and benefit sharing.
46. Give one example of government action for water conservation.
Construction of check dams and promotion of rainwater harvesting schemes.
47. Why are public awareness campaigns important?
They educate people about sustainable practices and encourage behaviour change for conservation.
48. How can schools contribute to natural resource management?
By running tree plantations, rainwater harvesting projects and waste segregation programs.
Quick Revision & Exam Tips (Q49–50)
49. Suggest one quick way to answer a 2‑mark question on conservation.
Write two clear points with brief examples and a concluding sentence linking to sustainability.
50. Give one simple daily habit that helps conserve resources.
Switching off lights and fans when not in use to save energy.