Resources – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8
Geography — Chapter 1: 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) — Clear & Concise Answers
Topic 1: Concept of Resources
Q1. What is a resource?
A resource is anything found in nature or produced by humans that can be used to meet needs and achieve goals.
Q2. Give one example of a natural resource.
Water is an example of a natural resource used for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
Q3. What is a human resource?
A human resource is the people and their skills, knowledge, and labour used to produce goods and services.
Q4. Define capital resource with one example.
Capital resources are man-made tools or goods used to produce other goods; for example, machinery in a factory.
Q5. Why are resources important?
Resources are important because they satisfy human needs, support livelihoods, and enable development.
Q6. What is meant by resource development?
Resource development means identifying, planning, and using resources in ways that increase their utility and availability.
Q7. Give one example of a resource created by humans.
A bridge is a human-made resource that helps in transportation and connectivity.
Q8. How does technology affect resources?
Technology improves how resources are located, extracted, processed, and conserved, making their use more efficient.
Q9. What is resource use?
Resource use refers to the ways people consume or apply resources to fulfil their needs and activities.
Q10. What is the role of institutions in resource management?
Institutions make rules, plans, and policies to regulate resource use and ensure sustainable management.
Topic 2: Types of Resources
Q11. What are natural resources?
Natural resources are materials and components that occur naturally—like air, water, soil, minerals, plants, and animals.
Q12. What is an example of a biotic resource?
Forests are biotic resources because they consist of living organisms like trees, animals, and plants.
Q13. What is an abiotic resource?
An abiotic resource is non-living, such as water, minerals, and metals like iron and copper.
Q14. Define renewable resource.
A renewable resource can be naturally replenished over short time periods, for example, solar energy or forests (if managed well).
Q15. Define non-renewable resource.
A non-renewable resource cannot be quickly replaced once used, such as coal, oil, and minerals.
Q16. What is meant by potential resources?
Potential resources are those that exist in an area but are not yet used because of lack of knowledge or technology.
Q17. What are developed resources?
Developed resources are those whose quality, quantity, and location are known and can be used economically with available technology.
Q18. Give one example of a locally available resource.
Local water bodies such as ponds can be locally available resources for irrigation and livestock.
Q19. What is a community resource?
A community resource is shared by people in a locality, like a village grazing field or a public well.
Q20. How are resources classified on the basis of ownership?
By ownership, resources can be individual (private), community-owned, national (state), or international.
Topic 3: Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Q21. Name two renewable energy resources.
Solar energy and wind energy are renewable energy resources.
Q22. Give two examples of non-renewable resources.
Coal and petroleum (oil) are non-renewable fossil fuels.
Q23. Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?
Because they form over millions of years and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime once extracted and used.
Q24. How can renewable resources be sustained?
By careful management, limiting overuse, protecting ecosystems, and using technology like efficient harvesting or recycling.
Q25. What is reforestation?
Reforestation is planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down to restore forest cover.
Q26. How does overuse affect renewable resources?
Overuse can lead to depletion, reduced regeneration, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of the resource.
Q27. What is the role of recycling in resource conservation?
Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, conserves energy, and decreases waste and resource extraction.
Q28. Give an example of material that can be recycled.
Paper and glass are common materials that can be recycled and reused.
Topic 4: Resource Management and Conservation
Q29. What is resource conservation?
Resource conservation means protecting and using resources wisely to prevent waste and ensure long-term availability.
Q30. Name one method to conserve water.
Rainwater harvesting is a method to conserve and use rainwater effectively.
Q31. What is sustainable agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture uses farming methods that preserve soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce pollution.
Q32. What causes soil erosion?
Soil erosion is caused by wind, water flow, deforestation, and poor farming practices.
Q33. How can forests be conserved?
Forests can be conserved by stopping illegal logging, planting trees, and protecting habitats.
Q34. What is sustainable use of minerals?
Sustainable use of minerals involves efficient extraction, reduced waste, recycling, and rehabilitation of mining sites.
Q35. What is carrying capacity?
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of people or activities an environment can support without degradation.
Q36. How does population growth affect resources?
Population growth increases demand for resources, leading to overexploitation and pressure on the environment.
Q37. Give one simple way to reduce energy consumption at home.
Switching off lights and electrical appliances when not in use reduces energy consumption.
Q38. What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for later use, reducing dependence on other water sources.
Q39. What is soil conservation?
Soil conservation includes practices like contour ploughing, terracing, and planting cover crops to prevent erosion.
Q40. Why is biodiversity important in resource management?
Biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience, provides genetic resources, and supports services like pollination and soil health.
Topic 5: Resources & Sustainable Development
Q41. What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Q42. How are resources linked to development?
Resources provide inputs for production, improving living standards and supporting economic growth.
Q43. Give one example of a policy that supports sustainable use of resources.
Laws promoting protected forests and regulated mining help ensure sustainable resource use.
Q44. What is afforestation?
Afforestation is planting trees on lands that were not previously forested to increase green cover.
Q45. Why is public awareness important for resource conservation?
Public awareness encourages responsible behaviour, participation in conservation, and support for policies.
Q46. How can schools contribute to resource management?
Schools can teach conservation, run tree-planting drives, save water, and practice waste segregation.
Q47. What is sustainable use of water?
Sustainable use of water means using water carefully, recycling where possible, and protecting sources from pollution.
Q48. Give one example of a renewable building material.
Bamboo is a renewable building material because it grows quickly and can be sustainably harvested.
Q49. What is the effect of pollution on resources?
Pollution degrades air, water, and soil quality, reducing the usefulness and availability of these resources.
Q50. Suggest one lifestyle change to conserve resources.
Using public transport or walking instead of private vehicles reduces fuel use and conserves energy resources.