Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources
Geography • Class 8
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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate21 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter discusses the importance and conservation of natural resources like land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife. It explains different types of land use, factors affecting soil formation, soil conservation methods, the distribution of water resources, and the need for water conservation. Natural vegetation and wildlife are covered in the context of the biosphere and the need for their conservation due to human interferences and natural disasters.
Key Topics
- •Land use and its types
- •Factors affecting soil formation
- •Soil conservation methods
- •Water resource distribution and conservation
- •Conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife
- •Ecosystem interdependencies
- •Impacts of human activities on natural resources
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand different types of land use and their importance
- ✓Identify factors that affect the formation and conservation of soil
- ✓Comprehend the distribution and scarcity of water resources
- ✓Recognize the importance of conserving natural vegetation and wildlife
- ✓Explain how human activities impact natural resources
- ✓Explore methods for the sustainable management of resources
Questions in Chapter
Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Answer: Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.
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Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer: Deforestation and overgrazing are two reasons for land degradation today.
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Why is land considered an important resource?
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Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
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Suggest three ways to conserve water.
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Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?
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Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on steep slopes?
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Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature?
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the significance of rainwater harvesting.
mediumAnswer: Rainwater harvesting is important as it helps in collecting rainwater for future use, reduces the reliance on traditional water supply systems, and mitigates the effects of droughts and water shortages.
Discuss the impact of deforestation on wildlife.
mediumAnswer: Deforestation leads to habitat loss which puts wildlife at risk, reduces biodiversity, and can push species towards extinction. It disrupts the balance of ecosystems, leading to food chain alterations.
What are the effects of soil erosion on agriculture?
hardAnswer: Soil erosion depletes the nutrient-rich topsoil, reducing the soil's fertility and its capacity to support plant life, which consequently impacts agricultural productivity.
Why is it important to maintain biodiversity within ecosystems?
mediumAnswer: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health as it enables ecosystems to provide services like pollination, decomposition, water purification, and soil fertility, which are crucial for human survival.
How can urbanization impact land resources?
hardAnswer: Urbanization leads to the conversion of agricultural or forest land into urban areas, increasing land degradation, reducing green cover, and stressing local resources through pollution and waste.