Resources – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Class 8
Geography — Chapter 1: Resources
Subject: Social Science | NCERT-aligned Multiple Choice Questions (30)
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 1: Concept of Resources
1. Which of the following best defines a resource?
2. Which of the following is a human resource?
Correct Answer: A skilled teacher.
Explanation: Human resources are people and their abilities. A skilled teacher provides knowledge and labour, unlike soil or water (natural resources) or buildings (capital resources).
3. Which is an example of a capital resource?
Correct Answer: Machine used in a factory.
Explanation: Capital resources are man-made tools and infrastructure used to produce goods and services. Machines increase productivity and are examples of capital resources.
4. Resource development primarily involves:
Correct Answer: Identifying, planning and using resources.
Explanation: Resource development is a process that includes identification, assessment, planning and sustainable use. It isn't limited to conservation alone or selling resources.
5. Which factor determines whether something becomes a resource?
Correct Answer: Utility and human needs.
Explanation: A thing becomes a resource when it serves a human need and is accessible/usable. Price and location may affect use but are not the defining factors.
6. Institutions help in resource management by:
Correct Answer: Formulating rules and policies.
Explanation: Institutions create regulatory frameworks, monitor usage and implement conservation policies, which guide sustainable resource management.
Topic 2: Types of Resources
7. Which of the following is a biotic resource?
Correct Answer: Forests.
Explanation: Biotic resources come from living organisms. Forests contain plants and animals, whereas coal and gold are non-living (abiotic).
8. Which resource is considered non-renewable?
Correct Answer: Coal.
Explanation: Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished within human timescales, making it non-renewable.
9. Resources classified by ownership include:
Correct Answer: Private, community, national and international.
Explanation: Ownership classification recognises different rights and responsibilities which influence access and management of resources.
10. A potential resource is:
Correct Answer: A resource that exists but is not yet used.
Explanation: Potential resources may become useful in the future after technological advances or increased demand—e.g., certain mineral deposits.
11. Which of the following is a capital resource owned by a community?
Correct Answer: A community well.
Explanation: Capital resources can be community-owned infrastructure like wells used for public benefit, unlike private livestock or national/international assets.
12. An underdeveloped resource is one that:
Correct Answer: Is known but not utilised due to lack of technology.
Explanation: Underdeveloped resources are recognized but not fully exploited owing to economic or technical constraints.
Topic 3: Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
13. Which practice helps maintain renewable resources?
Correct Answer: Reforestation.
Explanation: Reforestation restores tree cover, supporting the renewal of forest resources. Overuse and pollution harm renewables.
14. Fossil fuels are mainly problematic because they:
Correct Answer: Pollute and are non-renewable.
Explanation: Fossil fuels release greenhouse gases and are finite, making them environmentally and temporally problematic.
15. Which is an example of recycling conserving a non-renewable resource?
Correct Answer: Recycling aluminium cans.
Explanation: Recycling metals like aluminium reduces the need to mine new ore—a finite resource—and saves energy.
16. Solar energy is classified as:
Correct Answer: Abiotic and renewable.
Explanation: Sunlight is non-living (abiotic) and replenishes constantly, making it a renewable energy source.
17. Which action would reduce depletion of non-renewable resources?
Correct Answer: Substitute materials and recycle.
Explanation: Using alternatives and recycling decreases demand for finite resources and extends their supply.
18. Which is a direct effect of overusing renewable resources?
Correct Answer: Resource regeneration may slow or stop.
Explanation: Unsustainable harvesting can exceed natural regeneration rates, leading to depletion and ecosystem damage.
Topic 4: Resource Management and Conservation
19. Rainwater harvesting helps mainly to:
Correct Answer: Increase groundwater recharge and provide extra water.
Explanation: Harvesting collects rainwater, allowing it to recharge aquifers or be stored for later use, reducing pressure on other sources.
20. Which farming practice conserves soil?
Correct Answer: Contour ploughing and terracing.
Explanation: These methods reduce runoff and soil erosion on slopes, conserving topsoil essential for agriculture.
21. Which of the following encourages resource conservation at the industrial level?
Correct Answer: Adopting cleaner production and recycling.
Explanation: Cleaner production reduces resource use and pollution; recycling recovers materials, lowering demand for virgin resources.
22. What is carrying capacity related to?
Correct Answer: The amount of resources an environment can sustain.
Explanation: Carrying capacity helps planners understand limits to population or activity to avoid environmental degradation.
23. Which community action helps conserve resources?
Correct Answer: Organised waste segregation and composting.
Explanation: Segregation and composting recover resources, reduce landfill use, and provide compost for agriculture—beneficial community practices.
Topic 5: Resources and Sustainable Development
24. Sustainable development aims to:
Correct Answer: Meet present needs without harming future generations.
Explanation: Sustainable development balances economic, social and environmental needs to ensure long-term wellbeing.
25. Which policy can promote renewable energy?
Correct Answer: Subsidies and incentives for solar and wind.
Explanation: Financial incentives lower costs, encourage investment and speed up adoption of clean technologies like solar and wind.
26. Education contributes to resource conservation by:
Correct Answer: Raising awareness and building skills.
Explanation: Education informs people about conservation practices and equips them to implement sustainable solutions.
27. International cooperation is important because:
Correct Answer: Resources and environmental issues often cross borders.
Explanation: Oceans, atmosphere and river basins are shared; cooperative agreements help manage shared resources and tackle global issues like climate change.
28. Which lifestyle change helps conserve resources?
Correct Answer: Using public transport more.
Explanation: Public transport reduces per-person fuel consumption and emissions, conserving energy resources and reducing pollution.
29. An action plan for sustainable village development should include:
Correct Answer: Assessment, community participation, conservation and livelihood options.
Explanation: A balanced plan assesses resources, involves the community, promotes conservation and sustainable livelihoods for long-term success.
30. Which is NOT part of sustainable resource management?
Correct Answer: Short-term exploitation without restoration.
Explanation: Sustainable management avoids short-term exploitation and focuses on long-term conservation, restoration, monitoring and fair benefits sharing.
