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Grade 8 → Geography → Resources → Exercises- Resources
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Solved Example: 1-1-01
Answer the following questions.
(i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
(ii) What is resource conservation?
(iii) Why are human resources important?
(iv) What is sustainable development?
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Solution:
Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
Resources are distributed unequally over the earth due to a variety of natural factors, such as climatic conditions, soil types, geographical features, and altitude. Different regions have different availability of natural resources like water, minerals, forests, and fertile land. These factors depend on the Earth's geographical structure and the way in which the environment has evolved over time, leading to a varied distribution of resources.
What is resource conservation?
Resource conservation refers to the careful management and protection of natural resources to prevent their depletion and ensure that they are available for future generations. This includes practices like reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, and adopting sustainable methods of resource usage to maintain ecological balance.
Why are human resources important?
Human resources are important because they are the driving force behind the development and utilization of all other resources. People contribute to the creation, development, and management of resources through their skills, knowledge, and labor. Human resources are essential for innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. They also help in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes balancing economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection to ensure that resources are used efficiently and responsibly for long-term benefits.
Solved Example: 1-1-02
Tick the correct answer.
(i) Which one of the following does NOT make substance a resource?
(a) utility
(b) value
(c) quantity
(ii) Which one of the following is a human made resource?
(a) medicines to treat cancer
(b) spring water
(c) tropical forests
(iii) Complete the statement. Non-renewable resources are:
(a) those which have limited stock
(b) made by human beings
(c) derived from non-living things
Check Answer
Solution:
(i) Which one of the following does NOT make substance a resource?
- (a) utility
- (b) value
- (c) quantity Correct
(ii) Which one of the following is a human made resource?
- (a) medicines to treat cancer Correct
- (b) spring water
- (c) tropical forests
(iii) Complete the statement. Non-renewable resources are:
- (a) those which have limited stock Correct
- (b) made by human beings
- (c) derived from non-living things
Solved Example: 1-1-03
Activity
“Rahiman paani raakhiye, Bin paani sab soon.
Paani gaye na ubere Moti, manus, choon...”
[Says Rahim, keep water, as without water there is nothing. Without water pearl, swan and dough cannot exist.
These lines were written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhana, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. What kind of resource is the poet referring to? Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared?
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Solution:
Activity: "Rahiman paani raakhiye, Bin paani sab soon"
In these lines, poet Abdur Rahim Khankhana is referring to water as a vital resource. Water is a renewable natural resource that supports life on Earth. Without water, all forms of life, including plants, animals, and humans, would cease to exist. If water were to disappear, ecosystems would collapse, leading to the extinction of countless species. Agriculture would be severely affected, resulting in food shortages. Human life would be impossible, as water is essential for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. Without water, pearls, swans, and even dough (food) cannot exist, as poet Rahim rightly expresses.
Solved Example: 1-1-04
Pretend that you live in the prehistoric times on a high windy plateau. What are the uses you and your friends could put the fast winds to? Can you call the wind a resource?
Now imagine that you are living in the same place in the year 2138. Can you put the winds to any use? How? Can you explain why the wind is an important resource now?
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Solution:
Uses of Wind in Prehistoric Times
Living in prehistoric times on a high, windy plateau, my friends and I could make use of the fast winds in several ways. We could use the wind for:
- Moving objects: We could use the wind to help us carry lightweight materials like leaves or small branches from one place to another.
- Drying food: The strong winds could be used to dry fish, meat, or fruits, helping preserve them for later use.
- Building: The wind could help us in the construction of basic shelters by drying wet materials quickly, such as wood or clay used for building.
Although the wind was useful for these tasks, we wouldn't call it a resource in the same way as water or plants. The wind could be considered a force of nature, but not something that could be controlled or stored for long-term use in prehistoric times.
Uses of Wind in the Year 2138
In the year 2138, living in the same windy plateau, the way we use the wind has drastically changed. Now, we could harness the wind in many advanced ways:
- Wind Energy: The most important use would be to generate electricity using wind turbines. The fast winds could turn the blades of large turbines, converting wind energy into electrical power to supply homes, industries, and vehicles.
- Transportation: We could use wind power for transport, such as ships or even new, futuristic flying vehicles, which rely on wind for propulsion or stability.
- Cooling: Wind could be used in modern cooling systems for buildings or machinery, utilizing its natural flow to reduce heat and save on energy costs.
In 2138, wind is considered a vital resource because it can be controlled, harnessed, and stored through advanced technologies. The ability to generate clean and renewable energy from wind makes it a crucial resource for sustainable living and addressing environmental concerns like climate change.