Natural Resources – Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 9 — Science
Format: 50 Topic-wise Short Answer Questions & Answers — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 9 revision
Content Bank — Key Subtopics
- Definition and classification of natural resources (biotic/abiotic)
- Water resources: availability, uses, pollution, conservation measures
- Soil: formation, erosion, conservation, and management
- Forest and wildlife resources: importance, threats, conservation
- Minerals and energy resources: renewable vs non-renewable, sustainable use
- Community role, practical conservation practices, and NCERT diagrams/keywords
A. Basics — Definitions & Concepts (Questions 1–10)
- 1. Define natural resources.Natural resources are materials and components provided by the Earth that are useful or necessary for life and human activities, such as water, soil, air, forests and minerals.
- 2. Differentiate between biotic and abiotic resources with examples.Biotic resources come from living organisms (forests, animals, crops). Abiotic resources are non-living (water, air, minerals, soil).
- 3. Explain the term 'resource distribution'.Resource distribution refers to how natural resources are spread across the Earth; distribution is uneven due to geological, climatic and ecological factors.
- 4. What is sustainable use of resources?Sustainable use means using resources at a rate that meets current needs without compromising availability for future generations, allowing natural regeneration.
- 5. Why classify resources?Classification (renewable/non-renewable, biotic/abiotic) helps in planning, management and conservation strategies by clarifying use patterns and vulnerability.
- 6. What is meant by 'resource conservation'?Resource conservation involves measures to protect, manage and sustain resources to prevent depletion, pollution or irreversible damage.
- 7. Give two examples of renewable and two of non-renewable resources.Renewable: solar energy, forests (if managed). Non-renewable: coal, petroleum.
- 8. Explain 'per capita availability' of a resource.Per capita availability is the amount of a resource available per person, calculated by dividing total available resource by population; used to assess scarcity.
- 9. What is an ecological footprint?An ecological footprint measures how much land and water area a population needs to produce the resources it consumes and absorb its wastes, indicating environmental impact.
- 10. How do human activities affect natural resources?Human activities (deforestation, over-extraction, pollution, urbanisation) reduce resource availability, degrade ecosystems and can lead to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
B. Water Resources (Questions 11–20)
- 11. Why is freshwater limited despite Earth's water abundance?Most water is in oceans as saltwater; only a small fraction is freshwater in rivers, lakes and accessible groundwater, making usable water limited.
- 12. Describe two major uses of water.Water is used for drinking and domestic needs, agriculture (irrigation) and industrial processes; it's also vital for ecosystems and hygiene.
- 13. What is groundwater recharge?Groundwater recharge is the process where surface water percolates through soil to refill aquifers, often aided by rainwater infiltration and recharge structures.
- 14. Explain rainwater harvesting briefly.Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater from roofs or surfaces, directing it to storage tanks or recharge pits to conserve water and recharge groundwater.
- 15. How does agriculture contribute to water scarcity?Inefficient irrigation, water-intensive crops, and over-extraction for irrigation deplete surface and groundwater resources, causing scarcity.
- 16. Name two common types of water pollution.Sewage contamination and chemical pollution from industrial effluents or agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers).
- 17. What is watershed management?Watershed management involves integrated conservation of land and water in a catchment area to maintain water availability and reduce erosion and flooding.
- 18. State one method to reduce domestic water use.Use of water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks, reusing greywater for gardening and preferring buckets over hoses for washing.
- 19. What role do wetlands play in water conservation?Wetlands store and filter water, recharge groundwater, support biodiversity and reduce floods by acting as natural sponges.
- 20. Why treat sewage before discharge?Treating sewage removes pathogens and harmful chemicals, preventing water pollution and protecting human health and aquatic ecosystems.
C. Air & Atmosphere (Questions 21–26)
- 21. List the main components of clean air.Main components are nitrogen (~78%), oxygen (~21%), with small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide and trace gases.
- 22. What is air pollution? Give one example.Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in air that can damage health or environment; example: particulate matter from vehicle emissions.
- 23. How does air pollution affect human health?It causes respiratory problems, asthma exacerbation, cardiovascular issues and can worsen chronic illnesses; long-term exposure increases health risks.
- 24. Explain how trees help reduce air pollution.Trees absorb carbon dioxide, trap particulates on leaves, release oxygen and improve local air quality through photosynthesis.
- 25. What is smog and what causes it?Smog is a mixture of smoke and fog, formed mainly from vehicle and industrial emissions under certain weather conditions, reducing visibility and harming health.
- 26. Mention one policy measure to control air pollution.Implementing emission standards for vehicles and industries, promoting cleaner fuels and public transport systems.
D. Soil — Formation, Erosion & Conservation (Questions 27–36)
- 27. How is soil formed?Soil forms by weathering of rocks and decomposition of organic matter over long periods, resulting in layers with mineral and organic content.
- 28. What is topsoil and why is it important?Topsoil is the uppermost fertile layer rich in organic matter and nutrients essential for plant growth and agriculture.
- 29. Define soil erosion and state its main causes.Soil erosion is the removal of topsoil by wind or water, mainly caused by deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices and heavy rainfall.
- 30. What are contour bunding and terracing?Contour bunding and terracing are soil conservation techniques used on slopes to reduce runoff velocity and prevent soil loss by creating barriers along contours.
- 31. How does organic farming help soil conservation?Organic farming uses compost and crop rotation, reducing chemical use, improving soil structure and fertility, and preventing erosion and degradation.
- 32. Explain the role of vegetation in soil conservation.Vegetation covers soil, roots bind soil particles, reduce runoff, and leaf litter improves organic content and moisture retention.
- 33. What is desertification and one way to prevent it?Desertification is land degradation in arid regions caused by overuse and drought; prevention includes afforestation and sustainable land management.
- 34. Name one physical structure used to reduce soil erosion in watersheds.Check dams or silt traps built across streams to slow water flow and retain sediment.
- 35. How does mulching help soil?Mulching covers soil surface, reduces evaporation, moderates temperature, and adds organic matter as it decomposes, improving fertility.
- 36. Why is maintaining soil pH important?Soil pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity; maintaining optimal pH ensures healthy plant growth and nutrient uptake.
E. Forests & Wildlife (Questions 37–42)
- 37. List three ecological roles of forests.Forests regulate climate, protect watersheds, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity by providing habitat and food.
- 38. What causes loss of biodiversity?Habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species and climate change lead to biodiversity loss.
- 39. How do protected areas aid conservation?Protected areas conserve habitats and species by restricting human activities, enabling natural processes and scientific management for biodiversity protection.
- 40. What is afforestation and how does it differ from reforestation?Afforestation is planting trees in areas not previously forested; reforestation is replanting trees in deforested areas to restore forests.
- 41. Mention one community-level approach to conserve wildlife.Community-based monitoring and eco-tourism that provide livelihoods while encouraging locals to protect habitats and species.
- 42. How can reducing meat consumption help conserve natural resources?Livestock farming requires large land, water and feed; reducing meat consumption lowers pressure on forests and water resources, and reduces emissions.
F. Minerals, Energy & Sustainable Use (Questions 43–48)
- 43. Why are minerals considered non-renewable?Minerals form over geological time scales and cannot be replenished within human lifetimes, making them non-renewable.
- 44. Name two environmental impacts of mining.Habitat destruction and water/soil pollution due to runoff and tailings; also air pollution and landscape alteration.
- 45. Why shift to renewable energy sources?Renewable energy (solar, wind) reduces dependence on finite fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change.
- 46. How does recycling help conserve mineral resources?Recycling recovers valuable materials from waste, reducing the need for new extraction and conserving finite mineral stocks.
- 47. What is energy efficiency and give one household example?Energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same task; example: LED bulbs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs for same light output.
- 48. Explain the term 'sustainable mining'.Sustainable mining minimises environmental damage, ensures rehabilitation of sites, and balances resource extraction with social and ecological concerns.
G. Community Role, Policy & Practical Measures (Questions 49–50)
- 49. How can local communities contribute to resource conservation?Communities can manage local forests, adopt rainwater harvesting, practice sustainable agriculture, participate in afforestation and enforce local conservation rules.
- 50. Mention three simple actions students can take to conserve natural resources.Plant trees, save and reuse water, segregate and compost organic waste; additionally reduce use of single-use plastics and spread awareness.
Note: These short-answer questions and answers are carefully aligned with the NCERT Class 9 Chapter 15: Natural Resources. Use them for classroom practice, tests, or upload as a WordPress lesson. If you need printable PDF, flashcards, or longer explanatory answers for any question, say which ones and I will prepare them.