CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 5: Environment & Ecology

Lesson: Natural Resources

📘 Study Module: Natural Resources

1. Introduction

Natural resources are gifts of nature that are essential for the survival of living beings. Humans depend on natural resources for food, water, shelter, energy, and raw materials. Proper use and conservation of these resources are necessary for sustainable development.

2. Meaning of Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials and substances found in nature that are useful to humans. They are obtained directly from the Earth and are used to meet our daily needs.

3. Types of Natural Resources

Natural resources are broadly classified into:

• Renewable resources
• Non-renewable resources

This classification is based on their availability and ability to be replenished.

4. Renewable Natural Resources

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time. Examples include air, water, sunlight, forests, and wind. These resources are generally inexhaustible if used wisely.

5. Non-Renewable Natural Resources

Non-renewable resources are available in limited quantities and take millions of years to form. Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and minerals. Once exhausted, they cannot be replaced easily.

6. Major Natural Resources

Important natural resources include:

• Air
• Water
• Soil
• Forests
• Minerals

Each resource plays a vital role in supporting life.

7. Conservation of Natural Resources

Conservation means careful use and protection of natural resources. Overuse leads to depletion and environmental problems. Conservation ensures availability for future generations.

8. Importance of Natural Resources

Natural resources support life on Earth. They provide food, energy, and materials for industries. Economic development depends on natural resources. Protecting them maintains ecological balance.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What are natural resources?
   Answer: Natural resources are materials obtained from nature that are useful to humans.
2. Name any two natural resources.
   Answer: Water and air are natural resources.
3. What are renewable resources?
   Answer: Renewable resources can be replenished naturally.
4. Give one example of a renewable resource.
   Answer: Sunlight is a renewable resource.
5. What are non-renewable resources?
   Answer: Non-renewable resources are available in limited amounts.
6. Give one example of a non-renewable resource.
   Answer: Coal is a non-renewable resource.
7. Why are forests important natural resources?
   Answer: Forests provide oxygen, wood, and shelter to animals.
8. What is conservation?
   Answer: Conservation is the careful use and protection of resources.
9. Which natural resource is essential for breathing?
   Answer: Air is essential for breathing.
10. Why should natural resources be protected?
    Answer: They should be protected for future generations.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain the meaning of natural resources.
    Answer: Natural resources are materials provided by nature. They are used by humans to meet basic needs. These resources include air, water, soil, and minerals. Life on Earth depends on them.
12. Describe renewable natural resources.
    Answer: Renewable resources are those that can be reused or replaced naturally. Examples include air, water, and forests. They are available continuously if used wisely. Overuse can still cause damage.
13. Describe non-renewable natural resources.
    Answer: Non-renewable resources exist in limited quantity. They take millions of years to form. Coal and petroleum are examples. Careless use can lead to exhaustion.
14. Write a short note on water as a natural resource.
    Answer: Water is essential for all living beings. It is used for drinking, farming, and industries. Rivers, lakes, and rain are sources of water. Water conservation is very important.
15. Explain the importance of soil.
    Answer: Soil supports plant growth. It provides nutrients to crops. Soil is essential for agriculture. It also supports microorganisms.
16. Why are forests called renewable resources?
    Answer: Forests can grow back naturally. Trees can be replanted. Forests provide oxygen and raw materials. Proper management keeps forests renewable.
17. What are minerals and why are they important?
    Answer: Minerals are natural substances found in the Earth. They are used in industries and construction. Iron and copper are examples. Minerals support economic growth.
18. What is conservation of natural resources?
    Answer: Conservation means using resources carefully. It prevents wastage and depletion. Conservation protects the environment. It ensures future availability.
19. How does overuse of resources affect the environment?
    Answer: Overuse leads to depletion of resources. It causes pollution and environmental imbalance. Wildlife habitats are destroyed. Life becomes unsustainable.
20. How can we conserve natural resources?
    Answer: We can save water and electricity. We should plant trees. Recycling and reuse help conservation. Responsible use is important.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. Natural resources are obtained from ______.
   a) factories
   b) schools
   c) nature
   d) machines
   Answer: c) nature
   Explanation: Natural resources come from nature.
2. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
   a) Coal
   b) Petroleum
   c) Sunlight
   d) Iron
   Answer: c) Sunlight
   Explanation: Sunlight is naturally replenished.
3. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
   a) Air
   b) Water
   c) Coal
   d) Forest
   Answer: c) Coal
   Explanation: Coal is limited and non-renewable.
4. Which resource is essential for breathing?
   a) Water
   b) Soil
   c) Air
   d) Forest
   Answer: c) Air
   Explanation: Oxygen in air is needed to breathe.
5. Forests are important because they provide ______.
   a) noise
   b) oxygen
   c) plastic
   d) pollution
   Answer: b) oxygen
   Explanation: Trees release oxygen.
6. Which resource is used for making fuels?
   a) Air
   b) Water
   c) Coal
   d) Soil
   Answer: c) Coal
   Explanation: Coal is used as fuel.
7. Which of the following helps in agriculture?
   a) Soil
   b) Plastic
   c) Glass
   d) Steel
   Answer: a) Soil
   Explanation: Soil supports crop growth.
8. What does conservation mean?
   a) Wasting resources
   b) Destroying forests
   c) Careful use of resources
   d) Increasing pollution
   Answer: c) Careful use of resources
   Explanation: Conservation means saving resources.
9. Which resource is used to make metals?
   a) Air
   b) Water
   c) Minerals
   d) Wind
   Answer: c) Minerals
   Explanation: Metals come from minerals.
10. Which is NOT a natural resource?
    a) River
    b) Soil
    c) Plastic
    d) Forest
    Answer: c) Plastic
    Explanation: Plastic is man-made.
11. Petroleum is a ______ resource.
    a) renewable
    b) unlimited
    c) non-renewable
    d) natural gas
    Answer: c) non-renewable
    Explanation: Petroleum is limited in quantity.
12. Which resource gives us drinking water?
    a) Soil
    b) Air
    c) Rivers
    d) Minerals
    Answer: c) Rivers
    Explanation: Rivers supply fresh water.
13. Trees help prevent ______.
    a) rainfall
    b) soil erosion
    c) sunshine
    d) oxygen
    Answer: b) soil erosion
    Explanation: Roots hold soil firmly.
14. Which resource is used to generate electricity?
    a) Wind
    b) Coal
    c) Water
    d) All of these
    Answer: d) All of these
    Explanation: Multiple resources produce electricity.
15. Which natural resource is needed for cooking?
    a) Soil
    b) Fuel
    c) Air
    d) Sunlight
    Answer: b) Fuel
    Explanation: Fuels provide heat for cooking.
16. Overuse of resources leads to ______.
    a) conservation
    b) balance
    c) depletion
    d) growth
    Answer: c) depletion
    Explanation: Excess use reduces resources.
17. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
    a) Natural gas
    b) Coal
    c) Wind
    d) Petroleum
    Answer: c) Wind
    Explanation: Wind is continuously available.
18. Minerals are found ______.
    a) in air
    b) in water
    c) in Earth
    d) in forests
    Answer: c) in Earth
    Explanation: Minerals are extracted from Earth.
19. Why should we save natural resources?
    a) For fun
    b) For waste
    c) For future generations
    d) For pollution
    Answer: c) For future generations
    Explanation: Conservation ensures future supply.
20. Natural resources help maintain ______.
    a) pollution
    b) ecological balance
    c) noise
    d) waste
    Answer: b) ecological balance
    Explanation: Resources support life balance.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly in accordance with the NCERT syllabus and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.