NCERT Solutions for Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use प्राकृतिक संसाधन एवं उनका उपयोग 

The big Questions (page 1)

Question 1.
How do we categorise natural resources?
हम प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का वर्गीकरण कैसे करते है? 
Answer:
Natural resources can be categorised in two main ways:

(1) Based on their use:

Resources essential for life – Air, water, and soil.

Resources for materials – Wood, marble, metals, and minerals used to make various products.

Resources for energy – Coal, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight, wind, and flowing water.

(2) Based on their ability to regenerate: 

Renewable resources – Resources that can be naturally restored or regenerated, such as sunlight, wind, water, forests, and soil (if used sustainably).

Non-renewable resources – Resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly, such as coal, petroleum, iron, copper, and gold.
 

प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का वर्गीकरण मुख्यतः दो आधारों पर किया जाता है—

(1) उपयोग के आधार पर:

• जीवन के लिए आवश्यक संसाधन – वायु, जल और मिट्टी।
• सामग्री प्राप्त करने वाले संसाधन – लकड़ी, संगमरमर, धातुएँ तथा खनिज, जिनका उपयोग विभिन्न वस्तुओं के निर्माण में किया जाता है।
• ऊर्जा के संसाधन – कोयला, पेट्रोलियम, प्राकृतिक गैस, सूर्य का प्रकाश, पवन तथा बहता हुआ जल।

(2) पुनः प्राप्त होने की क्षमता (पुनर्जनन) के आधार पर:

• नवीकरणीय संसाधन – ऐसे संसाधन जो प्राकृतिक रूप से पुनः उत्पन्न या पुनर्स्थापित हो सकते हैं, जैसे सूर्य का प्रकाश, पवन, जल, वन तथा मिट्टी (यदि उनका सतत् रूप से उपयोग किया जाए)।
• अनवीकरणीय संसाधन – ऐसे संसाधन जिन्हें बनने में लाखों वर्ष लगते हैं और जिन्हें शीघ्रता से पुनः प्राप्त नहीं किया जा सकता, जैसे कोयला, पेट्रोलियम, लोहा, ताँबा तथा सोना।

Question 2.
What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
जीवन के विभिन्न पक्षों और प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के वितरण के मध्य क्या संबंध है?
Answer:
The distribution of natural resources influences where people live, the growth of industries, employment opportunities, trade, and economic development. It also affects international relations and may lead to conflicts over resource sharing. Thus, the unequal distribution of natural resources shapes many social, economic, and political aspects of human life.

प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का वितरण यह निर्धारित करता है कि लोग कहाँ निवास करेंगे, उद्योग कहाँ स्थापित होंगे, रोजगार के अवसर कहाँ उपलब्ध होंगे तथा व्यापार और आर्थिक विकास किस प्रकार होगा। यह देशों के बीच संबंधों को भी प्रभावित करता है और संसाधनों के बँटवारे को लेकर विवाद या संघर्ष का कारण बन सकता है। इसलिए, प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का असमान वितरण मानव जीवन के सामाजिक, आर्थिक तथा राजनीतिक पक्षों को गहराई से प्रभावित करता है।

Question 3.
What are the implications of unsustainable use/over exploitation of natural resources?
प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के असंधारणीय उपयोग/अतिशोषण से क्या आशय है?
Answer:
Unsustainable use of natural resources causes pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, depletion of groundwater, soil degradation, and exhaustion of non-renewable resources. It disturbs Nature's cycles of restoration and regeneration, threatens ecosystems, and reduces the availability of resources for future generations. 

प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का असंधारणीय उपयोग या अतिशोषण पर्यावरण प्रदूषण, वनों की कटाई, जैव विविधता में कमी, जलवायु परिवर्तन, भूजल का क्षय, मृदा (मिट्टी) का अवनयन तथा अनवीकरणीय संसाधनों के समाप्त होने जैसी समस्याएँ उत्पन्न करता है। इससे प्रकृति के पुनर्स्थापन और पुनर्जनन के प्राकृतिक चक्र बाधित हो जाते हैं, पारिस्थितिक तंत्र को नुकसान पहुँचता है तथा भविष्य की पीढ़ियों के लिए संसाधनों की उपलब्धता कम हो जाती है।

Let’s Explore

Question 1.
Identify human actions in your surroundings that result in Nature losing her ability to restore and regenerate. What types of interventions can be undertaken to restore Nature’s cycle? (Page 7)
Answer:
Human actions such as cutting trees, polluting rivers, over-extracting groundwater, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, burning fossil fuels, and dumping plastic waste disturb Nature’s ability to restore and regenerate. To restore Nature’s cycle, we should plant more trees, conserve water, practise rainwater harvesting, reduce pollution, recycle waste, use organic farming methods, protect forests, and promote renewable sources of energy. These measures help maintain ecological balance and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Question 2.
Take up a small research study to assess the types of renewable resources in your region; you may discuss with your teacher the geographical area of your study and sources to access information that you may need. What has been the change in their status over time? Make a small report that identifies the reasons for the change and what may be done. (Page 8)

Question 3.
What are the non-renetvable resources that you use daily, directly or indirectly? What are the possible renewable substitutes? What are some of the steps we can take to transition to renewables? (Page 8)
Answer:
In our daily life, we directly or indirectly use non-renewable resources such as petrol, diesel, LPG, coal, natural gas, iron, copper, and other metals. Possible renewable substitutes include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biogas, and sustainably managed biomass. To transition to renewables, we should increase the use of solar panels and electric vehicles, conserve energy, improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of fossil fuels, invest in renewable energy projects, and spread awareness about sustainable living. These steps will help conserve non-renewable resources and protect the environment for future generations.

Question 6.
Discuss the implications of extracting the natural resources in those parts for current and future generations. Suggest ways in which we can use Nature’s gifts in responsible ways. (Page 10)
Answer:
Extracting natural resources creates jobs, supports industries, and promotes economic growth for the present generation. However, excessive extraction can lead to deforestation, pollution, displacement of people, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of resources, affecting future generations. We should use Nature’s gifts responsibly by conserving resources, preventing wastage, planting trees, promoting renewable energy, recycling materials, protecting forests and water bodies, and following sustainable development practices. This will help preserve natural resources for both present and future generations.

Question 8.
What do you think are the different inputs required to enable the use of the natural resources available in different geographical areas? (Page 11)
Answer:
To make proper use of natural resources available in different geographical areas, several inputs are needed. These include human knowledge and skills, modern technology, capital (money), infrastructure such as roads and transport, industries, electricity, and good governance. Proper planning and sustainable management are also essential to ensure that natural resources are used efficiently without harming the environment or depriving future generations. 

Think About It

Question 1.
Take a pause. Look at yourself and the things around you. What is the origin of each of them? At some point they all lead to Nature; even the plastic button on your shirt. (Page 3)

Question 2.
What might be the different criteria we can use to categorise natural resources? (Page 4)
Answer:
Natural resources can be categorised using different criteria. One criterion is their use, such as resources essential for life, resources for materials, and resources for energy. Another criterion is their ability to regenerate, which classifies them as renewable and non-renewable resources. These categories help us understand and use natural resources effectively.

Don’t miss Out

Question 1.
Do you know of practices that reflect this? (Page 3)

Question 2.
Do you know of other traditional practices that help the ecosystem to stay in balance? (Page 6)
Answer:
Yes. Many traditional practices help maintain ecological balance. These include rainwater harvesting, protecting sacred groves, planting trees during festivals, organic farming, crop rotation, mixed cropping, using cow dung as natural manure, and avoiding fishing during the breeding season. Such practices conserve soil, water, forests, and biodiversity while allowing Nature to restore and regenerate itself sustainably.

Questions and Activities (Page 19)

Question 1.
What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Answer:
A renewable resource can become non-renewable if it is used faster than Nature can restore or regenerate it. For example, excessive cutting of forests, over-extraction of groundwater, overfishing, and pollution can deplete renewable resources. To prevent this, we should use resources sustainably, plant more trees, conserve water, protect forests and wildlife, reduce pollution, practise rainwater harvesting, and follow responsible farming and fishing methods. These actions help maintain Nature’s cycles of restoration and regeneration.

Question 2.
Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Answer:
Five important ecosystem functions that serve humans are:
(i) Producing oxygen for breathing.
(ii) Filtering and purifying water naturally.
(iii) Preventing soil erosion.
(iv) Providing habitat for plants and animals.
(v) Pollinating crops, which helps in food production.

Question 3.
What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.
Answer:
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be restored or regenerated by Nature over time if they are used sustainably. Examples include sunlight, wind, flowing water, and forests. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished at the rate they are used. Examples include coal, petroleum, and minerals.
To ensure renewable resources remain available for present and future generations, people should use them wisely, prevent overexploitation, plant more trees, conserve water, reduce pollution, and protect forests and ecosystems.
Examples of renewable resources: 
(i) Solar energy
(ii) Wind energy

Question 4.
Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Answer:
Many cultural practices in our homes and neighbourhoods show respect for natural resources. These include planting and worshipping Tulsi and Peepal trees, celebrating Van Mahotsav, conserving water during daily use, using cloth bags instead of plastic bags, reusing household items, feeding birds and animals, and keeping ponds and surroundings clean. Many families also celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner by using natural decorations and avoiding plastic. Such practices help conserve natural resources and promote environmental sustainability.

Question 5.
What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
Answer:
While producing goods for our current use, we should ensure that natural resources are used wisely and sustainably. Industries should minimise pollution, reduce waste, recycle materials, and use renewable sources of energy whenever possible. Production methods should protect forests, soil, water, and biodiversity, and avoid harming people's health. We should also encourage eco-friendly technologies and sustainable materials so that the needs of the present are met without reducing the availability of resources for future generations.

BrightWay Coaching Academy