PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions History Chapter 9 When, Where and How Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 9 When, Where and How

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB When, Where and How Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Write down the answer of the following questions:

Question 1.
In which three periods the Historians have divided the Indian History?
Answer:
Historians have divided the Indian History in three periods and these are:
(a) Ancient period
(b) Medieval period
(c) Modern period.

Question 2.
When modern period started in India?
Answer:
It has been considered that modern period, in India, was started in 18th century after the death of Aurangzeb.

Question 3.
When independent state of Hyderabad was founded and who founded it?
Answer:
Independent state of Hyderabad was founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1724 A.D.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 4.
Write down the names of the European powers who came to India during the modern period.
Answer:
Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British.

Question 5.
When and by whom the independent state of Avadh was founded?
Answer:
Avadh was declared as an independent state by Saadat Khan in 1739 A.D.

Question 6.
How books as historical sources help us?
Answer:
A number of books were printed in modern age in English and in Indian languages due to the invention of printing press. With these books, we come to know about human development in different fields such as literature, art, history, science and music. These books are very helpful in increasing our knowledge about history and science. We can take inspiration from these books to do progress in our lives.

Question 7.
Write down in brief about the historical buildings.
Answer:
Historical monuments, built in the modern age, are the living examples of History. A number of historical monuments still exist is our country and still are in very good condition. India Gate, Parliament House, President House, Birla House and other buildings are included in it. These monuments tell us about different aspects of Indian art and architecture.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 8.
How Newspapers, Magazines and Pamphlets are helpful in writing history?
Answer:
A number of newspapers, magazines and pamphlets, in different Indian languages, were printed in modern age in India. Out of them ‘The Tribune’, ‘The Times of India’ and many other newspapers are still printing. Ah these newspapers and magazines give us information of many important events of modern age. Even they print any particular news of that age in today’s newspaper. In this way they are helpful in writing history.

Question 9.
Write a note on Govt. Documents.
Answer:
Government documents are a very important source of history of modern India. We can get information about activities of foreign powers, the British conquest of India and the British administration in India through these documents. These documents also tell us that how India was economically exploited by the British. In other words Government documents are one of the important sources of writing history of modern India.

II. Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1.
In Europe Modern Period began in the __________ century.
Answer:
16th

Question 2.
There was __________ period in India in the 16th century.
Answer:
medieval

Question 3.
__________, __________, __________ Pathans and Rajputs etc. new powers emerged in the 18th century.
Answer:
Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 4.
In 1724 A.D., Nizam-Ul-Mulk founded an independent state of __________
Answer:
Hyderabad

Question 5.
In 1739 A.D., Sadaat Khan made an independent state.
Answer:
Avadh

Question 6.
Three carnatic curves were fought between the and Britishers during the period 1744 to 1763 A.D. which British got victorious?
Answer:
French

Question 7.
__________, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets and historical buildings are main sources of Modern Indian History.
Answer:
Books, government documents.

III. Write True or ‘False’ in the brackets given after each statement:

Question 1.
There were many social evils prevalent in India in the 18th century.
Answer:
True

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 2.
Western ideas enlightened the Indians along with western education and literature.
Answer:
True

Question 3.
In India Mughal Empire was more powerful in the 18th century.
Answer:
False

IV. Something To Do:

Question 1.
Write main sources of Modern Indian history on a chart with a picture of each source and paste it on the wall of your class room.
Answer:
Do it yourself with the help of your teacher.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide When, Where and How Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions:

Question 1.
Which of these is a part of periodization of Indian history?
(a) Ancient age
(b) Modern age
(c) Medieval age
(d) All of these.
Answer:
(d) All of these.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 2.
Which of these European powers came to India in modern age?
(a) British
(b) Dutch
(c) French
(d) All of these.
Answer:
(d) All of these.

Question 3.
Who among the following was the first Governor-General of India?
(a) Lord Dalhousie
(b) Warren Hastings
(c) Lord Wellesley
(d) Lord Canning.
Answer:
(b) Warren Hastings.

Question 4.
Which of these is a source of history of modern India?
(a) Books
(b) Historical Monuments
(c) Official Documents
(d) All of these.
Answer:
(d) All of these.

Question 5.
Who founded the independent state of Awadh?
(a) Nizam-ul-mulk
(b) Ali Vardi Khan
(c) Tipu Sultan
(d) Murshid Quli Khan.
Answer:
(a) Nizam-ul-mulk.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 6.
Identify the following pictures and tell with which period do these buildings belong?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How 1
(a) Ancient period
(b) Gupta Period
(c) Medieval period
(d) Modern period.
Answer:
(d) Modern period.

Question 7.
__________ Carnatic wars were fought between the French and the British.
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) Five.
Answer:
(c) Four.

Question 8.
__________ period began in the 16th century in Europe.
(a) Medieval
(b) Modern
(c) Gupta
(d) Ancient.
Answer:
(b) Modern.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 9.
The given picture is of one of the famous historical building in India. Name the building.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How 2
(a) India Gate
(b) Qutub Minar
(c) President House
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) India Gate.

Question 10.
With which age the buildings given below are associated?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How 3
(a) Modern age
(b) Ancient age
(c) Medieval age
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Modern age.

Question 11.
Identify the building in the picture.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How 4
(a) India Gate
(b) Qutub Minar
(e) President House
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) India Gate.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 12.
Which building of the following buildings is not situated in Delhi, the Capital of the country?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How 5
Answer:
(d) Taj Mahal

Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1.
Modern age in Europe started in __________ century.
Answer:
16th

Question 2.
There was __________ age in 16th century India.
Answer:
medieval

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 3.
In 18th century India, many new regional powers puch as____________, __________, __________ Pathan and Rajputs.
Answer:
Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas.

Tick the Right (✓) or Wrong (✗) Answer:

Question 1.
Many social evils prevailed in Indian society during 18th century.
Answer:
(✓)

Question 2.
Western education and literature along with western ideas motivated Indians against the British.
Answer:
(✓)

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 3.
Mughal empire was quite powerful during 18th century.
Answer:
(✗).

Match the Following:

Question 1.

A B
1. Saadat Khan (i) Europeans
2. Nizam-ul-Mulk (ii) Avadh
3. Babur (iii) Hyderabad
4. Dutch (iv) Mughals

Answer:

A B
1. Saadat Khan (ii) Avadh
2. Nizam-ul-Mulk (iii) Hyderabad
3. Babur (iv) Mughals
4. Dutch (i) Europeans

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
In how many periods, history of the world has been divided?
Answer:
World history has been divided in three periods and these are ancient period, medieval period and modern period.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 2.
In which century, medieval period was started in Europe?
Answer:
In 16th century.

Question 3.
Name any four new powers which emerged on political scene of India in the 18th century.
Answer:
Marathas, Sikhs, Ruhelas and Pathans.

Question 4.
When India became Independent?
Answer:
In 1947 A.D.

Question 5.
Why modern period in Europe started earlier than India?
Answer:
Modern period started very early in Europe, as compared to other countries, which developed very quickly. European countries also progressed very quickly.

Question 6.
Which step was taken by the Indian rulers of modern period to strengthen Indian economy?
Answer:
They gave encouragement to agriculture, trade and industries.

Question 7.
When and between whom were Carnatic wars fought? Who emerged victorious out of these wars?
Answer:
Carnatic wars were fought between the British and the French during the period of 1746-1763 A.D. The British emerged victorious out of these wars.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 8.
On what history is based and how historians reconstruct history?
Answer:
History is based on facts and historians use many sources to reconstruct history.These sources include books, government documents, newspapers, magazines, historical buildings, paintings etc.

Question 9.
Who founded Mysore State and under whom it progressed?
Answer:
Hyder Ali founded Mysore State and it progressed under the son of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How western education and literature in modern India paved way for Indian independence?
Answer:
A number of schools and colleges were established in the modern period in India where education was given in Indian languages as well as in English language. Western ideas also spread in country through western education and literature. Sense of liberty, equality and fraternity developed among such Indians who received education of philosophy, history and western civilization. They were not able to tolerate the British rule in India and were unable to tolerate the economic exploitation of the country. That’s why they started national movement against the British rule. They gave great sacrifices and suffered a lot and brought freedom for the country in 1947 A.D.

Question 2.
Write a note on the advent of independent states in India in modern period.
Answer:
Many provinces of the Mughal empire took advantage of its weakness and declared themselves independent. First of all Nizam-ul-Mulk founded Hyderabad state in 1724 A.D. After this, Murshid Quli Khan and Alivardi Khan made Bengal a free state. Saadat Khan founded the Avadh state in 1739 A.D. In the same way Hyder Ali founded the state of Mysore in the south. State of Mysore developed to a great deal under Hyder Ah and his son Tipu Sultan. The Marathas also took advantage of this situation. They started to attack Mughal provinces under the leadership of Peshwas.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Explain the important sources of history of modern India.
Answer:
History depends upon facts. That’s why historians are dependent upon different sources for the creation of history. A number of sources are there to get information of history of modern India.

Some of these main sources are given below:
1. Books. A number of books were printed in the modern period in English language and in Indian languages due to the invention of printing press. With these books, we came to know about human development in different fields such as literature, art, history, science and music. We can take inspiration from these books to do progress in our lives.

2. Historical Monuments. Historical monuments, built in modern age, are the living examples of history. A number of historical monuments still exist in our country and still are in very good condition. India Gate, Parliament House, President House, Birla House and other buildings are included in it. These monuments tell us about different aspects of art and architecture of India.

3. Newspapers and Magazines. A number of newspapers, magazines and novels, in different Indian languages, were printed in modern age in India. Out of them ‘The Tribune’, “The Times of India’ and many other newpapers are still printing. All these newspapers and magazines give us information of many important events of modern age.

4. Government Documents. Government documents are very important source of the history of modern India. We can get information about the activities of foreign powers, the British conquest of India and the British administration in India through these documents. These documents also tell us that how India was exploited economically by the British.

5. Art and Sculptures. A number of pictures and sculptures are also there which are important sources of modern history. These sources give us information of important historical persons and national leaders.

6. Other Sources. Except given sources, some other important sources of modern Indian history are also there. Most important source out of these sources are films which throw some light on the life and lifestyle of contemporary people. Except this, we can come to know about personality and views of Gandhiji and Pt. Nehru from their own hand written letters and correspondence.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 When, Where and How

Question 2.
Write down in detail over “An overview of the modern Indian history.”
Answer:
Modern age in India started in 18th century after the death of Aurangzeb. Some of the features can be seen from the different events of this age and these are given below:
1. Advent of New Powers. Many of the old powers weakened during this age and they were replaced by the new powers. Marathas, Sikhs, Ruhelas, Pathans and Rajputs were emerged as new powers.

2. Arrival of Foreign Powers. Mutual conflict of these Indian powers motivated foreign powers to establish their authority and supremacy in India. Portuguese, the British, Dutch and the French were included among these powers. Modern period in India started with the arrival of European powers.

3. Social and Economic Reforms. A number of social evils were there in Indian society as compared to foreign societies of this time. Many social reformers tried to remove these social evils from society. A number of defects were also there in the economic sector of country. That’s why Indian rulers, i.e. the British, gave special attention to agriculture, trade and industries. They also tried to remove such defects of economy from Indian society.

4. Beginning of National Movement and Independence of country. A sense of liberty, equality and fraternity aroused among those enlightened Indians who got education of history, philosophy and western civilization. They were not able to tolerate the British rule in India and were unable to tolerate economic exploitation of the country. That’s why they started national movement against the British rule. They gave many sacrifices and suffered a lot and brought freedom for the country in 1947 A.D.

5. Reorganization of Economy. Work of reorganization of the economy of country started after the achievement of independence. That’s why just within 69 years of freedom, Indian economy has been emerged as one of the fastest growing economy of the world.

Question 3.
Explain the main developments during modern period of Indian history.
Answer:
The age of 18th century or the beginning of modern age of Indian history is known as the Black age. It was so because country was weakened due to the decline of Mughal Empire. Conflict between local powers and foreign powers started in the country.

The advent of Independent States. Many small states or different provinces of the Mughal Empire took advantage of its weakness and declared themselves independent.

  • First of all, Nizam-ul-Mulk founded the independent state of Hyderabad in 1-724 A.D.
  • After this, Bengal was made an independent state by Murshid Quli Khan and Alivardi Khan.
  • Saadat Khan made an independent state of Avadh in 1739 A.D.
  • In the same way, Mysore state was founded in the South under the leadership of Hyder Ah.
  • The state of Mysore was greatly developed under the leadership of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
  • Marathas also took advantage of this situation and started invading Mughal states under the leadership of Peshwas.

Struggle among the Foreign Powers. European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British also took advantage of the weakness of Mughals and tried to establish their rule in the country. Three Carnatic wars were fought between the British and the French during 1746-1763 A.D. The British emerged victorious which paved the way for the establishment of British rule in India.

The British control over the Indian Economy. The Indian economy was severely damaged by the chaos which prevailed in the Indian politics of that time. The British took control of Indian trade. Handicraft work and artisan work both were destroyed by the British policies.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions Geography Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB Minerals and Energy Resources Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in 1-15 words :

Question 1.
Write the definition of mineral resources.
Answer:
Minerals are natural substances that are made up of one or more elements. These are found in the interior of the earth. These have a definite chemical composition. These are identified by their physical and chemical qualities.

Question 2.
Where do iron-ore is found in India?
Answer:

  1. Bihar: Singhbhum.
  2. Orissa: Mayurbhanjh.
  3. Chhattisgarh: Durg and Bastar.
  4. Karnataka: Bellary, Dharwar, Kudremukh.

Question 3.
What are the uses of copper?
Answer:
Copper is used for making utensils, coins, electrical wires and electronics. Their sheets are also made.

Question 4.
Name the famous gold mines in India.
Answer:
In Karnataka, Kolar and Hutti.
In Andhra Pradesh: Ramgiri.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 5.
How should we use atomic minerals?
Answer:
Atomic minerals should be used carefully. These should be used for the development of the country and not for destruction and pollution.

Question 6.
What are the non-conventional sources of energy?
Answer:
Water power, solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy and tidal energy.

Question 7.
Name the four types of coal.
Answer:

  1. Anthracite
  2. Bituminous
  3. Lignite
  4. Peat.

Question 8.
What are multipurpose projects?
Answer:
The dams built mainly for power generation are called multi- purpose projects as these provide many benefits at the same time.

II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words :

Question 1.
Which are the countries from where iron ore is mainly found? Write down the different types of iron ore :
Answer:
Countries: Russia and its neighbouring countries, Australia, Brazil, U.S.A. produce large quantities of iron ore. India produces 5% iron ore in the world.

Types of Iron ore :

  1. Magnetite
  2. Haematite
  3. Limonite
  4. Siderite.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 2.
Write down a note on the importance of Bauxite.
Answer:
Aluminium is extracted from Bauxite. It makes up about 8 per cent of the earth’s crust. It is light, strong and a very good conductor of electricity. It is largely used in various industries like transportation (aircraft, ship building, automobiles), chemical industries, electrical goods, machines, etc. It is used in making utensils, coins, furniture, sheets, packing material, photo-frames, pipes, etc. It is the basis of our telecommunication systems as it is used in radios, telegraphs, televisions and electrical wires. Due to its wide uses, it has been described as the ‘champion of metals’ or ‘the metal of the twentieth century’.

Question 3.
What is the importance of natural gas in our life and name the major areas in our country where it is found?
Answer:
Natural gas is produced in areas producing petroleum. When an oil well is dug, Natural gas is found in upper layers.

Use: It is used in homes for cooking, in vehicles and in industry.

Production: All the petroleum-producing countries produce Natural gas. The U.S.A. is the leading producer in the world. Russia, Middle East, Canada, Uzbekistan are other producers. Natural gas is produced in some parts of India. These include the Krishna-Godavari basin, Bay of Bengal-Orissa region and Barmer region of Rajasthan. Gulf of Cambay and Kutch region in Gujarat is a potential area. About 75% of the production of India comes from Bombay High.

Question 4.
Name the important factors which are favourable for the generation of Hydroelectricity?
Answer:
The development of water power (Hydro-electric power) depends upon the following factors:

  1. Uneven relief. Mountainous areas provide quite good sites for the development of water power. Such areas provide rapids or falls.
  2. Abundant rainfall. Fairly = heavy rainfall uniformly distributed throughout the year is necessary for water power development.
  3. Presence of huge rivers and waterfalls. There should be some large rivers like Indus or Nile to provide large and regular supply of water.
  4. Presence of lakes. The presence of lakes along the course of a river helps to regulate water flow naturally.
  5. Nearness to market. The consuming areas should be near the power stations to avoid the loss during transmission.

III. Answer the following questions in about 125-130 words :

Question 1.
What are energy resources? What is their contribution towards the development of the country? Write in detail about any two energy resources.
Answer:
Coal: Coal is the prime source of energy. It is often called the ‘Mother of Industries’. It has been the basis of industrial revolution. Coal is used as a raw material in iron and steel, chemical industries. India ranks seventh in the world as regards coal reserves. The total proven coal reserves are nearly 214,000 million tonnes. These reserves will not last long. The major states known for coal reserves are Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, M.P., Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Coal production is 330 million tonnes (4% of world).

Distribution: India has two types of coalfields :
(a) Gondwana coalfields (98%)
(b) Tertiary coalfields (2%).

(a) Gondwana coalfields: These belong to the period of Gondwana age. Nearly 3/ 4th of coal deposits are found in Damodar valley (Damuda series). Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valley have also coal deposits.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources 1

  1. W. Bengal. West Bengal has the oldest coalfield of India at Raniganj. It covers an area of 1267 sq. km.
  2. Jharkhand and Bihar. These two states produce 50% coal of India. The major coalfields of Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura, Daltonganj are found in Damodar valley. Coking coal from this coalfield is supplied to steel centres of Jamshedpur, Asansol, Durgapur and Bokaro.
  3. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have Son valley coalfields of Suhagpur, Korba, Rampur, Tatapani, Singrauli.
  4. Petroleum: In about 10 lakh sq. km oil-bearing rocks are found in India. The oil reserves in India are estimated to be about 4000 million tonnes.

The first oilfield in India was discovered in 1867 at Makum in Assam. At present the production is as below (334 lakh tonnes) :

  1. Assam: In Assam oil is produced in Digboi, Moran, Naharkatiya and Sibsagar regions.
  2. Gujarat: In Gujarat oil is produced in the Gulf of Cambay region at Kalol, Ankleshwar, Lunej, etc.
  3. Maharashtra: Oil has struck in the off-shore region at Bombay High along the coast of Mumbai. It is the leading producer of crude oil in India. North Basin and South basin are the important oilfields.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources 2
The production of oil in India is increasing everywhere under the organization of Oil and Natural Gas Commission.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

IV. Map Skill

Question 1.
Show one important area of minerals and energy resources on map of India
1. Iron ore
2. Manganese
3. Gold
4. Mica
5. Coal
6. Petroleum.
Answer:
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources 3

V. Activity

Question 1.
Prepare a list of atleast ten minerals.
Answer:

S.No. Name of the minerals Name of state of India in which mineral is found Use of the mineral
1. Iron ore Jharkhand Iron steel industries
2. Manganese Madhya Pradesh Steelmaking
3. Gold Karnataka Jewellery
4. Copper Jharkhand Electrical industries
5. Mica Bihar Chemical Industries
6. Uranium Jharkhand Utensils
7. Bauxite Andhra Pradesh Chemical
8. Coal Jharkhand Power
9. Petroleum Assam Power
10. Hydroelectricity Maharashtra Power

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide Minerals and Energy Resources Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
Which one of the following is not a type of mining?
(a) Open cast
(b) Shaft
(c) Drilling
(d) Shaft.
Answer:
(d) Shaft.

Question 2.
Which is the hardest mineral?
(a) Diamond
(b) Granite
(c) Basalt
(d) Gatbro.
Answer:
(a) Diamond.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 3.
Which is the first metal discovered by man?
(a) Copper
(b) Silver
(c) Gold
(d) Iron.
Answer:
(a) Copper.

Question 4.
Name the diamond which is rarest diamond.
(a) Green diamond
(b) White diamond
(c) Pink diamond
(d) Brown diamond.
Answer:
(a) Green diamond.

Question 5.
Which is a ferrous mineral?
(a) Bauxite
(b) Iron
(c) Mica
(d) Coal.
Answer:
(b) Iron.

Question 6.
What is the name of mining shown in the picture?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources 4
(a) Open Cast
(b) Shaft
(c) Drilling
(d) Shaft mining.
Answer:
(d) Shaft mining.

Question 7.
Which source of energy is the activity in the picture associated with?
Or
Seeing the picture tell the source to which it belongs.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources 5
(а) Hydroelectricity
(b) Solar energy
(c) Wind energy
(d) Nuclear (Atomic) energy.
Answer:
(a) Hydroelectricity.

Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
The __________ metals do not contain metals.
Answer:
Non-Metallic

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 2.
Gondwana coalfields belong to the period of __________ age.
Answer:
Gondwana

Question 3.
Biogas is produced in __________ areas.
Answer:
Rural

Question 4.
Khetri is famous for __________
Answer:
Copper

Question 5.
In Gujarat oil is produced in the __________ region.
Answer:
Gulf of camboy.

True/False :

Question 1.
Energy generated by Tides is called Tidal energy.
Answer:
True

Question 2.
West Bengal has the oldest coalfield of India.
Answer:
True

Question 3.
Iron is a non-ferrous mineral.
Answer:
False

Question 4.
Jharia is famous for Atomic energy.
Answer:
False

Question 5.
Gold metal is used for decoration.
Answer:
True.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Into how many categories can minerals be classified? Give two examples of each.
Answer:
Minerals are grouped into three categories :

  1. Metallic Minerals. Iron ore, tin.
  2. Non-metallic Minerals. Diamond, Gypsum.
  3. Atomic Minerals. Uranium, Thorium.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 2.
Distinguish between Ferrous and Non-ferrous minerals.
Answer:

Ferrous minerals Non-ferrous minerals
1. The metallic minerals which contain iron content are called ferrous minerals (Fe). 1. The minerals which do not contain iron (ferrous) content are called non-ferrous minerals (Nfe).
2. Iron, Manganese, Chromite, Cobalt, etc. are ferrous minerals. 2. Copper, Lead, Zinc, Aluminium are non-ferrous minerals.

Question 3.

What are the uses of Manganese?
Answer:

  1. It is used for manufacturing bleaching powder.
  2. It is used in insecticides.
  3. It is used for making paints and batteries.

Question 4.
Where does India rank in the production of manganese in the world? Where is it found in India?
Answer:
India ranks second in world production of Manganese. In India the main producing areas are Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Goa.

Question 5.
What is Bronze? What is its use?
Answer:
It is a hard and strong product. Tin and copper are mixed to make it. It is used in making tools and weapons.

Question 6.
Where is copper found in the world ? Name the copper producing areas in India.
Answer:
USA, Russia, Chile, Zambia, Canada and Zaire are the main producers of copper. In India copper is found in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) and Jhunjhunu, Alwar (Rajasthan).

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 7.
Which two states of India are large producer of Bauxite? Name two copper producing areas of these states.
Answer:
Jharkhand and Rajasthan are Bauxite producing states of India. Copper is mined at Singhbhum and Khetri.

Question 8.
What are the uses of Gold?
Answer:
Gold is a valuable metal :

  1. It is used for making ornaments and articles for decoration.
  2. It is used for gold plating, teeth covers and medicines.

Question 9.
What are the uses of copper?
Answer:
Copper is a soft and brown-coloured metal. It has been used by man for a very long time. It is mixed up with tin to be known as Bronze. It is used in the production of utensils, coins, electric wires.

Question 10.
Which minerals are used to produce atomic energy?
Answer:
Uranium, Thorium, Lithium and Zircon are used to produce atomic energy.

Question 11.
Why is petroleum called Rock oil?
Answer:
Petroleum or ‘mineral oil is called rock oil because it is formed in sedimentary rocks. It is called crude oil.

Question 12.
Which country is the largest producer of Gold in the world? And how much?
Answer:
South Africa is the largest producer of gold in the world. It produces about 70% gold of the world.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 13.
What is Mica? Why is it used in electrical goods industry?
Answer:
Mica is black or brown or white transparent material. It is a non-metallic .mineral. It is non-conductor of electricity. So it is used in electrical goods industry.

Question 14.
Describe the different methods of extracting minerals.
Answer:
Taking out minerals from rocks is called mining :

  • Open cast mining: Minerals at shallow depths are taken out by removing the surface layer.
  • Shaft Mining: Minerals at depth are taken out by making deep bores.
  • Drilling: Deep wells are bored to take out petroleum.
  • Quarrying: Minerals at surface are dug out.

Question 15.
Most industries are concentrated around coal mines.
Answer:
Most industries are concentrated around coal mines because coal is an important source of energy. It is key mineral and fuel for the industries. It is used as a power resource in many industries. Many industries use it as a raw material. So most industries are concentrated around coal mines.

Question 16.
Petroleum is referred to as “black gold”. Why?
Answer:
Nowadays petroleum is a major source of energy in the world. Many byproducts such as kerosene, fuel, lubricating oils etc. are obtained from it. Petrochemical products have become very useful. Petroleum is used in agro-industry, paints, perfumes, transport, etc. So it is rightly called the “black gold”.

Question 17.
Distinguish between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Answer:

Conventional Sources Non-conventional Sources
1. The sources of energy which have been used since a long time are called the conventional sources of energy. . 1. The sources of energy which have not been commonly used are called non conventional sources of energy
2. Wood, fuel, coal, petroleum gas and water power are conventional sources of energy. 2. Wind, tidal power, Geothermal energy, bio gas, solar energy are non conventional sources of energy.

Question 18.
Distinguish between
(i) Thermal power and Hydel power.
Answer:
Thermal Power and Hydel Power

Thermal Power Hydel Power
1. It is expensive. 1. It is comparatively cheaper.
2. It is a limited resource. 2. It is an unlimited resource.
3. It creates problems of atmospheric pollution. 3. It is non polluted.
4. The electricity generated by coal or petroleum is called thermal power. 4. The electricity generated by running water is called hydel power.

(ii) Anthracite coal and Bituminous coal.
Answer:
Anthracite coal and Bituminous coal

Anthracite coal Bituminous coal
1. It is the best quality of coal. 1. It is the low quality of coal.
2. It causes very less pollution. 2. It causes more pollution.
3. It gives more energy. 3. It gives less energy.
4. It is found only in J & K. 4. It is found in West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 19.
How should the natural resources be conserved?
Answer:
The natural resources should be used carefully in a planned manner. No resource should be wasted. These should be used so that the future generations can also use these.

Question 20.
Distinguish between Metallic and Non-metallic minerals.
Answer:

Metallic Minerals Non-Metallic Minerals
1. Metals are malleable i.e., they can be beaten into sheets. 1. They are brittle in nature and cannot be beaten into sheets.
2. They are good conductors of heat and electricity. 2. They are bad conductors of heat and electricity.
3. All metals are solids. 3. They may be solids, liquids and gases.
4. For Example iron, copper. 4. For Example sand, diamonds.

Question 21.
‘Human civilisations are associated with discovery of minerals.’ Give example.
Answer:
Mining is an age-old activity. The use of minerals is marked with different stages of human civilisation. During 5000 B.C., copper age existed. During 3000 B.C., Bronze age and during 1400 B.C., iron age were developed.

Question 22.
What are the alternative sources of energy?
Answer:
There are other sources of energy as well. They include hydropower, geothermal, nuclear, solar and wind. These are also referred to as the alternative energy sources.

Question 23.
Many African countries have large potential of water resources but they have not used it to generate hydro-electricity.
Answer:
Large amount of capital is required for making dams on rivers, fixing machines and turbines and buying of transmission lines. So in spite of the water resources they are not used to generate hydro-electricity.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 24.
Name four main belts where iron ore is found.
Answer:
The four main iron ore belts are :

  1. Orissa – Jharkhand belt
  2. Durg – Bastar Chandarpur belt
  3. Bellary – Chick Manglur belt
  4. Maharashtra – Goa belt.

Question 25.
‘Mineral conservation can delay a crisis.’ Explain.
Answer:
Due to growing population, the use of minerals is increasing at an alarming rate. Minerals will not last long. We need to find substitutes, reduce consumption, recycle mineral resources. It can delay a mineral crisis.

Question 26.
Classify the following metals :
(i) Ferrous
Answer:
Ferrous: Iron and Manganese

(ii) Non-ferrous
Answer:
Non-ferrous: Copper and Lead

(iii) Light metal
Answer:
Light metal: Aluminium

(iv) Rare metals.
Answer:
Rare metals: Zirconium.

Question 27.
List three basic ways through which energy is-obtained.
Answer:
Energy is the capacity to do work. It can be obtained by :

  • Direct heating like fire, sun, etc.
  • Electricity
  • Stored energy in the form of a battery.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 28.
Describe the different types of coal.
Answer:

  1. Peat: Peat is the first stage of coal development. It is dark brown in colour. It has about 35 per cent carbon content.
  2. Lignite: Lignite is the next stage of coal formation, which has almost 50 per cent carbon.
  3. Anthracite: Lignite becomes sub-bituminous, bituminous and eventually anthracite coal. Anthracite has more than 85 per cent carbon. It is the best quality of coal. It is very hard, compact, black in colour. It ignites slowly and bums with short blue flame.

Question 29.
Describe the formation of coal.
Answer:
Coal is a black or brown rock consisting mainly of carbon. Coal is formed by the decomposition of vegetation of last ages. Most of coal deposits were formed in carboniferous age about 300 million years ago.

Question 30.
Describe natural gas as a source of conventional energy.
Answer:

  1. Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits.
  2. It is released when crude oil is brought to the surface.
  3. It is used as a domestic and industrial fuel.
  4. Russia, Norway, UK and the Netherlands are the major producers of natural gas in the world.
  5. Jaisalmer, Krishna-Godavari delta. Tripura and some areas off shore in Mumbai have natural gas resources in India.
  6. Very few countries in the world have sufficient natural gas reserves of their own.

Question 31.
Describe solar energy.
Answer:
Solar Energy:

  1. Sun provides heat and light energy every day.
  2. Solar energy trapped from the sun is used in solar cells to produce electricity.
  3. These cells are joined into solar pan&b to generate power for heating and lighting purpose.
  4. The technology of utilising solar energy benefits tropical countries with abundant sunshine.
  5. Solar energy is also used in solar heaters, solar cookers, solar dryers along with community lighting and traffic signals.

Question 32.
Explain wind energy.
Answer:

  1. Wind is an inexhaustible source of energy.
  2. Windmills have been used for grinding grain and lifting water since times immemorial.
  3. At present high speed wind rotate the windmill which is connected to a generator to produce electricity.
  4. Wind farms are clusters of wind mill. They are located in coastal regins and in mountains passes where strong and steady win blows.
  5. Wind farms are found in Netherland, Germany, Denmark, UK, USA and Spain, ‘ They are known for wind energy production.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 33.
Give an account of nuclear power.
Answer:
Nuclear power:

  1. Nuclear power is obtained frm energy stored in the nuclei of atoms of naturally occurring radioactive fuels like uranium and thorium.
  2. These fuels undergo nuclear fission in nuclear reactors and emit power.
  3. USA and Europe are the greatest producers of nuclear power.
  4. In India: Rajasthan and Jharkhand have large deposits of uranium.
  5. Thorium is found in large quantities in the monozite sands of Kerala.
  6. Nuclear power stations in India are located in Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Tarapur (Maharashtra), Ranapratap Sagar near Kota (Rajasthan), Narora (Uttar Pradesh) and Kaiga (Karnataka).

Question 34.
How is geothermal energy used?
Answer:
Geothermal Energy

  • Heat energy obtained from the earth is known as geothermal energy.
  • The temperature in the interior of the earth increases with increase in depth.
  • This heat energy comes on the surface in the form of hot springs. This heat energy is used to generate power.

Question 35.
Rajan lives in West Bengal. Which cereal crop should he sow in his field to maximise his profit?
Answer:
Rice.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the production of mica in world and in India.
Answer:
U.S.A., Russia, India, France, Argentina and South Korea are the main producers of Mica. India is the leading producer of mica in the world. But the production of mica is decreasing in India.

It is due to two factors :

  1. The demand for mica is decreasing in the world.
  2. The use of substitutes is increasing.

90% of the production of Mica in India comes from three states of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. Other producers are Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh. The main districts are Nellore, Vishakhapatnam, Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Gaya (Bihar), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand).

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 2.
What is Nuclear Energy? Name the areas in India producing nuclear minerals.
Answer:
The energy generated by nuclear minerals is called nuclear energy. Uranium, Thorium, Lithium are nuclear minerals.

Areas of Production :

  • Uranium. Singhbhum, Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Gaya (Bihar) Saharanpur (U.P.) and Udaipur (Rajasthan).
  • Thorium. Kerala, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
  • Lithium. Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala.

Question 3.
Describe the importance of Natural Resources in our day to day life. Name the main areas of Natural Resources.
Answer:
Natural resources are free gifts of nature. These are very important for our lives. These are the index of a country’s progress and strength. These are called ‘the backbone of a country.

Areas of Natural Resources:

  • India’s 30% of the total area is covered with mountains. These have huge water and forest resources.
  • About 27% of the total area is covered with plateaus. These are storehouses of minerals.
  • About 43% of the total area is covered with plains. These have fertile soils and agriculture is well developed. These are ‘granaries’ of India.

Question 4.
Describe the Non-conventional sources of energy produced in India.
Answer:
Non-conventional sources of energy. Today non-conventional sources of energy include wind, tides, geothermal heat, biogas, farm and animal waste including human excreta.

All these sources are renewable or inexhaustible.
1. Wind energy: It can be used for generating electricity. It is estimated that wind alone can provide 2000 MW of electricity. The states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa are better placed in regard to this energy. Areas with constant and high speed winds are suitable for the purpose.

2. Tidal energy: The Gulfs of Kutch and Cambay are ideally suited to develop electricity from the energy produced by high tides entering to narrow creeks.

3. Geo-thermal energy: India is not rich in this source. However, efforts are on to utilize natural energy of the hot springs at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh.

4. Energy from urban waste: A pilot for demonstration purposes had already been set up in Delhi to treat solid municipal waste for conversion into energy. It produces nearly 4 MW energy every year. Sewage in cities is used for generating gas and electricity.

5. Biogas based power plants: Bagasse, farm wastes, rice husk are being used to produce electricity.

6. Farm animal and human wastes (Urja Gram): By using biomass, animal poultry waste and human excreta, gobar gas plants are being set up in villages.

7. Solar energy: Solar voltaic cells are used to generate solar energy.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 5.
Environmental aspects must be carefully looked into before building huge dams.
Answer:

  • Dams create an imbalance in the earth’s equilibrium.
  • Deforestation leads to environmental pollution.
  • People are displaced.
  • Cities/villages/towns are shifted causing untold hardships to people.
  • Silting of lakes a problem.

Fill in the blanks :

Question 1.
Russia is rich in __________ resource.
Answer:
Natural gas

Question 2.
Processing of digging out of minerals is known as __________
Answer:
quarrying

Question 3.
Biogas is produced in __________ areas.
Answer:
rural

Question 4.
India __________ in ferrous minerals.
Answer:
is rich

Question 5.
Australia is the largest producer of __________ in the world.
Answer:
bauxite

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 6.
China and India have large __________ are deposits.
Answer:
iron.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is Hydel power? How is it generated? Describe its production in India and world.
Answer:
Hydel power is generated through falling water. Dams are built on rivers, the water is dropped from a height to rotate turbines. Due to friction, turbines generate electricity.

Production: Many countries have sufficient water resources. These countries produce large quantities of Hydel power. U.S.A., Russia, Japan, Germany, Canada, England, France, Italy, Poland, Brazil and India are the main producers. U.S.A. produces 31% water power of the world.

Hydel power in India. India produces sufficient Hydel power. But India’s share is only 1% in world production. Rivers and canals are the main sources.

  1. Himalayan rivers
  2. Peninsular rivers.

Ganga, Brahmaputra and tributaries are snow fed and perennial rivers. So these have large capacity to generate water power with 18% of total potential of India. But peninsular rivers are seasonal and depend upon rainfall. So their capacity is low.

Distribution: All the states, except, Goa produce Hydel power. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Kerala states have large capacity. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are rich in Hydel power resources. We have to develop these resources.

Important: Projects,

  • Nagarjun Sagar Dam-Karnataka.
  • Ganga Hydro-electric system-U.P.
  • Tata Hydro-electric Grid-Maharashtra.
  • Hirakud Dam-Orissa.
  • Pandoh Project-Himachal Pradesh.
  • Bhakra-Nangal Project-Punjab.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 3 Minerals and Energy Resources

Question 2.
Describe the economic importance of minerals. Explain the main types of minerals.
Answer:
Minerals. Mineral resources are of great use to man. Minerals have been called ‘The Gifts of Nature’. Mineral resources have been used since pre-historic times. Human civilisation has seen many ages like the stone age, copper age and iron age. Modern industrial and economic development depends upon the production and utilization of minerals.

Types of Minerals: There are 70 to 80 minerals found on the surface of the earth. These can be divided into three types :

  1. Non-Metallic Minerals. These include salt, mica, limestone, graphite, potash, gypsum.
  2. Metallic Minerals. These include iron, copper, aluminium, gold, silver. These can be melted into useful metals.
  3. Fuel Minerals. These include coal, oil and natural gas. These are called sources of power.

Importance of Minerals :

  • Industries. Minerals form the basis of heavy industries like iron and steel. Minerals are called ‘vitamins’ of industry.
  • Machinery. Minerals provide machinery for modern manufacturing.
  • Transport. Minerals are used in the making of different means of transportation.
  • Sources of Energy. Minerals provide energy to modern industries.

Question 3.
Describe the production of Petroleum in India.
Answer:
Production. In about 10 lakh sq. km. oil-bearing rocks are found in India. The oil reserves in India are estimated to be 50 crore metric tons.
The first oilfield in India was discovered in 1867 at Makum in Assam. At present the production is as under:

  1. Assam: In Assam, oil is produced in Digboi, Moran, Naharkatiya, and Sibsagar regions.
  2. Gujarat: In Gujarat, oil is produced in the Gulf of Cambay region at Kalol, Ankleshwar, Lunej, etc.
  3. Maharashtra: Oil has struck in the offshore region at Mumbai High along the coast of Mumbai. It is the leading producer of crude oil in India. North Basin and South Basin and Albet islands are the important oil fields.
  4. The production of oil in India is increasing everywhere under the organization of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission. The production of oil in India was estimated to be about 210 lakh tonnes in 2001.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions Geography Chapter 2 Natural Resources Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Natural Resources

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB Natural Resources Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in 1-15 words:

Question 1.
Into which relief features can the land be divided?
Answer:
Mountains, plateaus, and plains.

Question 2.
What is the importance of plains?
Answer:
Plains support agriculture and dense population. These meet human needs. Plains are suitable for the development of vegetation and crops.

Question 3.
What are the factors that affect the formation of soils?
Answer:
Parent rocks, climate, plants and animals.

Question 4.
How many types of soils are found in India? Write the names of these types.
Answer:

  • Alluvial soils
  • Black soils
  • Red soils
  • Laterite soils
  • Forest and Mountain soils
  • Desert soils.

Question 5.
What type of crops can be grown on Black soil?
Answer:
Cotton, wheat, jowar, flax, tobacco, sun flower, crops are grown in Black soils. Rice and sugarcane are grown with the help of irrigation.

Question 6.
Write the names of main sources of water.
Answer:

  1. Rainfall
  2. Rivers and streams
  3. Canals
  4. Tanks
  5. Groundwater.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 7.
What is given by the natural vegetation to man?
Answer:

  1. Timber (wood) which is used for buildings.
  2. Fruit, medicines and other products.

Question 8.
Name the types of forests found in India.
Answer:

  1. Evergreen forests
  2. Deciduous forests
  3. Desert forests
  4. Mountain forests
  5. Delta forests.

Question 9.
What are migratory birds and where do they come from?
Answer:
In cold season birds migrate to India. These are called migratory birds. These come from Mosay Siberia and China.

II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words :

Question 1.
Write about the land use in India.
Answer:
Land use pattern. India has a total geographical area of 32.8 crore hectares. Main characteristics of land use are given below:

  1. Net Sown Area. About 46% of total land (77 crore hectares) is net sown area. This vast area shows the importance of agriculture in India as crops are grown in it
  2. Fallow land. About 8% land (2.2 crore hectares) is left as fallow land and is cultivated after two or three years.
  3. Forests. About 22.2% of land is (6.6 crore hectares) under forests. It should be 33%. Afforestation be done and’ deforestation be banned.
  4. Plantation crops. About 1% land is under plantation crops like tea, coffee, etc.
  5. Other uses. Land under permanent grassland, cultivable waste and not available for cultivation amounts to about 5 crore hectares.
  6. Area under forests is increasing. Fallow land has been reduced in area. Net sown area under doubled cropped area is also increasing.

Question 2.
After mentioning the types of soil write the importance of alluvial soil.
Answer:
There are six types of soils in India :

  1. Alluvial soils
  2. Black soils
  3. Red soils
  4. Laterite soils
  5. Forest and Mountain soils
  6. Desert soils.

Alluvial Soils: These are made up of fine particles. These are clay soils and fertile soils. Therefore, the alluvial plains are very useful for agriculture. For example, the Indus- Ganga-Brahmputra plain of India. It has two types-Khadar and Bangar soils.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 3.
How is the soil resource being conserved?
Answer:
Soil Conservation. Soil is a very fundamental natural resource. Soil formation is a slow process, but it is easily lost by soil erosion. Sound farming practices and measures be adopted to conserve, protect, renew and maintain soil fertility.

These methods constitute soil conservation.

  • Afforestation: Afforestation and reforestation is needed to hold the soil.
  • Controlled grazing: The number of cattle to be grazed on slopes should be according to the carrying capacity of the pastures.
  • Terraced agriculture: Slopes must be cut into a series of terraces (fields) for cultivation so as to slow down the flow of rain water.
  • River dams: River dams are built in the upper course of rivers to control floods and check soil erosion.
  • Crop rotation: Crop rotation system be applied and the land should be allowed fallow for some time. Soil fertility can be maintained in this way.

Question 4.
Give the importance of rivers and canals.
Answer:
India has a total of 1869 billion cubic metre water resources. Out of this, only 660 billion cubic metres have been utilized for irrigation. India needs to plan these water resources to be utilized for agriculture. For this more multipurpose projects should be planned and completed. Ground water resource should be used for providing water power to tubewells. A lot has been done to manage our water resources, but due to technological and financial limitations, still much of water goes waste to oceans.

Question 5.
How the water can be conserved?
Answer:
Water is a vital resource for the development of economic activities. Water should be conserved in the following ways. Waters of ocean, river and lakes should not be polluted. It should he saved from urban waste and chemicals of industries. It should be recycled to use it again. Dams should be built across the rivers and lakes to store water in reservoirs.

Question 6.
Write a note on Deciduous forests.
Answer:
Deciduous forests shed their leaves in a specific season. In spring season, these leaves become green.’These are the most widespread forests in India. These are economically very important from the point of getting timber. These include Sal, Teak, Bamboo, Shisham and Khair trees.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 7.
What steps have been taken by Govt, of India for protection and conservation of wildlife? (P.S.E.B. 2020)
Answer:
Wildlife plays an important role in the human progress and civilisation. The primitive man had to depend on animals for food and other basic needs. Later on, man began to domesticate animals. Still hunting is carried on in many parts of the world. Many useful and valuable species are becoming extinct due to hunting or killing of animals. Man has upset the ecological balance by killing of birds and animals.

Many steps have been taken for the preservation of wildlife.

  • Parks and sanctuaries have been established in hilly areas and forests.
  • Hunting of some rare species of animals has been banned.
  • Public attention is focused on making efforts for the preservation of wildlife.
  • Wild animals like lion, tiger, deer, etc. are protected during closed season when they cannot be hunted.

III. Answer the following questions in about 125-130 words :

Question 1.
What are Natural Resources? Write down the types and importance of soils and natural vegetation.
Answer:
Natural Resources are free gifts provided by nature. These include land, water, soil, forests, wildlife, minerals, etc.
1. Soils: The main types of soils are :

  • Alluvial soils
  • Black soils
  • Red soils
  • Laterite soils
  • Forests and Mountain soils
  • Desert soils.

Importance: Soil is a valuable resource. It is required for cultivation of crops. Fertile soil is the basis of developed agriculture. It becomes more important for a country like India which is an agricultural country. Many types of soils are found in India and many types of crops are grown on it.

2. Vegetation: The following types of vegetation is found in India :

  • Evergreen forests
  • Deciduous forests
  • Desert forests
  • Mountain forests .
  • Delta forests.

Importance of Forests: Forests are a valuable resource like a river system, it is a multiple resource. Forests provide mankind with a number of products. Forests have greatly influenced human activities. Modem civilization depends more and more on forests.

Following are the direct and indirect advantages of forests :

  • Forests provide many things to meet our food requirements like wild fruits, nuts, berries, etc. Many tribes are dependent on gathering of these products in forests.
  • Forests are a source of timber for house-building, furniture-making, ship-building, etc.
  • Forests supply about 40% of fuel of the world. Wood has been the major source of fuel in house smelting industries and running locomotives.
  • Soft wood trees supply raw materials, wood pulp, paper, rayon industries.
  • Many products like rubber, pitch, gum, tanning materials, cork, camphor, fir, herbs, etc. are gathered from forests.
  • Forests provide plywood and fibre wood for packing purposes

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 2.
How the water and wildlife can be conserved? Express your views.
Answer:
India is rich in fauna and flora. There is a great biological diversity in, India. There are about 90000 known species of animals. It has 2500 species of fish and 1200 species of birds. But many of these fauna have been destroyed by-man. Many rare species have become extinct in India. Our rich wildlife is rich heritage formed through centuries. It must be preserved. Many of the fauna are found only in India such as swamp deer, the one-horned rhinoceros, the bison, Kashmir stag, Nilgai, etc. These rare species are in danger of extinction.

The following measures have been taken for conserving and protecting wildlife as well as its bio diversity in the country. Wildlife is a gift of nature and a thing of beauty. Wildlife Act provides for the protection and conservation of these species.

For this purpose :

  • A network of 89 national parks, 490 sanctuaries and 13 biosphere reserves have been established.
  • Under Project Tiger 27 Tiger Projects in 14 states have been set up.
  • 15 mangroves have already been identified for intensive conservation and management purpose.

Conservation and Management of Water Resources
1. Watershed Management. The management of the divide between two drainage basin called watershed is taken as a physiographic unit. The inter-basin management of water helps to divert water from surplus areas to scarcity areas. It also helps replenish ground water resources. It involves integrated development of two or diverse basins and saves on technical and financial resources.

2. Rainwater Harvesting. Rainwater is stored in roof top tanks, on ground Or underground tanks or check dams, percolation pits, etc. during rainy season and then it is used for irrigation, improving vegetation cover in dry season. While it increases productivity it also replenishes ground water resources.

IV. Map Skill

Question 1.
Show the following on the outline map of India :
1. Northern plains of India
2. Ganga and Brahmputra Rivers
3. Region of Alluvial soils
4. A state with black soil
5. An area of evergreen forests
6. A region with mountain and delta vegetation.
Answer:
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 1

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

V. Activity

Question 1.
Show eight types of soils on the map of India.
Answer:
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 2

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide Natural Resources Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
Which one of the following is not a type of forest found in India?
(a) Evergreen forest
(b) Tidal forest
(c) Deciduous forest
(d) Desert forest.
Answer:
(b) Tidal forest.

Question 2.
Cutting down of trees is called :
(a) Afforestation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Slash and Burn
(d) Strip cropping
Answer:
(b) Deforestation.

Question 3.
Sunderbans is the habitat of :
(a) Tiger
(b) Lions
(c) Elephants
(d) Camels
Answer:
(a) Tiger.

Question 4.
Which is the oldest landmass of India?
(a) Northern Plain
(b) Peninsular Plateau
(c) Himalayas
(d) Aravallis.
Answer:
(b) Peninsular Plateau.

Question 5.
Natural vegetation and wildlife is found in :
(a) Biosphere
(b) Hydrosphere
(c) Atmosphere
(d) None of the above.
Answer:
(a) Biosphere.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 6.
Following picture shows a specific type of forests, names these forests.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 3
(a) Evergreen forests
(b) Tidal forests
(c) Deciduous forests
(d) Deserts
Answer:
(a) Evergreen forests.

Question 7.
Study the following picture and give the answer what this picture is explained?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 4
(a) Afforestation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Slash and Burn
(d) Strip Gopping
Answer:
(b) Deforestation.

Question 8.
Jhoolan Devi does the agricultural work with her family but her family is forced to migrate to other place to do agriculture due to reduction in soil fertility. What type of farming does this situation represent?
(a) Permanent agriculture
(b) Horticulture.
(c) Intensive agriculture
(d) Jhum cultivation.
Answer:
(d) Jhum cultivation.

Question 9.
How much part of total area of India is under forests? (P.S.E.B. 2020)
(a) 11.9%
(b) 52.2%
(c) 22.2%
(d) 32.2%.
Answer:
(c) 22.2%

Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
In India soils are of types.
Answer:
six

Question 2.
__________ is the upper most layer of the earth crust .
Answer:
soil

Question 3.
Land use depends on __________ factor.
Answer:
physical

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 4.
Ice-sheets are found in __________
Answer:
greenland

Question 5.
About ________% of the total surface area of the earth is under water.
Answer:
71

True/False :

Question 1.
The original rock called Parent Rock.
Answer:
True

Question 2.
Pollution means contamination of natural resources.
Answer:
True

Question 3.
A dripping tap wastes 100 litres in a year.
Answer:
False

Question 4.
An average urban Indian uses about 35 litres of water everyday.
Answer:
False

Question 5.
Land suitable for agriculture is called Arabic land.
Answer:
True.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the distribution of Land and Water on earth.
Answer:
29%-Land and 71%-Water.

Question 2.
Why is there need for Afforestation in India?
Answer:
There should be at least 33% area under forests in India. But only 22.2% area is under forests in India. So there is need for growing trees on large scale.

Question 3.
What do you mean by culturable waste?
Answer:
Some land is culturable, but it is not cultivated due to some reasons. Such as scarcity of water, soil erosion, waterlogging, etc.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 4.
In which areas forest and mountain soils are found? State any two characteristics.
Answer:
These soils are found along forests and hill slopes.

Characteristics:

  • These have organic elements.
  • These lack in Potash, Phosphorus, Lime. Therefore, use of fertilizer is essential.

Question 5.
What are alluvial soils?
Answer:
Alluvial soils are formed by deposition of fine sediments. These sediments are brought by the river. Sea waves also deposit these along coasts. Alluvial soils are very fertile.

Question 6.
Why is black soil called cotton soils? Name one other name of it.
Answer:
Black soil is suitable for the cultivation of cotton. So it is called cotton soil. It is also called Regur soil.

Question 7.
Where are desert soils found in India?
Answer:
Desert soils are found in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and in some parts of Gujarat.

Question 8.
Why is earth called a ‘watery planet’?
Answer:
Most of the earth (71%) is covered with water. So it is called watery planet due to excess of water.

Question 9.
In which form most of water is found on earth? How much per cent is it of total water?
Answer:
Most of water is found in the form of oceans, seas and salt lakes. It contains 97.20% of total water.

Question 10.
For which purpose, most of water is used and how much?
Answer:
93.37% of total water is used for agricultural purposes.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 11.
Where are Tanks found?
Answer:
Tanks are found in areas where there are no perennial rivers and canals. Ground water is very deep. In India most of tanks are found in southern India.

Question 12.
Write briefly about desert vegetation.
Answer:
Desert vegetation is found in arid areas. The vegetation is scanty. It includes Date palm, Cactus and Thorny bush. In India, this type of vegetation is found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana.

Question 13.
Name four trees of mountain vegetation.
Answer:

  1. Fir
  2. Deodar
  3. Oak
  4. Nuts.

Question 14.
What is terrace farming?
Answer:
Terrace farming. The growing of crops on level steps or terraces that have been constructed on hillsides.

Question 15.
What is a wildlife sanctuary?
Answer:
A wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to protect wildlife and conserve forests.

Question 16.
What are Protected forests?
Answer:
There are forests reserved for timber but grazing is allowed subject to minor restrictions. These are 29.2% of total forests.

Question 17.
What is contour ploughing?
Answer:
Contour Ploughing: Technique of ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope rather than up and down the slope, so as to reduce soil erosion.

Question 18.
What is strip cropping?
Answer:
Strip Cropping. Growing of different crops on parallel narrow strips of ground, usually following the contour patterns.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 19.
What is a shelterbelt?
Answer:
Shelter belt: In dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement for protecting soil cover.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Write a note on alluvial soils. Classify these into two groups.
Answer:
Alluvial soils. These cover 45% land of India :

  1. Alluvial soil is deposited by rivers.
  2. These soils are limited to river basins and plains.
  3. These are very fertile soils.
  4. These consist of fine-grained. clay and sand.
  5. These soils are rich in potash, but poor in phosphorus.
  6. These are usually deep soils.

Types:
(a) Khadar soils
(b) Bangar soils.

(a) Khadar soils are new alluvial soils while
(b) Bangar soils are old alluvial soils.

Question 2.
State the characteristics of Black soils. Describe its distribution in India.
Answer:
Black Soils. Black soils are mainly found over the Deccan Lava tract (Deccan trap) including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. These soils are found in river valleys of Narmada, Tapti, Godavari and Krishna. These soils have

been formed due to weathering of lava rocks. These soils cover an area of about 5 lakh sq. km. These soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. But these lack in phosphorus, nitrogen and organic matter. These are also called ‘Regur Soils’. These soils are most suitable for cotton cultivation and are known as ‘Black Cotton Soils’. These soils are compared with Chernozem soils of Russia and Prairies soils of U.S.A. These soils can hold water. These soils are suitable for rice, wheat, jawar, sugarcane, tobacco and oilseeds.

Question 3.
Write a note on desert soils.
Answer:
Desert Soils. These soils cover 2 lakh sq. km. area in dry areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana. These coarse soils are suitable for the cultivation of jawar, bajra, cotton, oats, maize, pulses etc. Methods of irrigation are used. These are sandy soils and are infertile. These do not hold water. So these are used for dry crops. In India 4.3% area is covered by desert soils.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 4.
State the characteristics and distribution of Red Soils in India.
Answer:
Red Soils: These soils are found in Chotta Nagpur plateau, Telangana, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and areas on periphery of Deccan Plateau. These soils have been formed due to decomposition of underlying igneous rocks under heavy rainfall. These soils have different shades of red and yellow. The red colour of these soils is due to oxidation and diffusion of iron in hard crystalline rocks. These are used for the cultivation of millets, pulses, linseed, tobacco, etc. These soils cover the largest area (10.6%) in Peninsular India, particularly S.E. part of the Peninsula. These soils are poor in lime, nitrogen and humus. Fertilizers are added to make these fertile.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 5

Question 5.
What are the characteristics of laterite soils? Describe its distribution in India.
Answer:

  • The laterite soils are of brick colour.
  • These are shallow, acidic and less fertile.
  • These are less fertile due to leaching of soil.
  • These are poor in nitrogen, potash but very rich in iron.
  • These are found in Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats, Rajmahal hills, Vindhyas, Satpuras and Malwa plateau. These soils cover 7.5% area of the country
  • Some areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand also have laterite soils.
  • These are suitable for cultivation of Rubber, Tea, Coffee and Coconut.

Question 6.
What do you mean by wildlife? Describe in brief the wildlife of India.
Answer:
Like diverse flora, our fauna is found to be equally rich and varied. There are about 80,000 known species. The country in its fresh and marine waters has as many as 2500 species of fish. Likewise there are about 1200 species of birds. In addition there are amphibians, reptiles, mammals and small insects and worms. Migratory birds also come to India during winter

Mammals: Among the mammals, the elephant is the stately animal. It is a typical animal of hot wet equatorial forests. It is found in the jungles of Assam, Kerala and Karnataka. In these areas, it rains heavily and the forests are very dense. On the other hand camels and wild asses are found in hot deserts. Camels are found in Thar desert.

Question 7.
Why is the Land considered an important resource?
Answer:
Land is considered as an important resource because:

  1. It is used for different purposes like agriculture, forests, pastures.
  2. Human beings make their houses and live on it and also it provides most of the products they need; like food, wood etc.

Question 8.
Name the five factors controlling soil formation.
Answer:
The five factors controlling soil formation are:

  1. Nature of the parent rock
  2. Topography
  3. Climate
  4. Time
  5. Organism in it.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 9.
Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer:
There are many factors which lead to the degradation of land. Both nature and human factors can lead to degradation of land.

  1. Growing population and their ever growing demand is the main reason of land degradation today.
  2. Deforestation is the another main reason of land degradation.

Question 10.
Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer:
Land is considered as an important resource because :

  1. It is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forest, mining, pastures, etc.
  2. Human beings make their houses and five on it and also it provides most of products they need like food, wood, etc.
  3. Human beings set up their industries, build roads and run other commercial activities.

Question 11.
What factors control the utilization of land?
Answer:
The physical and human factors control the utilization of land. These include :

  1. relief of features,
  2. climatic conditions,
  3. soils,
  4. density of population,
  5. technical level of the people,
  6. land tenure,
  7. duration of the occupation of the area etc.

The interplay of physical and human factors has developed many types of land uses.

Question 12.
What is terrace farming?
Answer:
Terrace farming: The growing of crops on level steps or terraces that have been constructed on hillsides.

Question 13.
What is a wildlife sanctuary?
Answer:
A wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to protect wildlife and conserve forests.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 14.
What are the effects of deforestation?
Answer:
The effects of deforestation are as under :

  • It affects the ecosystem.
  • It increases soil erosion.
  • It affects underground flow of water.
  • Disappearance of wildlife as well as variety of plants.
  • Leads to serious deterioration of genetic reserves.

Question 15.
What are Protected forests?
Answer:
These are also forests reserved for timber but grazing is allowed subject to minor restrictions. These are 29.2% of total forests.

Question 16.
What is contour ploughing?
Answer:
Contour ploughing: Technique of ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope rather than up and down the slope, so as to reduce soil erosion.

Question 17.
What is strip cropping?
Answer:
Strip Cropping. Growing of different crops on parallel narrow strips of ground, usually following the contour patterns.

Question 18.
For what purposes land is used? What is land use pattern?
Answer:
Land is used for different purposes.

They are :

  • Cultivation of crops agriculture.
  • Grazing of animals.
  • Building houses and roads.
  • Mining.
  • Industries.

These uses of land is commonly termed as land use pattern.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 19.
What is a shelterbelt?
Answer:
Shelterbelt: In dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement for protecting soil cover.

Question 20.
Write the importance of forests.
Answer:
Importance of forests. Forests play an important role in human life. They provide food, wood and timber to us. Many medicinal plants are found in the forests. They also help in maintaining ecological balance and checking soil erosion. They play an important role in the economy of our country.

Question 21.
What is the role of insects in soil formation?
Answer:
Insects play a very important role in soil formation. Without worms and insects, the work of soil formation will be incomplete. They do it through both physical or mechanical means and speeding up chemical reactions.

Question 22.
Why does soil lose fertility?.
Answer:
The soil loses its fertility when continuously used. When crops are grown every year it loses its nutrients which are necessary for good soil.

Question 23.
What are the factors that control soil formation?
Answer:
Soil formation is controlled by five factors. These are :

  1. Nature of parent rock
  2. The topography
  3. The climate
  4. The organism in the soil
  5. Time.

Question 24.
What is the importance of landforms?
Answer:
Man’s economic activities differ with different landforms.

  1. Mountainous regions are not much suitable for human settlements.
  2. Dense population is found in plains.

Question 25.
‘Land plays a fundamental role.’ Discuss.
Answer:
Plains are known for agriculture and dense population. Plains, 43% area of India, fulfill man’s many needs. The agriculture depends upon plain.

Question 26.
What is fallow land?
Answer:
The land which is not used for agriculture for 1 to 5 years is left vacant. It restores the fertility of the soil. It is called fallow land.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 27.
Examine the importance of water.
Answer:
Water is a valuable and important resource. It is the basis of life on earth. Water fulfils many human requirements. It is used for drinking, bathing, washing and agriculture.

Question 28.
Name the major threats to be environment.
Answer:
Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion and desertification are the major threats to the environment. This is because of expansion of agriculture and construction activities.

Question 29.
Write the steps that can help in conserving degraded land.
Answer:
The following steps may help in conservation and reclamation of degraded land:

  1. Afforestation and control on overgrazing.
  2. Plantation of land reclamation of plants.
  3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
  4. Proper discharge of sewage industrial effluents.
  5. Maintain proper mining processes and technique.

Fill in the blanks :

Question 1.
Nearly 97% of the earth’s total water is in the form of __________ and __________
Answer:
Sea, oceans

Question 2.
Tiger park at Dudhwa is situated in the state __________
Answer:
Uttar Pradesh

Question 3.
__________ is produced with the help of running and falling water.
Answer:
Hydro-electricity

Question 4.
Polar areas are populated areas.
Answer:
sparsely

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 5.
We can __________ the supply of drinking water by installing desalination plants.
Answer:
increase

Question 6.
In __________ areas landslides have been a major and widely spread natural disaster.
Answer:
mountains.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What are the sources of fresh water in India? Describe each.
Answer:
Two types of water is found on earth-saline and fresh. Man uses freshwater for different purposes. Its sources are :
1. Rainfall. Rainfall is the major source of water on the earth. Some water is evaporated, some water flows down to the oceans and some water goes underground through percolation. India has average annual rainfall of 118 cm.
Rain water or running water flowing on the surface of land is called surface water. It includes water in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, etc. India’s total surface water resources are 1869 billion cubic metres.

2. Ground Water. Rain water that goes beneath the surface of the earth by percolation is called ground water. India has a total ground water resources of 40 million hectare metres. This water can be obtained by digging wells. Sometimes it comes out through springs also.

3. Rivers and Canals. From early periods, rivers and canals have been very important. Many civilisations developed along river banks. Man built dams on rivers to use water for irrigation through canals.

4. Tanks. Tanks are found in areas deficit in rainfall. The water level is very deep so it is difficult to use it. Rain water is collected in depressions called tanks. Tanks are mostly found in southern India.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 2.
What do you mean by Natural Vegetation? On what factors does it depend? Describe the different types of forests found in India.
Answer:
Natural vegetation includes plants and trees which grow automatically according to climate. It depends upon climate, soil, drainage, temperature, rainfall and altitude.

We can divide India into the following vegetation belts :

  • The Tropical Rain Forests.
  • The Tropical deciduous or the Monsoon forests.
  • The Thorn Forests.
  • The Tidal Forests.
  • Mountain Forests.

1. The Tropical Rain Forests are of two varieties: evergreen and semi-evergreen. Regions having more than 300 centimetres of rainfall have evergreen forests. The hills of Assam and the rainy slopes of the Western Ghats are such areas. The region where the rainfall is between 200 and 300 centimetres have semi-evergreen forests. Such areas are there in Assam, West Bengal, Orissa and in Western Ghats.

2. The Tropical Deciduous or Monsoon Forests are found in the regions where rainfall is between 100 and 200 centimetres. Teak and sal are the most important trees of monsoon forests besides sheesham, mahua, bamboo, etc. The belt of monsoon forests extends from the Western Ghats in the south to the Shiwalik hills in the north.

3. The Thorn Forests are found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, dry parts of Madhya Pradesh and the Deccan, where the rainfall is less than 80 centimetres. Kikar, Babool and Wild Palm are the common trees of this type of forests.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources 6

4. The Tidal Forests are mainly found along the river deltas. Mangrove and Sundri trees are the common trees found in the Ganga delta in Bengal which is also “called the Sundarban.

5. The Mountainous Forests. The foothills of the Himalayas are covered with tropical deciduous forests. At high slopes, oak, chestnuts, chir, pine trees of sub-tropical type are formed. At a height of 3300 metres, coniferous forests like blue pines, cedars silver firs, deodars are found. Alpine pastures are found at high altitudes.

Question 3.
Write a short note on conservation of soils.
Answer:
Soil Conservation. Soil is a fundamental natural resource. Soil formation is a slow process, but it is easily lost by soil erosion. In fact, more soil is being lost each year than nature makes. Soil erosion must be checked. Sound farming practices and measures be adopted to conserve, protect, renew and maintain soil fertility.

These methods constitute soil conservation.
1. Afforestation: In some areas, the original vegetation cover has been removed such as in Shiwalik hills. In such areas afforestation and reforestation is needed to hold the soil. Advance of deserts can be checked by planting trees along the margins of deserts.

2. Controlled grazing: The number of cattle to be grazed on slopes should be according to the carrying capacity of the pastures.

3. Terraced agriculture: Slopes must be cut into a series of terraces (fields) for the cultivation so as to slow down the flow of rain water.

4. Contour Ploughing: It is done to check soil wash on slopes. Ploughing is done at right angles to the hill slopes.

5. Crop rotation: Crop rotation system be applied and the land should be allowed fallow for some time. Soil fertility can be maintained in this way.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 4.
Distinguish between Evergreen Forests and Deciduous Forests.
Answer:

Evergreen Forests Deciduous Forests
1. Evergreen forests are found in regions that experience tropical climate throughout the year. 1. Deciduous forests are found in regions that experience rainy and dry season.
2. They do not shed their leaves in any season of the year. 2. They shed their leaves once a year.
3. Their height exceeds 60 metres. 3. They are less than 50 metres in height.
4. They have less economic importance as the wood from them is very hard and is of not much use. 4. They have more economic value, as their wood is soft and durable.
5. Some trees are ; Rosewood, Mahogany etc. 5. Some trees are ; Teak, Sal, etc.

Question 5.

What is the most important feature of the Landuse pattern in India?
Answer:

  1. India has total geographical area of 828 million sq. km. (3280 lakh hectares). The land use data is available for about 93% of the total area. It shows that 151 million hectares (47%) is net sown area. Thus India has a very high percentage (47%) of total area under cultivation. No other big country has such a large area under cultivation.
  2. Another satisfying feature is that only 8% of land is fallow which is not cultivated so as to restore the fertility of the land. It is notable that fallow land has risen to 8% from earlier figure of 5%. It reflects that care for land resources has become essential.
  3. The area under pastures is also small (4%).
  4. The area under cultivable waste is 5%. This wasteland can be brought under cultivation to increase productivity.
  5. The forest cover is low, only 22%. It is desirable to have about one third of the total land area under forests to maintain a healthy environment.

Question 6.
Explain the factors controlling soil formation.
Answer:
Soil formation is controlled by five factors :

  1. nature of parent rock,
  2. the topography,
  3. the climate,
  4. the organism in the soil and
  5. time.

1. Parent Rock: The original rock called parent rock, from which the soil is formed, determines its basic characteristics. For example, shales contribute clays, while sandstones contribute sand grains.

2. Climate: Temperature and precipitation are the main climatic factors affecting soil formation. Frequent temperature changes and presence of water quicken soil formation through increased weathering.

3. Topography: Topography affects the drainage of an area. On a steep slope, there is hardly any chance of accumulation of weathered rocks. They are moved down the slope by water and under force of gravity. In plains and areas with gentle slope, soils are accumulated without any hindrance.

4. Organisms: Dead plants and animals provide humus to soil. Organisms like earthworms and ants through their movements create space for air and water in the soil.

5. Time: Time factor is also important because longer the time for soil formation, more deeper is the soil layer. Besides weathering of rocks, soil is also formed by deposition of materials by moving waters (rivers) and winds in low-lying areas. Alluvial soils of river valleys are very fertile and deep.

Question 7.
What are water resources? What are their uses?
Answer:
Water Resources. Water is a unique liquid because there is no alternative for it. It is essential for all forms of life. Compared to most other liquids, water has a high capacity to absorb or store heat.

Water is a major body constituent of several plant and animal species. Seventy percent of the human body consists of water. Humans use water for several purposes—domestic (drinking, cooking, washing, etc.), agricultural (irrigation), industrial and generation of electricity.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Natural Resources

Question 8.
How are vegetation and wildlife useful for us?
Answer:
Vegetation and wildlife are valuable resources
1. Plants provide us

  • Timber, fruits, nuts, latex, oil, gum, medicinal herbs, etc.
  • Shelter for animals and birds.
  • Protect soil and storage and water.
  • Oxygen to breathe.

2. Wildlife provides us

  • with milk, meat, hides, wool, honey.
  • helps as decomposers, act as scavengers.
  • maintain the ecological balance.
  • The birds feed on insects and act as decomposers as well.
  • Vulture each dead livestock and act as scavengers. They are considered as a vital cleaner of environment.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions Geography Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB Resources – Types and Conservation Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in 1-15 words :

Question 1.
What do you understand by the term ‘resources’?
Answer:
All the useful elements of the environment which satisfy human needs are called resources. Resources are called ‘Gifts of nature’ such as rocks, minerals, soil, rivers, plants, and animals. These are valuable for mankind. Man’s surroundings provide him with resources.

Question 2.
Which are the Natural Resources and who provides us?
Answer:
Forests, minerals, soil, and solar energy are natural resources. These make our environment or surroundings. These natural surroundings provide rsesources.

Question 3.
List all the types of resources.
Answer:
The three categories of resources are :

  1. Natural Resources
  2. Human Resources
  3. Human Made Resources.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 4.
Define ‘soil’.
Answer:
The loose and unconsolidated material which forms the upper layer of the crust is called soil. Soil is formed by the breaking of parent rock.

Question 5.
What do we get from Seas?
Answer:
The big water bodies are called seas. Seas provide us organic minerals and power resources, fish, pearls, diamonds, etc. At some places, petroleum is also obtained from sea.

Question 6.
How can you conserve the resources properly?
Answer:
The proper and planned use of resources help in the conservation of resources. These should not be misused.These should not be wasted or destroyed.

II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words :

Question 1.
Differentiate between Biotic and Abiotic resources.
Answer:

Biotic Resources Abiotic Resources
1. These are obtained from living things. 1. These are obtained from non-living things.
2. Plants and animals are its examples. 2. Minerals and rocks are examples.
3. These are found in Biosphere and provide food, energy (coal and petroleum) and raw materials. 3. These are found on lithosphere and provide raw materials for industries.

Land: Land is the basis of human activities. It helps in agriculture, setting up of industries, means of transportation, sports, tourism, etc. Houses are built on land.Question 2.
Write a short note on the importance of Land and Soil Resources.
Answer:
The following is the importance of Land and Soil :

  1. Soil: Man grows crops on soils. It provides food and other raw materials to man. Fertile soils support dense population.

Question 3.
From where do we get the minerals and where they used?
Answer:
Minerals are obtained from the interior of earth from rocks. These are metallic and non-metallic. Metallic minerals include iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminium. Non- metallic minerals include coal, mica, manganese and oil. These are used in industries. Before use, these are smelted to make pure.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 4.
Explain the Developed and Potential resources with examples.
Answer:

Potential Resources

Developed Resources
1. These are total quantity of a resource found existing in nature. 1. These are only those resources, which have been judged good for use.
2. These have not been put to use. 2. They are put to use fully for economic gain.
3. These are found everywhere. 3. These are not found everywhere.
4. Africa has 40% potential water power resources of world due to large rivers. 4. Africa has only 1% of developed water power resources of world due to lack of technology.

Question 5.
Why should we use the exhaustible resources wisely and with hesitation?
Answer:
The modern civilisation depends upon products—natural as well as man made. With the help of technology, resources are being utilised on a large scale. The exhaustible resources will not last long. 80% of the fossil fuels will be finished in one century With the exhaustion of resources, the civilisation will come to an end. Therefore conservation of resources is necessary. A balance should be maintained between population growth and utilisation of resources so that the continuity of modern civilisation goes on. The natural resources are common heritage. We have to share these with future generations.

Question 6.
What is the contribution of human resources to the development of other resources ?
Answer:
Resources are the elements of Bio-physical environment. But these become resources only when humans preserve these. Coal was always there, but it became a resource only when man used it as a source of energy. So it has been rightly said that the resources are not, they become so. Man uses technology and skill to develop resources. Machines and tools are used. Japan is a very good example where in spite of non existence of resources, the country has progressed to a great extent.

III. Answer the following questions in about 125-130 words :

Question 1.
What do you understand by the resources ? Name their types and explain their importance and methods of conservation.
Answer:
Type of Resources: Resources are generally classified into three types :

  1. natural
  2. human and
  3. human-made.

Natural or man-made resources are of various types. On the bases of life, existence, availability, level of development and utilization these resources can be divided into the following types :

  • Biotic and Abiotic Resources
  • Developed and Potential Resources
  • Exhaustible and Inexhaustible Resources
  • Soil and Land Resources
  • Marine-and Mineral Resources
  • Human Resources

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation 3
Resource Types

1. Biotic and Abiotic Resources. Biotic resources are those basic resources which originate from the living things. Approximately 85% of the world’s total food depend upon these biotic resources. Plants and other living creatures are included in these types of resources. These resources provide raw material for our industries. Coal and petroleum are also included in the category of biotic resources as they are produced from the plants and animals.
The non-living products like minerals, water etc., which are provided by the nature are called ‘Abiotic Resources’. The minerals are the base of our industry. If we do not use the minerals with care, these will exhaust very soon.

2. Developed and Potential Resources. The resources which are used for some economic gain are termed as ‘Developed resources’. On the other hand, the resources which are available but are not being used or can be used in the future are called ‘Potential Resources’. The rivers descending the mountains can be used to produce electricity and are included in the category of potential resources. When the water of these rivers is used to produce electricity then this water is known as a developed resources. The coal lying underneath the earth is a potential resource whereas the coal which is being used is considered as a developed resource.

3. Exhaustible and Inexhaustible Resources. The resources which are being depleted very fast .because of their continuous and excess use are called exhaustible resources, as petroleum products are being used very fast. The time is not very far away when there will be shortage or non-existence of these resources. Therefore, the exhaustible resources should be used wisely and carefully. ‘

The resources which get renewed as we use them are called inexhaustible resources. For example : We are using sun energy, wind energy, water and forests but these resources do not get depleted rather get renewed. These types resources are being made available continuously. ‘

4. Soil and Land Resources. Soil is a small and uppermost layer of the earth which is formed by breaking of parent rock, due to climate effect and decomposition of plants and animals. Soil is a very important resource for man. It plays an important role in the growth of plants and crops. The soils are of different types like sandy soil, clayey soil, loamy soil, alluvial soil, mountain soil, red soil, black soil etc. Man gives preference to fertile soil for growing crops. The areas with fertile soil are densely populated and are full of economic activities.
Land means the earth’s surface where man carries on his economic or other activities. Man had been using the land resource for a very long time. The land resource is being used for the purpose of agriculture, industry, to develop means of transport, sports, tourism etc. Man uses the land, keeping in view its relief, slope, type of soil, drainage or his requirements.

5. Marine and Mineral Resources Marine Resources. Water is a basic and a very important resource for man. Approximately 71% part of the earth is water. Big water bodies are called ‘seas’. These water bodies provide many biotic, mineral and energy resources. It is believed that the life on the earth started from the seas and oceans. 75% of the total land creatures originated from the water bodies. We get fish, pearls, shells, diamonds etc. from the seas in large quantities. At some places we get petroleum substances from the sea coasts. The fish provide food to the large part of the World’s population.

Mineral Resources: Mineral resources are the substances which are taken from the earth. Basically these are of two types-Metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals include iron, copper, silver, gold, aluminium etc.

Petroleum, coal, mica, manganese etc. are some of the non-metallic minerals. The minerals are taken from different types of rocks. The minerals are the bases for our industries, therefore, much significance is attached to them.

6. Human Resources: Man has been awarded the best status of all the creatures produced by the nature. With his intelligence and ability to work, man himself is a very huge resource. Man’s capability plays an important role in the use of all other resources. The development of human resources is reflected from the development of any area. Japan is a very good example where inspite of the deficiency or non-existence of resources, the country has progressed to a great extent. The development of all other resources is incomplete till the human resource is fully developed. Man’s qualities, capacity, educational and technical qualification etc. play an important role in the development.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

IV. Activity

Question 1.
Make a list of Hydroelectricity producing dams related to Punjab. Note down the names of rivers on which these dams are situated and names of districts in which these dams have been constructed.
Answer:

Dams

 Rivers

Districts
1. Bhakra Sutlej Himachal Pradesh
2. Ganguwal Nangal Hydel Channel Ropar
3. Kotla Nangal Hydel Channel Ropar
4. Pong Dam Beas Hoshiarpur
5. Thein Daam Ravi Gurdaspur
6. Mukerian Beas Hoshiarpur

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide Resources – Types and Conservation Important Questions and Answers

I. Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
Which are the biotic resources?
(a) rocks
(b) minerals
(c) plants
(d) hills
Answer:
(c) plants.

Question 2.
What are the basis of classifying resources?
(a) life
(b) achievement
(c) use
(d) all of the above.
Answer:
(d) all of the above.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 3.
Which is not termed of human resource?
(a) knowledge
(b) efficiency
(c) intelligence
(d) transparency.
Answer:
(d) transparency.

Question 4.
Which of the following are the ubiquitous resource?
(a) air, water
(b) coal, copper
(c) iron, ore
(d) uranium.
Answer:
(a) air, water.

Question 5.
Nager coil is famous for __________
(a) coal mining
(b) windmills
(c) solar energy
(d) oil refinery.
Answer:
(b) windmills.

Question 6.
In this picture some resources are shown these resources are :
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation 1
(a) Abiotic resources
(b) Biotic resources
(c) Ubiquitous resources
(d) Human resources.
Answer:
(b) Biotic resources.

Question 7.
We enjoy a lot the beauty of waterfalls mountains, sea etc. Thus, they are natural resources which have ______value.
(a) Ethical Value
(b) Artistic Value
(c) Aesthetic Value
(d) Economic Value.
Answer:
(c) Aesthetic Value.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 8.
The following picture shows a specific type of plant. Identify the name of this plant :
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation 2
(a) Thermal Plant
(b) Nuclear Plant
(c) Biogas Plant
(d) Hydro electric plant
Answer:
(c) Biogas Plant.

Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
_______ resources are derived from living things.
Answer:
Biotic

Question 2.
Localised resources are found only in _______ place.
Answer:
certain

Question 3.
The example of human resource is _______
Answer:
people

Question 4.
Anything that satisfy human needs is called _______
Answer:
resource

Question 5.
Non living resources are called _______ resources.
Answer:
Abiotic.

True/False :

Question 1.
Solar and wind energy is an example of renewable resources.
Answer:
True

Question 2.
Environment means set of surroundings.
Answer:
True

Question 3.
Resources are generally classified into two types.
Answer:
False.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 4.
Land use depend upon relief, slope, soil etc.
Answer:
True

Question 5.
Coal and petroleum are not biotic resource.
Answer:
False.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
How does something become a resource?
Answer:
That thing which has a value and utility become a resource.

Question 2.
Why is modern man dependent on resources?
Answer:
In early times, human needs were limited. But now-a-days the needs have increased. So man has to depend upon many resources.

Question 3.
Explain, with examples, that the proper use of resources is real development of resources.
Answer:
Before the invention of coal, petroleum, and aeroplane, man was not aware of the Aluminium. Due to utility of Aluminium, its use increased. So we can say that proper use has led to the development of resources.

Question 4.
What are the four basis of classifying resources?
Answer:

  1. life
  2. achievement
  3. stage of development
  4. use.

Question 5.
Which resources are most important to obtain food-resources?
Answer:
To get food resources, agriculture is the most important source as it provides 85% of food resources.

Question 6.
Why coal and petroleum are biotic resources?
Answer:
Coal and petroleum are formed by organic and living plants and animals. So these are grouped as biotic resources.

Question 7.
How can you assess a country as a rich country?
Answer:
The wealth of a country is measured by its resources. The more developed resources make a country richer.

Question 8.
Why are fertile soil areas densely populated with large economic activities?
Answer:
Fertile soils help in growing crops. In fertile soils agriculture is developed. It leads to dense population and many economic activities.

Question 9.
On what factors does the landuse depend?
Answer:
Landuse depends upon relief, slope, soils, drainage and human needs.

Question 10.
What is human resource?
Answer:
Man made resources include machinery, transportation, industries. Human intelligence, knowledge and efficiency is termed as human resource.

Question 11.
Concept of Resource is changing. Why?
Answer:
The concept of resource is changing. It may expand or contract with the development of knowledge and technology.

Question 12.
Name the important types of soil.
Answer:
Sandy soil, Clayey soil, Loamy soil, Alluvial soil, Red soil, Black soil.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 13.
Classify resources on the basis of their source of origin.
Answer:
Based on their origin, resources can be biotic or abiotic. For example plants, animals, rocks, minerals, soils etc.

Question 14.
How can we conserve the resources?
Answer:
We can conserve resources by reducing consumption, recycling and reusing things.

Question 15.
What is technology?
Answer:
Technology is human made resource. It is the application of latest knowledge and skill in doing or making things.

Question 16.
The population of India is lesser than only one country. Name that country.
Answer:
China.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is a resource?
Answer:
All the useful elements of environment which satisfy the human needs are called resources. Resources are called ‘Gifts of nature’ such as soils, rivers, plants, animals, rocks and minerals. These are valuable for mankind.

Question 2.
Why are humans also called a resource?
Answer:
They are called a resource because by developing the human skills only the resources can be developed. Resources are not, but they become due to man.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 3.
What do you understand by the statement “natural resources have utility and value”?
Answer:
Natural resources have utility and value is true. All the materials that are available in nature have some use or value and that’s what makes them valuable.

  1. Water, air vegetation all have utility or usability, they may or may not have economic value.
  2. Metals have economic value but a landscape may not have; but both are important to satisfy human need.
  3. Time and technology makes them a resource.

Question 4.
What leads to creation of new resources?
Answer:
The knowledge, ideas, inventions and discoveries by people leads to creation of more resources. The discovery of fire led to idea of cooking and other related processes. Invention of wheels led to changes in modes of transport.

Question 5.
Discuss the role of technology in the utilisation of resources.
Answer:
Technology helps to develop the means of production. It increases the value of natural resources. Technology depends upon the human skill and technical knowledge. Mechanism helps in the better utilisation of natural resources. A resource is no resource until it is used.

Question 6.
Distinguish between Natural Resources and Human-made Resources.
Answer:

Natural Resources

Human made Resources
1. They are free gifts of nature. 1. They are not free gifts of nature.
2. They are both renewable and non-renewable. 2. They are non-renewable.
3. They help in the economic development of the country. 3. They help in economic and social development.

Question 7.
Distinguish between Exhaustible and Inexhaustible Resources.
Answer:

Exhaustible Resources

Inexhaustible Resources
1. These resources get exhausted after use. 1. These resources do not get exhausted after use.
2. These resources are regenerated after a very long time. 2. These are renewable or flow resources.
3. Minerals and metals are exhaustible resources. 3. Forests, water power are inexhaustible resources.

Question 8.
What do we mean by a reserve?
Answer:
It refers to that portion of resource which<can be developed profitably with the help of available technology.
For example : High quality iron is used for steel making. But sometimes a low grade iron ore or coal (lignite—Less than 40% carbon content) is used for steel making. Lignite coal in Neyvelli (Tamilnadu) is an example of a reserve resource.

Question 9.
What is meant by human-made resources?
Answer:
They are those resources which are created by human being with the help of machines. Some of the examples are buildings, tools etc.

Question 10.
Give two examples of human made resources.
Answer:
The human made resources are those resources which are created by human beings.

Some examples are :

  1. Buildings,
  2. Machines.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 11.
Give an account of natural resources.
Answer:
Natural Resources:
Resouces drawn from (nature) and used without much modification are called natural resources.

  • Water, soils, minerals are all natural resources.
  • Many of the resources are free gift of nature.
  • They can be used directly.
  • In some cases tools and technology are needed to use a natural resource in the best way.

Question 12.
How are natural resources classified?
Answer:
Natural resources are classified into different groups :

  • Level of development and use
  • origin
  • stock
  • distribution.

Question 13.
Why natural resources are important?
Answer:

  • These are important for the economic development of a region or a country.
  • They are the main sources of our agricultural activities.
  • They provide raw materials for the industry.
  • All activities depend on them directly or indirectly.
  • They help in maintaining the ecological balance of nature. Thus they should be used carefully.

Question 14.
What is meant by conservation?
Answer:
It means the use of the natural resources carefully without any wastage. They are important to us, so they should be used wisely so that they are not exhausted and we may have to face their scarcity.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 15.
‘Resources are not resources, they become so.’ Explain.
Answer:
Resources are elements of Bio-physical environment. But these become resources only when humans preserve these. Coal was always there, but it became a resource only when man used it as a source of energy. So it has been rightly said that resources are not resources, they become so.

Question 16.
What are the ill effects of overuse of resdUrces? What are the measures to make the earth habitate? ”
Answer:
Ill effects :
Degradation of resources: The rising demand for various resources has caused degradation or depletion of many valuable resources.

Example :

  • Overuse of soil has caused infertility in many areas.
  • Similarly widespread deforestation and killing of birds and animals have endangered many plants and animal species.
  • The quality of air, water and land resources has also been affected badly due to misuse or overuse of resources.

Question 17.
Distinguish between Renewable and Non-renewable resources.
Answer:

Renewable Resources

Non-renewable Resources
1. These have the capacity to regenerate. 1. These cannot regenerate that quickly.
2. These are free gifts of nature. 2. These are not free gifts of nature.
3. These are those resources which can be used again. 3. These cannot be used again.
4. For example air, water, etc. 4. For example coal, natural oil.

Question 18.
Future of our planet is linked with life support system. Discuss.
Answer:
Our earth is the only planet where life has been found till today. Future of our planet and its people, is linked with our ability to maintain and preserve the life support system that nature provides. This makes it our duty to ensure that the natural environment is preserved and properly managed.

Question 19.
What is sustainable development?
Answer:
By sustainable development, we mean that resources are utilised carefully so that besides meeting the present requirement it also takes care of the future generations.

Question 20.
What is our duty regarding resources?
Answer:
It is our duty to ensure that

  • The diversity of life on the earth is conserved.
  • All uses of renewable resources are sustainable.
  • The damage to natural environment system is minimised.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 21.
Distinguish between Natural Resources and Human Resources.
Answer:

Natural Resources

Human Resources
1. They are free gifts of nature. 1. They are not free gifts of nature.
2. They are both renewable and non renewable. 2. They are non renewable.
3. They help in the economic development of the country. 3. They help in the economic and social development.

Question 22.
In how many ways man uses his environment?
Answer:
Environment means set of surroundings. It provides many resources to get food, shelter and clothing. Man uses land for crops, houses, factories,- construction of transport network. Man uses minerals for industries. He uses forests for timber, herbs and shrubs. Man gets fish and other benefits from seas and oceans.

Question 23.
How are development and resources interdependent?
Answer:
Development is possible through resources. Resources are the foundations of development. These have economic significance for human beings. Land, water and air are basic requirements for agriculture. We can’t do agriculture without these resources. Minerals are basic requirement for industries. Industries cannot run without minerals. Thus development and resources are inter-dependent.

Question 24.
Distinguish between actual resources and reserve resources.
Answer:
Actual Resources. Actual resources depend upon physical conditions of environment. These are surveyed. Their quantity is determined and are actually used. Their quantity is known.

Reserve resources are a part of actual resources. These can be made useful with technology. A low grade coal-lignite is a reserved resource in some areas.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 25.
Give one example each of developed and potential resources.
Answer:
When the water of river is used to produce electricity, it is called a developed resource. The coal underlying the earth is a potential resource.

Fill in the blanks :

Question 1.
_______ resources are derived from living things.
Answer:
Biotic

Question 2.
Localised resources are found only in places.
Answer:
certain

Question 3.
The example of human resource is _______
Answer:
people

Question 4.
Solar and wind energy is an example of _______
Answer:
Renewable resources

Question 5.
Anything that is used to satisfy a need is called a _______
Answers :
resource

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 Resources – Types and Conservation

Question 6.
Petroleum in _______ is an example of actual resource.
Answer:
West Asia

Question 7.
_______ is the application of latest knowledge and skill is doing or making things.
Answer:
Technology.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Write a detailed note on the conservation of resources with special reference to marine and mineral resources.
Answer:
Conservation of Resources. Man depends upon his environment to meet his needs. He uses water, land, soil, vegetation, etc. to satisfy his needs. Man is using these resources at such an alarming rate that there will be a serious shortage of these resources in the near future. Natural resources are of a very limited supply. So conservation of resources is essential for the survival of man.

To some people, conservation means that the available resources should not be used. These should be held back. But conservation of resources means a careful and rational utilization of resources. These resources should be used intelligently for the welfare of mankind. It means careful control and management of resources so that these may be used for the benefit of future generations also. These should be preserved from reckless exploitation and wanton destruction. These resources should not be wasted in a short time. The resources should be maintained in a healthy condition for their use so as to achieve a high standard of living for mankind.

Importance:
Conservation of all resources has an economic, scientific, and aesthetic value for mankind :

  • Conservation of resources is necessary as these are the basis of the economic activities of man.
  • Resources must be conserved to meet the different human needs.
  • Conservation of resources is essential as life depends on these useful elements of the environment such as air, water, soil, rocks, forests, and water bodies.
  • Many areas of the world are still under-developed because the resources of these areas have not been used in a planned and rational manner.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions Geography Chapter 8 Disaster Management Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 8 Disaster Management

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB Disaster Management Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in 1-15 words:

Question 1.
What is meant by the disasters?
Answer:
Any natural or man-made happening that causes loss of life and property in a region is called a disaster.

Question 2.
What are the main natural disasters?
Answer:
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods, drought, cyclones, landslides, and icebergs slide.

Question 3.
What is included in the subject of Disaster Management?
Answer:
Disaster Management includes steps to reduce the damage from disasters. It includes :

  1. Preparedness before disaster
  2. Protection at the time of disaster
  3. To maintain the social life after disaster.

Question 4.
What is an earthquake? How is it measured?
Answer:
The sudden shaking of part of the earth is called an earthquake. Its intensity is measured on Richter Scale. This instrument is called Seismograph.

Question 5.
What is a volcano? Write its types.
Answer:
The interior of earth consists of hot magma. It comes out of the earth through openings. It is called a volcano. It has three types:

  1. Active
  2. Dormant
  3. Extinct volcanoes.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 6.
How does the Tsunamis originate?
Answer:
Tsunamis are high tidal waves. These are caused due to sub-marine earthquakes. These are very destructive.

Question 7.
What are the main causes of floods?
Answer:

  1. Heavy rainfall
  2. Cyclones
  3. Cloud burst
  4. Absence of proper drainage
  5. Dam burst
  6. Deposition on river beds,
  7. Settlements in the river course.

Question 8.
What is a cyclone? By what other names is it called?
Answer:
Cyclones are violent wind system with a wind velocity of more than 63 km per hour. These are called hurricanes in North America, Typhoons in S.E. Asia and Depressions in India.

Question 9.
What can be the cause of Landslides?
Answer:
Landslides are caused due to :

  1. Internal forces of earth
  2. Heavy rainfall
  3. Volcanic activity
  4. Mining.

Question 10.
What do you mean by human disasters?
Answer:
Human disasters are related with human activities. Bomb-blasts and Terrorism are its examples.

Question 11.
What do you understand from the term ‘epidemic’?
Answer:
When a disease breaks out on a large scale and attacks people, it is called an epidemic. Dysentery, Dengu, Yellow fever, Cholera are called epidemics.

II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words :

Question 1.
How do the disasters affect man?
Answer:
Disasters affect man in the following ways :

  • There is a loss of life and property.
  • The civic facilities are disrupted and disturbed.
  • People get separated from their families.
  • Crops and cattle are swept away.
  • Epidemics break out due to decayed corpses.
  • Progress made in years is destroyed in minutes.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 2.
Mention causes of earthquakes and the major earthquake regions of the world.
Answer:
Earthquakes are caused due to internal movements. Tectonic plates drift and earthquake waves are caused. The earth shakes and an earthquake occurs.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management 1
Zones :

  • About 2/3 of earthquakes occurs in Ring of Fire along Pacific coast.
  • Earthquakes occur in Himalayas and Alps.
  • In India, Jammu & Kashmir, Western Himalayas, Central Himachal, N.E. India, Ganga- Sutlej plain, Rajasthan, Gujarat and group of islands are earthquake zones.

Question 3.
Which precautions should be taken into consideration at the time of the earthquake?
Answer:
The suitable measures to be taken to protect oneself from the damage caused by earthquakes are :

  • Earthquake-resistant buildings need to be constructed in both the highest and high-risk zone areas.
  • The buildings should be flexible and strong.
  • The building plan should have the building codes which have been prescribed.
  • Existing buildings which are not earthquake resistant must be strengthened structurally.
  • Even individuals should be taught how to protect themselves during an earthquake in schools and colleges by giving them daily drills about it.
  • There should be no confusion and fear.
  • People should nor rush out.
  • People should help the victims.

Question 4.
What protective measures should be taken to save ourselves from Volcanoes and Tsunamis?
Answer:
Safety from Volcanoes:

  • There should be no building near volcanq.es.
  • Move away from a volcanic area. Use fast means of transport.
  • Govt, should be prepared for every help.

Safety from Tsunami:

  • Do not go towards sea when you come to know about Tsunami.
  • The boats and ships should return to coast.
  • Fishermen should go into the ocean only when waves are subdued.
  • If the Tsunami waves travel with a high velocity, people should leave the coastal area.
  • All should help the victims.
  • Govt should make prepared to meet any emergency.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 5.
Which (steps) should be taken for protection from droughts?
Answer:

  • Water resources should be properly used.
  • Harvesting of rainwater must be popularised among the people.
  • Small dams for collecting water should be built.
  • Trees should be grown.
  • Farmers should be encouraged to join crops and insurance schemes.
  • Such crops should be grown which need small amount of water.
  • Water from other areas be supplied.
  • Water should be collected in tanks.

Question 6.
Which measures can save us from disasters like epidemics?
Answer:

  • The best way to save one self from epidemics is to save oneself from disasters; pure water and clear environment helps one in it.
  • Proper medical help be provided. There should be treatment facilities in Hospitals.
  • Slums should not develop near towns.
  • Regular medical check up be done in schools, villages and towns.

III. Answer the following questions in about 125-130 words :

Question 1.
Which protective measures should we adopt to save ourselves from disasters like floods and cyclones? Write in detail.
Answer:
Floods:

  • To avoid residing on river banks and slopes on riversides and the sides of gorges.
  • To build at least 250 meters away from the sea coast/river banks.
  • To provide a proper, drainage system in all flood prone areas, so that the water can be drained off quickly to prevent accumulation.
  • To construct the building with a plinth level higher than the known high flood level.
  • To construct the whole village or settlement on a raised platform higher than the high flood level.
  • To construct buildings on stilts or columns with wall-free space at ground level.
  • People should get weather forecasting from the meteorological deptt. from time to time.

Cyclones:

  • Huts and houses should not be built near coastal areas.
  • People should be shifted to schools, buildings
  • Fishermen, sailors, ships should not go into oceans.
  • Strong wind-resistant houses be built.
  • Flood control measures be taken.
  • Trees should be planted to check winds.
  • Govt, should provide information about the coming of cyclones.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 2.
What are human disasters? Explain the disaster management of any two human disasters in detail.
Answer:
Human disasters are related to human activities and industries—man causes these unintentionally. Bomb explosion, terrorist attacks and dam burst are examples.
1. Bomb explosion and Terrorist attack. Bombs are made to be used during war. But some people cause confusion and fear among people by bomb explosion. Many innocent people die and mostly hurt. These hinder the development of a country. On 11 September, 2001 Bomb attacks were made in New York on World Trade Tower buildings.

Precautions during a Bomb Scare

  • Do not touch any doubtful packet.
  • Beware of the objects that are left on their own in public areas: suitcases, boxes, packages, etc.
  • Do not approach the objects yourself.
  • Do not allow people to touch doubtful articles.
  • Inform the police and after their arrival leave the area.
  • Avoid panic.

2. Dam Burst: Dams are used to store water. When a dam bursts, serious damage is done. In case of a big dam, it becomes a disaster. Life is disrupted. Cattle and crops are swept away. Flood control measures be used. Special precautions be used to save life and property.

IV. Activity

Question 1.
Prepare a report of 3-4 pages on natural disaster faced by India in Uttarakhand in June 2013.
Answer:
The recent flash floods in Uttarakhand have caused huge damages.

Torrential Rainfall. The torrential rainfall in the Uttarakhand Himalayas of June, 2013 resulted into huge death and destruction. It left hundreds dead; thousand marooned and washed away scores of villages, inundated the eight century Kedarnath temple. The famous Manikarinika tfemple on the banks of Bhagirathi was swept away by swirling waters of the river. Houses and small apartment blocks on the banks of Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Mandakini have been toppled into the rushing, swollen waters and been swept away along with cars and trucks.

The extent of damage due to flash floods in many parts of the seven districts of Uttarakhand is mind-numbing. Single-story houses simply disappeared, many double-storey houses crumbled due to the weakening of its foundation. The disaster stuck when the Chardham Yatra was going on with congregation of around 75,000 pilgrims from all over the country. The Central Government, along with Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Road Organisation (BRO) rescued around 33,000 stranded pilgrims, The flooding was so fierce and disastrous that people named it Himalayan Tsunami.

A Man-Made Disaster. Many environmentalists termed this event as a man-made disaster. According to them human action leading to environmental altercations aggravated the problem and reduced the natural defense system. In the last three decades the region has witnessed demographic changes, deforestation, rapid urbanisation and expansion of roads. The environmentalists emphasised that mountains have a certain carrying capacity that should never be exceeded at any cost. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the two Himalayan states that were worst hit by monsoonal flash floods in June 2013. Man-made factors compounded the scale of the disaster.

Unabated expansion of hydroelectricity power projects and construction of roads to accommodate ever increasing tourism, specially religious tourism, are the main reasons of unprecedented devastation. Mindless illegal construction of resorts, guest house, roads has taken place in this ecoSgically fragile region to accommodate tourists. Buildings have been constructed over flood ways, old drains and streams blocking the natural pathway of the water. On June 15-16, 2013, the Alaknanda River and its tributary Mandakini occupied their flood ways and started flowing along the old courses where human habitation has come up with the passage of time.

The Mandakini changed its course to the west. The sediment-loaded river washed away shops, guest houses/lodges etc., killing people who were present at the time.

Kedarnath Dham, a place of serenity and devotion, which was dotted by only few huts in 1882 was mushroomed by haphazard illegal constructions of buildings, shops, hotels/ lodges etc,, blocking the natural flow of the Alaknanda river.

Ganga and its tributaries like Alaknanda, Mandakini, Bhagirathi, Kali Ganga, Gauri Ganga, were swept away or excessively damaged due to flash floods.

Due to increased anthropogenic activities and terrain instability, Uttarakhand had always remained prone to landslides. Even during August and September 2010, Uttarakhand. Himalayas witnessed large scale slope destabilisation.

The June, 2013 Uttarakhand disaster, also known as Himalayan Tsunami was actually triggered by very heavy rainfall during June 16-18 and unusual behaviour of monsoon this year in India.

Rainfall measurement for June 16 and 17, 2013, at the Dehradun station was 220 millimeters and 370 millimeters respectively. It Indicates the severity of the rainfall. Haridwar received 107 mm and 218 mm of rainfall in two days. Uttarkashi received 122 mm and 207 mm. While Mukteshwar (at the altitude of 2000 m) received 237 mm and 183 mm respectively on June 17 and 18, Nainital, on the very same day, received 170 mm rainfall.

Rescue Work:
It was the army personnel who worked tirelessly and put their lives in danger to help and rescue stranded lbcals and pilgrims affected by flash floods. They provided people essential materials such as food, blankets and medicines. The Indian Air Force (IAF) put to use some of the best military skills to help people in flood ravaged zones of Uttarakhand and rescued hundreds of fatigued and exhausted, stranded pilgrims and locals. Operation ‘Rahat’ was the biggest ever helicopter based rescue operation in history. 45 choppers made sorties day in and day out despite bad weather and hazardous conditions. It mobilized the resources, evacuated people to relief and base camps and carried out extensive search and rescue operations creating a world record. The unusual advance of summer monsoon, combined with cloudbursts (still not confirmed) and geophysical dynamics (loose soil, landslides and lake bursts) had channeled huge devastation through massive flash flooding in Uttarakhand, which turned into a major disaster due to the combined impact of anthropogenic activities and breaching of the carrying capacity due to irresponsible tourism.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide Disaster Management Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
Which one of the following is not a zone of high earthquake intensity?
(a) N.E. India
(b) Gujarat
(c) the Himalayas
(d) Haryana
Answer:
(d) Haryana.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 2.
Which temple was affected by the Uttarakhand disaster?
(a) Kedarnath temple
(b) Sun temple
(c) Mandakani temple
(d) Vaishno Devi temple.
Answer:
(a) Kedarnath temple.

Question 3.
On which scale shows damage done by earthquake?
(a) Richter scale
(b) Marcoli scale
(c) Ritcher scale
(d) None of the above.
Answer:
(b) Marcoli scale.

Question 4.
When was World Trade Centre attacked?
(a) 12 ,Sept. 2011
(b) 11, Sept. 2001
(c) 12, Sept. 2001
(d) 13, Sept. 2001.
Answer:
(b) 11, Sept. 2001.

Question 5.
Which one of the following Disaster Management Institute not in Delhi?
(a) Indira Gandhi Open University
(b) Central Board of Secondary Education
(c) Disaster Management National Centre
(d) Disaster Management Institute.
Answer:
(d) Disaster Management Institute.

Question 6.
Look at the following picture and write the name of the disaster shown in the picture.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management 2
(a) Earthquake
(b) Floods
(c) Cyclones
(d) Accident.
Answer:
(b) Floods.

Question 6.
On 26th December, 2004 Maninder went to the seashore with his parents to enjoy. Suddenly high waves started appearing in the sea. What should they do in this situation?
(a) They shout loudly.
(b) They need to stand under a tree.
(c) Stay at the same place.
(d) Move away from the sea to a secure place.
Answer:
(d) Move away from the sea to a secure place.

Question 7.
You are having a class test. Suddenly the fans and the doors of the room start shaking. Tell What type of natural disaster is it?
(a) Droughts
(b) Earthquake
(c) Floods
(d) None of these
Answer:

Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1.
_________ hazard does not occur frequently.
Answer:
Natural

Question 2.
Earthquake information centre, I.I.T. is in _________
Answer:
Kanpur

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 3.
_________ is the cause of road accidents.
Answer:
Drunk driving

Question 4.
Volcano is a _________ in the earth’s crust through which molten rocks out to the surface of the earth.
Answer:
vent

Question 5.
_________ are sliding mass of rocks down the slope.
Answer:
Landslides.

True/False :

Question 1.
Bomb explosions are natural resources.
Answer:
False

Question 2.
Dams are used to store water.
Answer:
True.

Question 3.
Hits and houses should not be built near coastal areas.
Answer:
True.

Question 4.
On intensity Richter scale-7 earthquakes are considered dangerous.
Answer:
False

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 5.
Alaknanda and Mandakani are two river which are overflowed.
Answer:
True.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What are the ill-effects of a disaster?
Answer:
Loss of life, property and cause damage to a large number of people.

Question 2.
Which intensity, earthquakes are considered dangerous?
Answer:
On Richter Scale-8.

Question 3.
On which two buildings was a major Terrorist attack made in U.SA?
Answer:
On 11 Sept., 2001 in New York-Tower buildings and Pentagon.

Question 4.
Define Focus and Epicentre.
Answer:
Focus is the origin of Earthquake waves, Epicentre is the place on the surface of the earth directly above focus.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 5.
What damage is done due to earthquake?
Answer:

  1. Cracks appear in buildings. Houses, roads, bridges, railways are disrupted. People die.
  2. Water, gas, electricity supply is closed.

Question 6.
On 26th December, 2004. How many countries were affected by Tsunamis? How many people were killed?
Answer:
11 countries of Asia and Africa were affected by Tsunami. About 10 lakh people were killed

Question 7.
What is a flood?
Answer:
When the river water spreads beyond its bank it is called a flood.

Question 8.
What are cyclones and tropical cyclones? How are these caused?
Answer:
Cyclones are whirlwind of high speed winds. Their velocity is more than 63 km per hour. These are caused due to pressure. These mostly occur between 5°-206 latitudes

Question 9.
What is a drought?
Answer:

  1. It is prolonged period of dry weather in a region, where some rain might be expected.
  2. Droughts last for years.
  3. They are caused because of changes in climate and human activities.
  4. It leads to acute shortage of water, food and fodder.

Question 10.
Which temple was affected by the Uttarakhand disaster?
Answer:
Kedamath temple.

Question 11.
Name the two rivers which overflowed.
Answer:
Alaknanda and Mandakani.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 12.
Name a major chemical disaster which occurred in India.
Answer:
Bhopal Gas tragedy.

Question 13.
According to the device that measures the intensity of earthquake, 12 means complete destruction. What is this device called?
Answer:
Richter Scale.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Distinguish between Richter scale and Marcoli scale.
Answer:
Richter Scale. It is a scale used to measure intensity of earthquakes. It shows intensity of tremors on Richter scale, an earthquake with intensity of 8 is considered dangerous.
Marcoli scale shows damage done by earthquakes. It shows 0 to 12 as the damage increases.

Question 2.
Name the different type of volcanoes.
Answer:
Types of volcanoes
1. Active volcanoes. The volcanoes that erupt frequently and are always emitting lava are called active volcanoes. Mauna Loa in Hawaii is islands the largest active volcano in the world. There are about 150 active volcanoes in the world.

2. Dormant volcanoes. Dormant volcanoes are also called sleeping volcanoes. These volcanoes have been active in the past; stopped ejecting lava now, but can erupt any time. The Vesuvius of Italy is such a dormant volcano.

3. Extinct volcanoes. The volcanoes which have never erupted in human history are called extinct or dead volcanoes, such as Kilimanjaro in Africa.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 3.
How do cyclones become a disaster? Describe the damage done by these.
Answer:
In a cyclone, when winds move with a velocity of 100 kms per hour it becomes a disaster. These damage the adjoining areas.

Damages:

  1. They are intense storms that develop over warm and tropical oceans between 5° and 20° North and South of Equator.
  2. The velocity of winds exceeds 10 km per hour which cause large-scale destruction in its path.
  3. The crops are damaged, trees are uprooted.
  4. They destroy telephone and electricity lines.
  5. They blow away weak structures like; roofs, etc.
  6. It also destroys houses and other settlements which effects human lives

Question 4.
Describe the disaster and precautions for Dam Burst.
Answer:
Dams are used for reservoirs to store more water. Dam burst causes floods. When there is a big dam, it is a disaster. Whole life is disrupted. Govt, should take measures to save life and property.

Question 5.
What do you know about disaster caused by Industrial accidents?
Answer:
Industries have big machines and plants. Many gases are used in these. Sometimes accidents occur due to leakage of gases like Bhopal Gas Tragedy. There ill-effects are :

  • The fire causes huge loss of life and property
  • Temperature increases
  • Poisonous gases kill people
  • Various respiratory diseases spread
  • People become unemployed
  • Environment is degraded.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management

Question 6.
What measures are taken for safety during industrial accidents?
Answer:
The following precautions should be taken against fire:

  • Do not keep flammable liquids in the house.
  • In case of fire, the evacuation route should be used.
  • Install a fire extinguisher on a wall in your house.
  • All electrical and gas appliances should be shut when you are going out of the house.
  • Do not create a panic.

Long Answer Type Question

Question 1.
Describe the disasters caused due to landslides and avalanches. Suggest measures to reduce the risk.
Answer:
Landslides. Groundwater increases the weight of the rock or the soil which contains it. Sometimes a mass of earth saturated with water slides down a hill slope causing landslides.

Causes: One or more causes such as lubrication by rains or melting snow, steep slopes and unusual structures, earthquakes, removal of support, or gravity may produce landslides. Lubrication of rocks takes place by means of rains or melting snows as in many parts of the Himalayas. Rocks become slippery and slide down. Steep slopes may be caused by the sliding of rocks straight through faulting or by quarries made by man. The sides of these may collapse on accounts of other factors.

Effects of landslides. Landslides and rock slides are of frequent occurrence in many mountains. National highways are closed. Cattle and vehicles suffer a lot.

Measures to reduce the risk during the landslides :

  • Cutting down of trees must be stopped on mountain slopes.
  • Avoiding construction of buildings on steep slopes.
  • Building codes have to be followed strictly.
  • Drainage should be proper.
  • Afforestation on slopes is done.
  • Retaining walls along roads are built.

Avalanches: The. sliding of ice along the slope leads to avalanches downwards. These cause a lot of damage to roads, cattle, human beings, buildings, etc. When the pressure of ice increases, it slides down the slopes.

Measures:

  • Knowledge of avalanches is provided to people.
  • Afforestation can check it.
  • Barriers should be built to check the movement of avalanches.
  • Ice-breaking machines are used to clear ice on roads.
  • Relief is given to victims.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

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Punjab State Board PSEB 8th Class Social Science Book Solutions Geography Chapter 4 Our Agriculture Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

SST Guide for Class 8 PSEB Our Agriculture Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in 1-15 words:

Question 1.
What do you understand by Agriculture?
Answer:
Agriculture includes raising crops, cattle rearing, and other agricultural activities. It also includes dairy farming, poultry, bee-hiving, fishing, floriculture, gur production, flour mills, etc.

Question 2.
Which factors affect Agriculture?
Answer:
The following factors affect agriculture:

  1. Climate
  2. Relief
  3. Type of soil
  4. Irrigation
  5. Method of cultivation
  6. Marketing
  7. Means of transportation and
  8. Banking facilities.

Question 3.
Write a brief note on plantation farming.
Answer:
It includes the cultivation of single crop on large farms.

Question 4.
Write the names of cereal crops.
Answer:
Main cereal crops are Rice, Wheat, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Pulses and Oilseeds.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 5.
What is puddling?
Answer:
For rice cultivation, seeds are planted in the fields. The field is levelled and filled with water. This is called puddling the field where rice plants are transplanted.

Question 6.
What products are prepared from Maize?
Answer:
Glucose, starch, alcohol and vegetable oil is prepared from Maize.

Question 7.
How many types of cotton are there on the basis of the length of staple?
Answer:

  1. Long staple cotton (Best Type)
  2. Medium staple cotton
  3. Short staple cotton.

Question 8.
Which are the things that can be made from jute?
Answer:
Bags, ropes, strings, etc. and shoes are prepared from jute.

Question 9.
How does the tea plant look like?
Answer:
Tea plant is a bush. Its leaves provide tea.

Question 10.
Write the names of three types of coffee.
Answer:

  1. Arabica
  2. Robusta
  3. Liberica.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 11.
What is the percentage of people engaged in agriculture in U.S.A. and Punjab?
Answer:

  • U.S.A.-More than 30% people
  • Punjab-58% people.

II. Answer the following questions in 50-60 words :

Question 1.
After writing the types of Agriculture differentiate between intensive and extensive agriculture.
Answer:
Types of Agriculture :

  1. Sedentary Agriculture
  2. Shifting Agriculture
  3. Dry Farming
  4. Wet Farming
  5. Intensive Farming
  6. Extensive Farming
  7. Mixed Farming
  8. Horticulture
  9. Individual Agriculture
  10. Co-operative Farming
  11. Collective Farming
  12. Plantation Agriculture
  13. Subsistence Agriculture
  14. Commercial Farming.

The distinction between Intensive and Extensive Farming :

  • Intensive farming is done on small farms while extensive farming is done on large farms.
  • Irrigation and fertilizers are used in intensive farming while machines are used in extensive farming.
  • Intensive farming is done in Punjab while extensive farming is done in U.S.A.

Question 2.
Differentiate between subsistence and commercial type of farming.
Answer:
1. Subsistence Farming: Majority of farmers in the country practise subsistence farming. It is characterised by small and scattered land-holdings and use of primitive tools. As the farmers are poor, they do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds in their fields to the extent they should do. These result into low productivity. Important cash crops like sugarcane, oilseeds, cotton and jute are grown. The subsistence agriculture has given way to commercial agriculture to some extent.

2. Extensive Farming: Extensive farming is bush or tree farming. It is a single crop farming of rubber, tea, coffee, cocoa, spices, coconut and fruit crops. It is capital-intensive and demands good managerial ability, technical know-how, sophisticated machinery, fertilisers, irrigation and transport facilities. Extensive farming is done in U.S.A. and Canada.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 3.
Which are main Rice producing areas?
Answer:
Cultivation of Rice. Rice is grown in deltas, flood-plains, coastal-plains and some terraced fields in the mountainous areas as well. It is one of the crops for which a lot of human labour is required. All operations including the preparation of seedling beds, ploughing, planting, weeding, harvesting and separation of grain are done by human labour.

Rice requires high temperature of over 20°C to germinate, bloom and mature. Rainfall of 100 cm to 150 cm is required. Paddy is cultivated mainly in India, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar.

In India rice is cultivated most widely in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Other producers are Assam, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Punjab.

In Punjab, rice is grown in districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Patiala and Ludhiana.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 1

Question 4.
Explain the conditions required for cultivation of cotton and jute.
Answer:
Cotton. Cotton requires cloud free sunny days and uniformly high temperature. It grows best in areas where the temperature is between 30°C to. 40°C. Cotton plants require rainfall of 60 to 100 cm. Alluvial and black soils are best suited for cotton plants.

Jute. Jute fibre is obtained from the bark of the jute plant stem.
The jute plant originated in the Indian subcontinent. It grows best in well drained sandy loam and requires warm and humid climate. Jute plant requires temperature of more than 25°C and rainfall of over 150 cm per year.

Question 5.
Write a note on cotton production in Punjab.
Answer:
Punjab and Haryana together produce 25% cotton of India. The major producers are Ferozepur and Sangrur districts. B.T. cotton has been successfully grown in Punjab. Malwa region is also called white gold.

Question 6.
Write about protection of tea and coffee plants.
Answer:
Tea. Tea plants are planted on cleared slope. So that on well drained slopes, water should not stand in the roots of plants. Fertilizers are used for growth of tea plants. Tea plant needs pruning for its proper growth.

Coffee. Coffee saplings are grown in Nursery and then transplanted in the fields. The plants require use of fertilizers, pruning, and irrigation. Sunny weather is required during growth. The tree is pruned to keep it upto a height of 8 feet.

Question 7.
Write a note on the uses of machines in agricultural operations in U.SA.
Answer:
Two types of farms are functioning in the United States viz.,

  1. specialized farms and
  2. mixed farms.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 2

A specialized farm concentrates on a particular type of crop or livestock, whereas a mixed farm raises a variety of crops. About 95 per cent of farms in the USA are specialized farms. Mostly cereal grains such as corn, wheat, sorghum, rice, barley, oats and rye are grown in specialized farms. However, specialized farms also produce crops such as cotton, groundnut, sugarcane, tobacco, vegetables and fruits. Nearly half the specialized farms in the USA are livestock farms. These livestock farms rear meat animals, raise milk cows, chickens and turkeys. In the mixed farms, farmers produce a variety of crops and rear livestock. The United States is the world’s leader in international agricultural goods market.

III. Answer the following questions in about 125-130 words :

Question 1.
After writing about conditions for the growth of wheat explain the areas of wheat production. (P.B. 2009)
Answer:
Geographical conditions of growth. Wheat needs a cool and wet climate during growing season and a warm dry climate during harvesting season. It requires a rainfall of 50 cm to 75 cm. It is a rabi crop. It grows best in winter due to winter rainfall and regular irrigation. It does not depend on destiny like rice crop. Wheat grows best on loamy soils. Mechanisation and use of chemical fertilizers give higher yields.

Production. Wheat is one of the oldest cereal crops cultivated in the world. Wheat is grown in temperate regions with rainfall ranging between 30 cm to 80 cm.

Three countries: the United States of America, Russia and China are the major producers of wheat. The world’s largest producer is China. Other leading producers are India, Ukraine, France, Canada, Pakistan and Argentina. Winter wheat and spring wheat belts of USA and Canada are quite famous.

Wheat cultivation is mainly carried on in fertile soils or loamy soils. Different climatic conditions and sowing seasons across the world have led to harvesting of wheat in every month of the year in one or the other part of the world. It is grown in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar. India is the second largest producer of wheat in the world. The production and yield in Punjab has increased due to Green Revolution, Better seeds, fertilizers and irrigation is used. ,

Question 2.
What are the conditions required for the growth of Tea and Coffee? Explain the main areas of tea and coffee production in India.
Answer:
Geographical Conditions of Growth of Tea. Tea is a plant of both tropical and temperate areas.

  1. Temperature. Tea requires uniformly high temperatures (20° – 30°C) throughout the year. Frost is harmful for tea leaves.
  2. Rainfall. An annual rainfall of 150 cm is essential for the growth of tea.
  3. Soil. Tea requires a deep acidic and fertile soil.
  4. Land. Tea is grown on gently sloping, well drained hill slopes and valley-sides.
  5. Labour. Tea is a labour intensive crop. It requires cheap, skilled labour for picking tea-leaves.

Conditions for Growth of Coffee. One-third of the world population drinks coffee, the second largest beverage after tea. There are two types of coffee plants. Coffee Arabica or Mocha and Coffee Robusta. Robusta is the main variety produced in the world.

The coffee plant requires warm climate and moderate rainfall. Both strong sunshine and snowfall are harmful to the plant. During its growth, coffee plant requires rainfall of 100 cm to 150 cm and temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Irrigation is required where the annual rainfall is less than 100 cm.

Areas of Cultivation of Tea. More tea is produced in Northern India than Southern India. Tea is grown on an area of 4.21 lakh hectares.

The average yield is 1540 kg per hectare. Assam produces about 50% tea of India.
1. Assam. Assam is the largest producer of tea in India. Tea is grown on the valley sides of Brahmaputra and Duar region.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 3

2. West Bengal. Tea is grown in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal. Darjeeling tea has a special flavour. This flavour is due to slow growth under high humidity and low temperature.

3. Southern India. Tea is grown on the slopes of Nilgiris, Cardamom and Anamalai hills, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Malabar coast (Kerala), Coorg region (Karnataka) and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) are important areas of tea production. Areas of Cultivation of Coffee.

Karnataka is the largest coffee producing state of India.
(а) Karnataka. Coffee is grown in the districts of Chikamanglur, Coorg, Hassan, Shimoga (Nilgiris) in Karnataka state. High rainfall, sunshine, protected slopes, well- drained soils favour the cultivation of coffee.
(b) Arcot, Tinevelley, Madurai, Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu grow coffee.
(c) In Kerala, Cardamom hills covering the districts of Palghat and Thiruvananthapuram.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 3.
Write down the process involved in Jute production. Write in detail the uses and distribution of Jute in the world.
Answer:
Jute: Jute is an industrial fibre. It is the cheapest fibre. It has commercial importance. It is also called ‘golden fibre’. It is used in the making of carpets, ropes, covers and linoleum. It is used for packing many agricultural commodities. Jute is called ‘Brown Paper of Whole-sale trade’. Jute fibre has softness, strength and length.

Conditions of Growth: Jute is a plant of hot-wet tropical areas.

  1. Temperature. It requires uniformly high temperature (27°C) throughout the year.
  2. Rainfall. Jute requires well distributed heavy rainfall (150 cm).
  3. Soil. It is grown on flood plains and deltas. Fertilizers are also used.
  4. Clean Water. Jute needs an ample supply of clean water for washing.

Area and Production: The jute is grown on an area of about 8 lakh hectares. The total production is about 93 lakh bales (each bale = 180 kg). The average yield is 2014 kg per hectare.

India is the largest producer of jute in the world. Due to partition of India 75% of jute producing areas remained in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). There was shortage of raw jute for jute mills in India. Now India is self-sufficient in jute production. Coarse jute called Mesta is also grown.

Areas of Cultivation

  1. West Bengal. West Bengal is the largest producer of jute in India. Jute is grown in Ganges delta. Murshidabad, Burdwan, Nadiad, Hooghly are the main jute producing districts.
  2. Assam. Jute is grown in Goalpara, Kamrup and Tezpur districts in Brahmaputra valley.
  3. Bihar. Jute is grown in Terai districts of Purnea and Champaran. The major producers of Jute in the world are China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Brazil.

Question 4.
What are the similarities and variations in the agriculture of Punjab and the U.S.A.?
Answer:
(A) Agriculture in the U.S.A.-A Glance :

  • Agriculturally, the U.S.A. is a developed country. About 3% of the total population is engaged in agriculture,
  • The main reason behind this is that all the activities of agriculture are carried on by machines and. not by men.
  • Agricultural activities are carried on about 20% part of the land,
  • The main agricultural areas include North-West, North-East, interior plains and coastal plains of the country. Different types of crops are grown in different parts of the country,
  • The farmers of the U.S.A. have large landholdings as compared to that of India. The farm size is very big. The average farm size in U.S.A. is 700 acres. Due to the large size of the fields, extensive type of agriculture is practised.
  • Machines are used at a very large scale. It is almost impossible to work in farms without machines,
  • In a farm, only one type of crop is cultivated. From the sowing of crop to the taking of the crop to markets or stores, every work is done with the help of machines,
  • Insecticides and pesticides are properly utilized. The farmer of U.S.A. practice agriculture like a businessman and not like a mere farmer.

(B) Agriculture in Punjab (India)-A Glance :

  • Punjab in comparison to other states of India, is much advanced in agriculture. The agriculture sector contributes 35% to the total income of the country. About 58% population of the state is engaged in agriculture,
  • The soils here are fertile in nature. To maintain the fertility of the soils, the farmer also uses fertilisers,
  • The farmers of Punjab do not have too much of land. Landholding mostly range between 5 to 25 acres. Some farmers possess even less land. Six percent farmers of the state have more than 25 acres of land.
  • The farmer grows, different types of crops in his fields. The variations in crops mainly depend on climate, size of landholding, type of soil, irrigation facilities and requirements of the farmer.
  • According to the size of the land holding the farmer uses tractor or combine harvester,
  • Almost all the net sown area comes under irrigation. The farmer of Punjab also uses insecticides and pesticides at a large scale to get more production. Though the farmer of Punjab uses the machines, even then the contribution of labourers is too much. This we can estimate from the number of people working in the agricultural sector. In U.S.A. only 3% of population is engaged in agriculture whereas in Punjab 58% people are working in the agriculture sector,
  • The farmer of Punjab (except a few big farmers) does not practice agriculture like a businessmen. He sows a number of crops in his fields. Two-2 crops are taken at the same time,
  • The agriculture of Punjab is an intensive type of agriculture. Therefore, the yield per acre is more than that of the U.S.A.

IV. Map Skill

Question 1.
Show two place’s each of following crops on outline map of India. Tea, Wheat, Rice, Cotton, Jute.
Answer:
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 4

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

V. Activity

Question 1.
Name three each of Kharif and Rabi crops mentioning geographical conditions need for each.
Answer:

Crop Temp Rainfall Soils
1. Wheat 10°-20°C 50-100 cm Clay soil
2. Rice 20°-30°C 100-200 cm Alluvial soil
3. Maize 18°-27°C 50-100 cm Levelled plain
4. Cotton 20°-30° 50-100 cm Simple slope
5. Tea 20°-30°C 150-300 cm Sloping
6. Jute 29°-35°C 120-150 cm Alluvial soil

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Guide Our Agriculture Important Questions and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions :

Question 1.
Commercial rearing of silkworm is called
(a) Commercial farming
(b) Pisciculture
(c) Sericulture
(d) Viticulture.
Answer:
(c) Sericulture.

Question 2.
Farming in which the produce is consumed by the farmer’s household is called :
(a) Subsistence
(b) Extensive
(c) Intensive
(d) None of the above.
Answer:
(a) Subsistence.

Question 3.
What does golden filament means?
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Silk
(d) Wool.
Answer:
(b) Jute.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 4.
Which country is the largest producer of rice in the world?
(a) India
(b) Brazil
(c) China
(d) U.S.A.
Answer:
(c) China.

Question 5.
India is largest producer of _________
(a) Tea
(b) Coffee
(c) Rice
(d) Cotton.
Answer:
(a) Tea.

Question 6.
For what purpose the following machine is used?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 5
(а) For drilling
(b) For showing wheat / rice
(c) For harvesting
(d) For growing vegetables.
Answer:
(c) For harvesting.

Question 7.
In the following picture a plant is shown, name the areas in which plant is found.
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 6
(а) Tropical
(b) Temperate
(c) Tropical & temperate
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(c) Tropical & Temperate.

Question 8.
What is the name of farming of fruit shown in this picture?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 7
(а) Horticulture
(b) Sericulture
(c) Pisciculture
(d) Viticulture.
Answer:
(d) Viticulture.

Question 9.
Which of the following crops does this picture resemble?
PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture 8
(a) Paddy (Rice)
(b) Wheat
(c) Maize
(d) Cotton.
Answer:
(a) Paddy (Rice).

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 10.
What type of crops can be grown on the part of land with plenty of black soil?
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Wheat
(c) Cotton
(d) Jute.
Answer:
(c) Cotton.

Fill in the Blanks :

Question 1.
_________ agriculture is done with machines in sparsely populated areas.
Answer:
Extensive

Question 2.
_________ is called cultivation of grapes.
Answer:
Viticulture

Question 3.
Shifting cultivation is also called _________
Answer:
Slash and burn

Question 4.
Coarse grain are also called _________
Answer:
Millets

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 5.
Agricultural activity in India is a _________
Answer:
primary activity.

True/False :

Question 1.
Production of fruit and flower is called viticulture.
Answer:
False

Question 2.
Punjab state is the largest producer of wheat.
Answer:
False

Question 3.
Arabica is a variety of coffee.
Answer:
True

Question 4.
Flax is a fibre crop.
Answer:
True

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 5.
Russia is a leading producer of coffee.
Answer:
False.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is meant by agriculture?
Answer:
The word ‘agriculture’ is derived from the Latin words ‘ager’ or ‘agri’ and ’culture’. Ager means soil and culture means cultivation or tilling the soil. Agriculture, thus, means cultivation of soil. But in broader sense, agriculture is growing crops and rearing of livestock. Livestock include animals (cattle, sheep and goat) and birds that are reared for human use.

Question 2.
What are the different forms of the word ‘culture’?
Answer:
The word cuture has many variants like :

  1. Agriculture. Science and art of cultivation on soil, raising crops or livestock.
  2. Sericulture. Commercial rearing of silkworms.
  3. Pisciculture. Breeding of fish for commercial gains.
  4. Viticulture. Cultivation of grapes.
  5. Horticulture. Growing of vegetables, fruits or flowers for commercial use.

Question 3.
What is Sedentary Agriculture?
Answer:
When a farmer practises settled agriculture at a fixed place, it is called sedentary agriculture. Crops can be grown every year at the same field. Organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers are used to increase the fertility of the soil.

Question 4.
What is mixed farming?
Answer:
In mixed farming, foodgrains, fruit, vegetables are grown along with cattle farming. Fisheries and. bee-hiving is also done. It increases the income of farmers.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 5.
What is the main characteristic of plantation farming?
Answer:
Crops are grown on large farms. Tea, coffee, rubber are plantation crops which give yield for many years.

Question 6.
Enlist the fibre crops and the beverage crops.
Answer:
Fibre Crops. Cotton, jute, flax.
Beverage Crops. Tea, coffee, cocoa.

Question 7.
Why the people of rich countries prefer wheat to rice?
Answer:
Wheat contains protein, carbohydrate and vitamins. Therefore, wheat is preferred to rice.

Question 8.
State the conditions of growth, temperature, rainfall and land required for maize.
Answer:

  • Temperature: 18°C – 27°C, Frost free season.
  • Rainfall: 50 cm to 100 cm.
  • Land: Level or rolling.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 9.
What are oilseeds? What is their importance?
Answer:
The seeds which provide oil are called oilseeds. These include til, sunflower, rapeseed, etc. These provide us food and meet our daily needs.

Question 10.
Which sources provide fibre? For which purpose fibre from sheep is used?
Answer:
Fiber is obtained from plants and animals. Wool from sheep is used for woollen clothes.

Question 11.
What is the use of cotton fibre?
Answer:
Cotton fibre is used as a raw material for textile industry. It makes fight and strong clothes.

Question 12.
Explain the term ‘farm system’.
Answer:
Agriculture or farming or cultivation is s system called farm system.

  • Inputs. Include seeds, fertilisers, water, machinery, and labour.
  • Operations. Ploughing, sowing, irrigation, weeding, and harvesting.
  • Outputs. Crops, wool, dairy, products, poultry, etc.

Question 13.
Name the main states producing cotton. Account for large production in these states.
Answer:
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh produce more than 60% cotton of India. The large production is due to fertile black soils in these states.

Question 14.
Why is tea grown on hill slopes?
Answer:
Tea needs uniform supply of water throughout the year. Water should not stagnate in the roots of tea bush. Hill slopes are well-drained.

Question 15.
How is coffee powder prepared? Which element of it produces excitement in our bodies?
Answer:
Coffee seeds are dried, roasted and grinded to make powder. It contains Caffeine which produces excitement in our bodies.

Question 16.
How is coffee plant grown?
Answer:
Coffee plant is grown in nurseries. After six months, it is transplanted in fields. It starts giving fruit after 3-4 years.

Question 17.
Agricultural development is uneven in different parts. Give one example.
Answer:
Many parts of Africa are not agriculturally developed. But in U.S.A., agriculture is a commercial and profitable occupation.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 18.
What is Green Revolution?
Answer:
The increase in agricultural production by introducing scientific methods like; new varieties of seeds, use of fertilizers and good water supply is called green revolution. The increase was in the yields of certain crops like wheat and rice.

Question 19.
Which activities are included in Agriculture?
Answer:
Dairy farming, poultry, honey bee keeping, pisciculture, gur making, flour milks, floriculture all occupations are a part of agriculture.

Question 20.
State two characteristics of Extensive farming.
Answer:

  1. Size of farms is very large.
  2. Yield per acre is less and machines are used for agriculture.

Question 21.
What is the position of Punjab in production of rice?
Answer:
Per hectare yield of rice in Punjab is the highest in India. Punjab produces about 12.2 per cent of total rice of the country. Punjab ranks second in rice production.

Question 22.
If a person has cultivated crops like Tea, Coffee and Cocoa, then identify the types of these crops.
Answer:
Beverage crops.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Discuss the main characteristics of shifting cultivation.
Answer:
Shifting Agriculture. In this type of agriculture, first of all, a piece of forest land is cleared by felling trees and burning of trunks and branches. After the land is cleared, crops are grown for two to three years and then the land is abandoned as the fertility of the soil decreases. The farmers then move to new areas and the process is repeated. Dry paddy maize, millets and vegetables are the crops commonly grown in this type of farming. The per hectare yield is low.

Question 2.
Distinguish between dry land farming and wetland farming.
Answer:
Dry land farming. It is practised in areas where the rainfall is low and irrigation facilities are inadequate. Here, emphasis is laid on the conservation of moisture and on crops like jowar, bajra and pulses, which need less water. In dry farming, only one crop is grown in the kharif season.

Wet land farming. It is practised in the areas where rainfall is more than 200 cm per year. It is mostly practised in S.E. Asia. In India, it is practised in West Bengal, Orissa and coastal areas. The main crop is Rice, Sugarcane. Multiple Cropping is done in different seasons.

Question 3.
Distinguish between Individual and Cooperative farming.
Answer:
Individual farming. In this farming, the farmer is the owner of the land. The use of tools, fertilizers and management is in the hands of the farmer. The total income is the personal income of the farmer.

Co-operative farming. In this, the Govt, is the owner of the land. A part of the income goes to the government as tax. The rest of income is divided among the labourers and farmers. This type of agriculture was practised in U.S.S.R.

Question 4.
Write a note on Collective farming.
Answer:
In this type, the farmers join together to form a collective organisation. All the farmers cultivate their own land. The accounts of production is in the hands of the organisation. The decisions are taken for the benefit of farmers. All the profit is distributed among farmers in the ratio of their lands. In India, this type of farming is encouraged by the government.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 5.
Describe the favourable conditions for growth of Rice.
Answer:

  • Temperature: 20°C to 30°C.
  • Rainfall: 100-200 cm (Irrigation in dry areas)
  • Soils: Alluvial, clay, loamy and delta or black soils.
  • Land: Level land suitable for irrigation.
  • Labour: Cheap and skilled labour.

Question 6.
Describe the cultivation of maize in India and world.
Answer:
Maize: Maize is known as Makka in India, corn in the United States of America, India and Europe. It originated from the American continent. It was introduced in Europe by Columbus and other explorers. It was Native Americans who taught colonizers how to grow maize.

Maize is used as foodgrains and as fodder. It is grown mainly in Russia, Canada and parts of South America. The United States of America is the largest producer. China is the second-largest producer followed by Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and India.

India: Most of Maize is grown in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. U.P, Himachal Pradesh, J & K, Maharashtra, Punjab and Gujarat are also the producers of Maize. In Punjab, Rupnagar, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar produce maize.

Question 7.
Write a note on the agricultural development of Punjab.
Answer:
Punjab is one of the leading states of India in agriculture. This is due to :

  • 58% people are engaged in agriculture. 35% of income comes from agriculture.
  • Soils are fertile. Fertilizers are used.
  • Mulitple cropping is done. Better seeds are used. Tractors and Harvesters are used.
  • Irrigation is the basis of agriculture.
  • Pesticides are used to protect crops.
  • Machines are used on large farms.

Question 8.
Why agriculture is called the main stay of the Indian Economy?
Answer:
Indian’s main occupation is agriculture. Two-thirds of India’s population is engaged in agriculture. Agriculture is the main stay of the Indian Economy. Agriculture provides food to the teeming millions in India. It sustains 2/3 of our population. It provides raw material to agro-based industries. Agriculture along with forests and fisheries form 45% of our total national income. Our industrial structure is being built on the broad foundation of Indian agriculture. It is also a great earner of foreign exchange.

Question 9.
What are the main features of Agricultural development in India?
Answer:

  • India is a vast country. More than 70% of its population is dependent upon agriculture for livelihood.
  • The major foodgrains produced in India are rice and wheat.
  • Most of farms are not more than one hectare of land.
  • India is self-sufficient in the production of foodgrains .
  • In India, half of the total cultivable land is irrigated.

Question 10.
What has been the impact of mechanisation on agriculture?
Answer:
The earlier farmers used simple tools. Gradually on-driven ploughs were introduced. But, now in modern times the techniques have been changed. Now in developed countries all farm operations have been mechanised. It has reduced the number of people engaged in agricultural work. Many people can now work in industries and services.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 11.
What is Agriculture?
Answer:
The word Agriculture is derived from two Latin words ‘agri’ and ‘culture’. ‘Agri’ means’soil and ‘culture’ means cultivation or tilling. Agriculture hence refers to the cultivation of soil for growing crops and rearing of livestocks.

Question 12.
Name the factors influencing agriculture.
Answer:
The factors which influence agriculture are :

  1. Relief
  2. Soil conditions
  3. Temperature
  4. Rainfall.

Question 13.
What is plantation agriculture?
Answer:
It is special type of commercial farming which requires large amount of labour, technical efficiency, very large estates and capital. In this type of agriculture a simple crop of tea, rubber, coffee, sugarcane, cashew, banana or cotton is grown. The produce may be processed on the farm itself or in nearby factories. A well developed transport . network is also required.

Tropical regions of the world are major plantation areas. Rubber in Malayasia, coffee in Brazil, tea in India and Sri Lanka are some examples.

Question 14.
Name the different varieties or crops in India.
Answer:

  1. Cereals
  2. pulses and oilseeds
  3. Fibre crops
  4. Beverage crops
  5. Cash crops

Question 15.
Discuss the different types of fibres.
Answer:
Vegetable fibers are obatained from seeds, barks, leaves and fruit cases.
Animals fibres are produced from insects; such as silkworm and animals such as camels, sheep, goats, yaks, Hamas, rabbits, guanacos, alpacas, vicunas and reindeers.

Mineral fibres such as glass is made from silica sand.
Synthetic fibres are derived from chemical treatment of natural cellulose, which is i made from wood pulp.

Question 16.
What do you know about commercial agriculture?
Answer:
In this type of agriculture the main aim is to produce the crop for sale in the market. It can be intensive or extensive agriculture. The farmers try to keep the cost of production low. The framework is done by machines. This type of agriculture is practised in the prairies of North America, Pampas of South America, Steppes of Russia, Western Europe and in some parts of India.

Question 17.
Write the features of Intensive Subsistence Agriculture.
Answer:
It is a type of subsistence agriculture and its features are :

  • Intensive subsistence agriculture is done on small plot with simple tools.
  • Done by farmer and his family as labour.
  • Produce is used mainly by farmer so food grains are grown.
  • Rice is the main crop. Other crops are wheat, maize, pulses etc are cultivated.
  • Done mainly in thickly populated areas of south, southeast and east Asia.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 18.
Describe the main characteristics of shifting agriculture.
Answer:

  • In shifting agriculture, a plot of land is cleared by felling trees and burning them.
  • The ashes are then mixed with soil which works as a fertilizer.
  • After the soil loses its fertility, the land is abandoned. Cultivators move to a new plot.
  • It is practised in areas of heavy rainfall and quick generation of vegetation.
  • It is mainly done in Amazon basin, Tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and northeast India.
  • Crops like maize, yam, potatoes, and cassava are grown. This is also known as the ‘slash and burn’ agriculture.

Question 19.
Distinguish between :
(i) Subsistence farming and Commercial farming
Answer:

Subsistence Farming Commercial Farming
1. The practice of farming in which the crops are grown for home consumption by the farmer. 1. The practice of farming in which crops are grown for sale in the market or trade.
2. It is practised on small farms with simple tools and old technology. 2. It is practised on large farms with modern technology.
3. For example The production of wheat in some parts of country. 3. For example The production of sugarcane in U.P.

(ii) Intensive farming and Extensive farming.
Answer:

Intensive Farming Extensive Farming
1. Production is increased by using higher inputs and better agricultural techniques. 1.            Production is increased by bringing more and more land under cultivation.
2. This is practised in areas which are thickly populated. 2. This is practised in areas which are thinly populated.
3. This is practised in areas where there is less land available. 3.            This is done in areas where abundant land is easily available.
4. Livestock farming is little developed due to poor pastures. 4.            Livestock farming Supplements agriculture due to availability of grasslands.
5. Farms are small in size. 5. Farms are very large in size.

Fill in the blanks :

Question 1.
Shifting agriculture is also known as _________
Answer:
Slash and burn

Question 2.
_________, soil and climate are vital factors for agricultural activities.
Answer:
Topography

Question 3.
Advertising is an example of _________ activities.
Answer:
Tertiary

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 4.
Jute is grown intensively in _________ and _________
Answer:
India, Bangladesh

Question 5.
Coarse grains are also called _________
Answer:
Millets.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is the importance of cotton? Explain the conditions of growth and areas of production of cotton and jute in India.
Answer:
Cotton. Cotton has been called ‘the universal fibre’. It is one of the most important fibres of all the fibres. It forms the basis of cotton textile industry. Cotton is the leading fibre crop of India. It is known from the writings of Herodotus that cotton has been in use in India since 3000 B.C.

Geographical Conditions of Growth

  • Temperature. Cotton needs uniformly high summer temperature between 22°C to 32°C. It requires a warm climate with bright sunshine. Frost is harmful to cotton plants.
  • Rainfall. Cotton needs light to moderate rainfall between 50 to 100 cm.
  • Irrigation. In arid treas, irrigation is used. It increases the yield per hectare as in Punjab.
  • Soils. Cotton grows best on rich, well-drained loamy soils or lava soils.

Types of Cotton:

  • The long-staple cotton. This cotton has a length of 25 mm and above.
  • The medium staple cotton. This cotton has a staple length between 18 mm to 25 mm.
  • The short-staple cotton. This cotton has a fibre length of less than 18 mm.

Area of Cultivation
Southern India produces more cotton than Northern India. Gujarat is the leading
producer of cotton in India with a production of 25% of the total production in the country.
1. Black cotton soil region. This is the chief cotton-growing area of India on the ‘lava soil’ of N.W. Deccan Plateau. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are the major cotton-producing states.

2. Red soil region. Medium staple cotton is grown in the red soil areas including the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The yield is low.

3. Alluvial soil region. Long-staple cotton is grown on the alluvial soils of Northern Plains. The states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are the important producers. Punjab has the highest yield per hectare due to its warm climate, fertile soils, and facilities of irrigation.

World Production. The U.S.A. is the leading producer of cotton in the world. China ranks second. India ranks third. Other main producers are Russia, Mexico, Egypt, Sweden, and Pakistan. Egypt is known for long-staple cotton. In the U.S.A., cotton production is decreasing.

PSEB 8th Class Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 Our Agriculture

Question 2.
Describe the different types of Farming.
Answer:
1. Shifting Agriculture. This farming method is practised by primitive people living in dense forests. The land is prepared by felling trees and burning the trees. People move from one area to another when the soil loses its fertility.

2. Subsistence Farming. In this method, farmers use primitive tools to cultivate their lands. Farmers in these regions produce agricultural goods, which are just sufficient to satisfy their own needs.

3. Commercial Farming. When farmers use modern tools and equipment such as tractors, threshers, winnowers, etc., and produce crops mainly to sell them in the market, it is called commercial farming.

4. Extensive Farming. This method is practised in countries where the population is sparse and the availability of land is more. Farmers use machines to a great extent, as the size of land holdings is large.

5. Intensive Farming. In this method of farming, the same piece of land is used throughout the year continuously. The soil is also very fertile. Farmers use more labourers, seeds that can yield more, better manures, and ensure a regular water supply.

6. Irrigation Farming. It is the type of farming, which mainly depends on irrigation through canals, wells, and tanks. Farmers cultivate their lands throughout the year.

Some of the important river valleys of the world where this method is followed are, the Ganga valley and the Indus valley in India, the Nile valley in Egypt, the Xi Jiang valley in China, Missouri, and San Joaquin valley in the United States of America.

7. Rainfed Farming. In the regions where the rainfall is not only seasonal but also scanty, farmers use different measures to cultivate their lands and use the scarce amount of rainwater efficiently. This is known as rainfed farming.

8. Mono-crop Farming. When the farmers specialize in the production of a single crop or if the soil and other natural factors allow farmers to cultivate only one crop that farming is known as one-crop or mono-crop farming.

9. Double and Multi-crop Farming. When two or more crops are cultivated in a plot of land, it is known as double or multi-crop farming. In this method, farmers apply scientific methods—use seeds that can give high yield, and apply manures in an appropriate manner.