Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8
Geography — Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Resources
Subject: Social Science | NCERT-aligned Very Short Answer Questions (50)
CBSE Board Examinations — Systematic Order
- Periodic Tests / Formative Assessments
- Half-Yearly Examination
- Yearly (Annual) Examination
- Project Work & Practical Assessment (where applicable)
- Sample Papers / Revision Tests
Topic-wise Very Short Answer Questions (50)
Topic 1 — Land (10 Questions)
Q1. What is 'land' in geographical terms?
Land is the Earth's surface including its natural features like plains, plateaus, mountains and coastal areas.
Q2. Name two major landforms.
Plains and mountains.
Q3. What is a plain?
A plain is a broad, flat area suitable for farming and settlements.
Q4. Why are plateaus important?
Plateaus are important for minerals and often support unique vegetation and human settlements.
Q5. Give one use of coastal land.
Coastal land is used for fishing, ports and tourism.
Q6. Define land degradation.
Land degradation is the decline in land quality due to human or natural processes like erosion and deforestation.
Q7. What causes land conversion?
Urbanisation and expansion of agriculture convert land for non-forest or built-up uses.
Q8. How does mining affect land?
Mining can cause soil removal, landscape alteration and pollution if not managed sustainably.
Q9. What is meant by land use planning?
Land use planning organises land for agriculture, industry, housing and conservation to avoid conflicts and misuse.
Q10. Give one method to prevent land degradation.
Afforestation (planting trees) helps prevent soil erosion and land degradation.
Topic 2 — Soil (10 Questions)
Q11. What is soil made of?
Soil is made of mineral particles (sand, silt, clay), organic matter, water and air.
Q12. What is topsoil?
Topsoil is the upper fertile layer rich in organic matter and nutrients for plants.
Q13. Name one soil type found in India.
Alluvial soil.
Q14. Which crop is best grown in black soil?
Cotton grows well in black soil.
Q15. What causes soil erosion?
Water runoff, wind and deforestation cause soil erosion.
Q16. How does vegetation protect soil?
Plant roots bind soil and leaf cover reduces the impact of rain, preventing erosion.
Q17. What is terracing?
Terracing is creating stepped fields on slopes to reduce runoff and soil loss.
Q18. Give one use of alluvial soil.
Alluvial soil is fertile and used for growing rice and wheat.
Q19. Why is organic matter important in soil?
Organic matter provides nutrients and improves soil structure and water retention.
Q20. What is soil conservation?
Soil conservation includes practices like contour ploughing and planting cover crops to prevent erosion and maintain fertility.
Topic 3 — Water (10 Questions)
Q21. What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
Less than 3% of Earth's water is freshwater; most is saline.
Q22. Define groundwater.
Groundwater is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock layers.
Q23. What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for later use to reduce dependence on other sources.
Q24. Give one reason for water pollution.
Discharge of untreated industrial effluents causes water pollution.
Q25. What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area draining into a river or reservoir where water collects and flows.
Q26. Name one method to conserve water in agriculture.
Drip irrigation conserves water by supplying it directly to plant roots.
Q27. Why is groundwater depletion a problem?
Depletion lowers water tables, dries wells and reduces water for agriculture and ecosystems.
Q28. What is surface water?
Surface water includes rivers, lakes and reservoirs found on the Earth's surface.
Q29. Mention one way to prevent river pollution.
Treating sewage and industrial effluents before discharge prevents river pollution.
Q30. What role do wetlands play?
Wetlands act as natural filters, store floodwater and provide habitat for many species.
Topic 4 — Natural Vegetation (10 Questions)
Q31. What is natural vegetation?
Natural vegetation refers to plant life that grows naturally in an area without human planting.
Q32. Name one type of forest in India.
Tropical deciduous forest.
Q33. What are deciduous trees?
Deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally, usually in dry or cold seasons.
Q34. Give one importance of forests.
Forests prevent soil erosion and help in maintaining the water cycle.
Q35. What is afforestation?
Afforestation is planting trees on land that was not previously forested to increase green cover.
Q36. What is reforestation?
Reforestation is replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down.
Q37. How do forests support livelihoods?
Forests provide timber, fuelwood, fruits and medicinal plants that support local economies.
Q38. What are mangroves?
Mangroves are coastal trees adapted to saline water that protect shores and serve as fish nurseries.
Q39. Give one threat to natural vegetation.
Deforestation for agriculture and urbanisation threatens natural vegetation.
Q40. How can communities help conserve forests?
Communities can practice sustainable harvesting, plant trees and protect local forest areas.
Topic 5 — Wildlife & Conservation (10 Questions)
Q41. What is wildlife?
Wildlife includes wild animals, birds and plants living in their natural habitats.
Q42. Define biodiversity.
Biodiversity is the variety of life — genes, species and ecosystems — in an area.
Q43. Name one endangered species in India (example).
The Bengal tiger is an example of an endangered species.
Q44. What is poaching?
Poaching is illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife for trade or personal gain.
Q45. Give one reason for human-wildlife conflict.
Expansion of farms into animal habitats causes conflicts as animals raid crops or livestock.
Q46. What is a wildlife sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area where animals are safe from hunting and habitat disturbance.
Q47. What is the role of protected areas?
Protected areas conserve species, habitats and ecological processes and support conservation efforts.
Q48. How does pollution affect wildlife?
Pollution contaminates habitats, reduces food availability and causes health problems in wildlife.
Q49. Mention one method to conserve wildlife.
Creating protected areas and wildlife corridors helps conserve species and their movement.
Q50. Why is public awareness important for conservation?
Public awareness encourages responsible behaviour, support for policies and community participation in conservation.