Natural Resources – Very Short Answer Type Questions

CBSE Class 9 Biology – Chapter 15: Natural Resources | 50 Very Short Answer Questions

Topic-wise Very Short Answer Questions

A. Basics — Definitions & Types (Questions 1–10)

1. What are natural resources?Materials and components provided by nature that support life and human activities (e.g., water, soil, forests).
2. Define biotic resources.Resources derived from living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms).
3. Define abiotic resources.Non-living resources such as water, air, soil and minerals.
4. Give two examples of renewable resources.Water and forests (when managed sustainably).
5. Give two examples of non-renewable resources.Coal and petroleum.
6. What is meant by resource conservation?Using resources carefully to avoid waste and ensure availability for future generations.
7. What is sustainable use?Using resources at a rate that does not deplete them and allows natural regeneration.
8. What is a resource stock?The total amount of a resource available in an area (e.g., total groundwater in an aquifer).
9. What is meant by distribution of resources?How resources are spread across the Earth, not evenly but varying by region.
10. Why is it important to classify resources?Classification helps in management, conservation and planning their sustainable use.

B. Water Resources (Questions 11–20)

11. What fraction of Earth's water is freshwater?Less than 3% of Earth's water is freshwater; even less is easily accessible.
12. Name two major sources of freshwater.Rivers and groundwater (aquifers).
13. What is groundwater?Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock pores (aquifers).
14. Define rainwater harvesting.Collecting and storing rainwater for use or to recharge groundwater.
15. One method to conserve water in agriculture?Drip irrigation to reduce water wastage.
16. Why is water pollution harmful?It contaminates drinking sources, harms aquatic life, and spreads water-borne diseases.
17. What is watershed management?Integrated management of land and water in a catchment area to conserve resources.
18. Give one example of domestic water conservation.Fixing leaks and using buckets instead of hoses for washing.
19. What is recharge of groundwater?Process by which surface water infiltrates to refill underground aquifers.
20. Name a pollutant commonly found in water from agricultural runoff.Nitrate from fertilizers.

C. Air and Atmosphere (Questions 21–26)

21. What are the two main gases in Earth's atmosphere?Nitrogen (~78%) and oxygen (~21%).
22. Define air pollution.Presence of harmful substances in the air that affect health and environment.
23. Name one major source of air pollution.Vehicle emissions.
24. What is smog?A type of air pollution combining smoke and fog, harmful to health.
25. How do trees help improve air quality?They absorb CO₂ and particulates and release oxygen through photosynthesis.
26. Give one effect of acid rain.Damage to crops and corrosion of buildings.

D. Soil — Formation & Conservation (Questions 27–34)

27. What is soil made of?Mineral particles, organic matter, water and air.
28. Define soil erosion.Removal of top fertile soil by wind or water.
29. One natural factor causing soil formation?Weathering of rocks.
30. How does afforestation help soils?Tree roots bind soil and reduce erosion.
31. What is contour farming?Ploughing along contour lines to reduce runoff and erosion on slopes.
32. Give one benefit of composting organic waste.Produces nutrient-rich manure that improves soil fertility.
33. What causes desertification?Unsustainable land use, deforestation, overgrazing and drought leading to land degradation.
34. Name one soil conservation structure.Terraces or bunds.

E. Forests & Wildlife (Questions 35–40)

35. Why are forests called 'lungs of the Earth'?They absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, helping maintain atmospheric balance.
36. One function of forests besides timber production?Protecting watersheds and preventing soil erosion.
37. What is deforestation?Clearing of forests for agriculture, logging or urban use.
38. Name one consequence of deforestation.Loss of biodiversity.
39. What are protected areas?Regions like national parks and sanctuaries set aside for conservation of wildlife and habitats.
40. How can communities help forest conservation?By participating in afforestation and following sustainable harvesting practices.

F. Minerals & Energy Resources (Questions 41–46)

41. What are minerals?Naturally occurring inorganic substances extracted from the Earth (e.g., iron, copper).
42. Give one environmental impact of mining.Habitat destruction and soil/water pollution.
43. Why are fossil fuels non-renewable?They form over millions of years and cannot be replenished on human timescales.
44. Name two renewable energy sources.Solar and wind energy.
45. What is meant by recycling of minerals?Recovering and reusing materials from waste to reduce extraction of new minerals.
46. One way to reduce energy consumption at home?Use energy-efficient appliances and switch off unused devices.

G. Sustainable Practices & Community Role (Questions 47–50)

47. What is community-based resource management?Local communities managing their resources collectively for sustainable use.
48. One household measure to conserve natural resources?Rainwater harvesting or composting kitchen waste.
49. Why is environmental education important?It creates awareness and encourages responsible behaviour towards resources.
50. Give one simple action a student can take for conservation.Plant a tree or reduce, reuse and recycle household materials.