Nature’s Treasures – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 6
Science
Chapter 11
Nature's Treasures — 50 Short Answer Questions & Answers
Topic-wise short answer type questions with clear, exam-friendly answers. Prepared strictly as per NCERT for CBSE Class 6 board exam standard revision.
CBSE Board Exam Guidance: Practice these short answers to improve clarity and content. For 3–4 mark questions, expand by giving an example and a short reason.
General — Natural Resources
Basic Ideas
Q1. What are natural resources?
Natural resources are materials and substances provided by the Earth that are useful to humans and other living beings, such as water, air, soil, minerals and plants.
Q2. Why are natural resources important?
They provide essentials for life (like water and air), raw materials for industry and agriculture, and help maintain ecosystems and biodiversity.
Q3. How are natural resources classified?
They are mainly classified as renewable (can be replenished naturally) and non-renewable (limited and take long to form).
Q4. Give two examples each of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable: sunlight, forests. Non-renewable: coal, petroleum.
Q5. What is sustainable use of resources?
Using resources in a way that meets present needs without harming future generations’ ability to meet theirs, for example using renewable energy and recycling.
Water
Sources and Cycle
Q6. Where is water found on Earth?
Water is found in rivers, lakes, ponds, oceans, glaciers and underground as groundwater.
Q7. What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water stored in the soil and in cracks and spaces in rocks beneath the Earth's surface; it supplies wells and springs.
Q8. Briefly describe the water cycle.
The water cycle includes evaporation (water to vapour), condensation (vapour to clouds), precipitation (rain/snow) and collection (water returns to rivers, lakes, and ground).
Q9. How does evaporation happen?
Evaporation occurs when the Sun's heat turns water from oceans, rivers or lakes into water vapour which rises into the air.
Q10. Why is rain important?
Rain replenishes freshwater sources, supports agriculture, refills groundwater and sustains ecosystems.
Uses and Conservation
Q11. List three uses of water.
Drinking, irrigation for crops, and industrial processes.
Q12. What is rainwater harvesting?
Collecting and storing rainwater for later use, often in tanks or by recharging groundwater, to conserve water.
Q13. How can we save water at home?
By fixing leaks, using bucket instead of hose for washing, taking shorter showers, and reusing water where safe.
Q14. What causes water pollution?
Discharging untreated sewage, industrial waste, chemicals and plastic into rivers and lakes causes water pollution.
Q15. What are the effects of polluted water?
It harms aquatic life, spreads diseases, and makes water unsafe for drinking and irrigation.
Air
Composition and Importance
Q16. What is air made of?
Air is mainly a mixture of nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), and small amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases.
Q17. Why is oxygen important?
Oxygen is essential for respiration in animals and humans and is used by cells to release energy from food.
Q18. How do plants use carbon dioxide?
Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make food and release oxygen.
Q19. What are common sources of air pollution?
Vehicles, factories, burning of wood or coal, and dust from construction are common sources.
Q20. Define air pollution.
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances—like smoke, dust, or gases—in the air that may be harmful to health and environment.
Effects and Prevention
Q21. How does air pollution affect health?
It can cause coughing, asthma, lung diseases and can worsen heart problems.
Q22. What is acid rain?
Acid rain forms when pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapour to produce acidic compounds, which fall as rain and damage plants and structures.
Q23. Name one way to reduce air pollution.
Using public transport, carpooling, and switching to cleaner energy sources reduce air pollution.
Q24. Why are trees important for clean air?
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen and help filter dust and pollutants from the air.
Soil
Formation and Types
Q25. How is soil formed?
Soil forms by weathering of rocks and the breakdown of dead plants and animals over a long time, mixing with minerals and organic matter.
Q26. What are three types of soil?
Sandy (drains quickly), clayey (holds water), and loamy (ideal for farming).
Q27. Why is soil important for plants?
Soil supplies nutrients, water and support for plant roots, and hosts microorganisms that help plant growth.
Q28. What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by wind or water, reducing soil fertility.
Q29. Name one method to prevent soil erosion.
Planting vegetation like grasses or trees, using terraces on slopes, and practicing crop rotation help prevent erosion.
Soil Conservation and Uses
Q30. How does composting help soil?
Composting adds organic matter and nutrients to soil, improves soil structure and fertility, and reduces waste.
Q31. What does fertile soil mean?
Fertile soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter and can support healthy plant growth.
Q32. Give one agricultural use of soil.
Soil is used to grow crops by providing nutrients, water and anchorage for roots.
Q33. Why should topsoil be protected?
Topsoil contains most nutrients and organic matter; losing it reduces agricultural productivity and harms ecosystems.
Minerals
Q34. What are minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth used for building materials, tools, metals and various products.
Q35. Give two examples of minerals and their uses.
Iron is used to make steel and tools; limestone is used in building and manufacturing cement.
Q36. What is mining?
Mining is the process of extracting minerals from the Earth for human use.
Q37. How can mining harm the environment?
It can destroy habitats, cause soil and water pollution, and lead to erosion and loss of biodiversity.
Q38. Mention one way to reduce the impact of mining.
Recycling metals and proper land restoration after mining can reduce environmental damage.
Plants
Q39. List three benefits of plants.
Provide oxygen, food, and medicine; prevent soil erosion and support wildlife.
Q40. What is photosynthesis in short?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to make food and release oxygen.
Q41. How do plants help maintain water balance?
Plants help in groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and maintain humidity through transpiration.
Q42. Why conserve plant diversity?
Plant diversity ensures ecosystem stability, provides varied food and medicine sources, and supports wildlife.
Q43. Name one plant used in traditional medicine.
Neem is widely used for its antiseptic and medicinal properties.
Renewable vs Non-renewable Resources
Q44. What is a renewable resource?
A resource that can be naturally replaced in a short period, like solar energy or wind.
Q45. What is a non-renewable resource?
A resource that exists in limited amounts and cannot be replaced within a human lifetime, like coal and petroleum.
Q46. Can a resource become scarce?
Yes, due to overuse, pollution, or poor management, even commonly used resources can become scarce.
Q47. Give one example of conserving non-renewable resources.
Using energy-efficient appliances and switching to renewable energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Q48. How does recycling help conserve resources?
Recycling reduces the need for new raw materials, saves energy, and decreases pollution from extraction and processing.
Human Impact and Conservation
Q49. Name two human activities that harm natural resources.
Deforestation and excessive extraction of groundwater and minerals harm ecosystems and deplete resources.
Q50. What can students do to protect nature's treasures?
Students can plant trees, save water and energy, avoid littering, practise waste segregation and spread awareness in their community.