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

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The Big Questions

1. How do we categorise natural resources?
See AnswerNatural resources can be categorised based on their use: essential for life (air, water, soil), materials (wood, metals) and energy (coal, sunlight). They can also be classified as renewable (solar, wind) or non-renewable (coal, petroleum) based on their ability to replenish over time.

2. What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
See AnswerUneven distribution of resources affects where people live, jobs, trade and even conflicts. For example, areas with minerals attract industries, while water-rich regions support farming. Sharing resources like rivers can cause disputes between regions or countries.

3. What are the implications of unsustainable use / over-exploitation of natural resources?
See AnswerOveruse leads to pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change. For example, over-pumping groundwater dries up wells and deforestation reduces wildlife habitats. Sustainable practices are needed to protect resources for future generations.

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What might be the different criteria we can use to categorise natural resources?
See AnswerNatural resources can be categorized in different ways. One way is by their use: resources essential for life (air, water), resources for materials (wood, metals) and resources for energy (coal, sunlight). Another way is by renewability: renewable (forests, wind) and non-renewable (coal, oil). We can also categorize them by origin: biotic (from living things like timber) and abiotic (non-living like minerals). These categories help us understand and manage resources better.

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1. What do you think are the different inputs required to enable the use of the natural resources available in different geographical areas?
See AnswerTo use natural resources from different areas, several inputs are needed. First, technology is required to extract and process resources. Second, skilled workers are needed to operate the technology. Third, transportation systems must move resources to where they’re needed. Money is required to fund these activities. Government policies help manage resource use fairly. Local community support is important too. Finally, environmental protection measures ensure resources are used sustainably without harming nature. These inputs work together to make resource use possible and responsible.

Questions and activities

1. What can make what is today a renewable resource nonrenewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
See AnswerA renewable resource can become non-renewable if we use it faster than nature can replace it. For example, cutting too many trees without replanting or overusing groundwater can deplete these resources. Pollution can also damage renewable resources, like when chemicals make water undrinkable or soil unfit for farming.
To prevent this, we should:
1. Use resources at a sustainable rate (take only what nature can replace)
2. Replant trees and protect forests
3. Reduce pollution that harms air, water and soil
4. Use traditional farming methods that keep soil healthy
5. Switch to renewable energy like solar and wind power
6. Follow rules that protect natural resources
By being careful and responsible, we can keep renewable resources available for future generations.

2. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans
See AnswerFive important ecosystem functions that benefit humans:
Trees produce oxygen for us to breathe while absorbing carbon dioxide.
Forests and wetlands naturally filter water, making it clean for drinking.
Bees and other pollinators help crops grow by transferring pollen between plants.
Healthy soil supports agriculture by providing nutrients for food crops.
Mangroves and coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion.
These natural processes maintain clean air, water and food supplies while protecting us from environmental dangers. Without them, human survival would be much harder. Ecosystems also regulate climate and prevent floods, showing how deeply we depend on nature’s balance.

3. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.
See AnswerRenewable resources are natural materials that can replenish themselves over time, like sunlight, wind and forests. They differ from non-renewable resources such as coal and oil, which take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced once used up.
To ensure renewable resources remain available, people should use them sustainably. For example, forests can be preserved by planting new trees to replace those cut down, and water can be conserved through rainwater harvesting. Another way is to reduce waste and pollution, like using solar energy instead of fossil fuels to prevent environmental damage. These practices help maintain resources for future generations.
Examples of renewable resources include solar energy, which is endless as long as the sun shines, and wind energy, which is harnessed through turbines without depleting the source. Responsible use and management are key to keeping these resources available long-term.

4. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
See AnswerMany cultural practices show mindful use of natural resources. In homes, people worship tulsi plants which provide oxygen and purify air. Neighbors collect rainwater in traditional pots instead of wasting it. Farmers follow organic methods like using cow dung as fertilizer to protect soil. Communities protect sacred groves where cutting trees is forbidden. Festivals use clay idols and natural colors to avoid pollution. Families reuse old clothes as cleaning rags instead of throwing them away. These traditions teach us to value and conserve nature’s gifts wisely while maintaining ecological balance. Such practices combine respect for nature with practical resource conservation in daily life.

5. What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
See AnswerWhen producing goods for current use, we must consider several important factors. First, we should use renewable resources carefully without overexploiting them. Second, non-renewable resources need to be used wisely so they last longer. Third, production methods should minimize pollution and waste. Fourth, traditional sustainable practices should be combined with modern technology. Fifth, fair distribution of resources is important so everyone benefits. Finally, we must think about future generations by maintaining nature’s ability to restore itself. These considerations help balance current needs with long-term sustainability.

Very Short Answers Type Questions

1. What is a regenerative economy?
See AnswerAn economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing used resources, minimizing waste and replenishing depleted resources.

2. When do elements of Nature become ‘resources’?
See AnswerWhen humans use them for sustenance or create new things for consumption.

3. What three conditions must an entity meet to be called a resource?
See AnswerIt should be technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable.

4. Name three obvious natural resources mentioned in the chapter.
See AnswerWater, air and soil.

5. Name two categories of natural resources based on their uses.
See AnswerResources essential for life and resources for materials.

6. List three natural sources of energy.
See AnswerCoal, water, petroleum.

7. Define renewable resources.
See AnswerResources that exhibit restorative and regenerative characteristics over time.

8. What is restoration in the context of nature?
See AnswerReturning something to its original healthy state if it has been degraded or damaged.

9. What is regeneration according to the book?
See AnswerNature’s ability to create new life and conditions for thriving.

10. Q: Give two examples of renewable resources.
See AnswerSolar energy and wind energy.

11. What are non-renewable resources?
See AnswerResources created over long periods that cannot be replenished at the rate we use them.

12. Name two non-renewable resources.
See AnswerCoal and petroleum.

13. What is the ‘natural resource curse’?
See AnswerA phenomenon where resource-rich regions experience slower economic growth and development.

14. What are ecosystem services?
See AnswerNatural processes that benefit humans.

15. Approximately how much oxygen does a mature tree produce per day?
See AnswerAbout 275 litres.

Short Answers Type Questions

1. What is a “regenerative economy” according to concerned social scientists and why is it considered necessary?
See AnswerA regenerative economy is one that operates in harmony with nature by repurposing used resources, minimizing waste and actively replenishing depleted resources. It is considered necessary because it allows us to return to the innate wisdom of nature, which is the ultimate regenerator and recycler of all resources, ensuring long-term sustainability.

2. Explain when an element of nature becomes a “resource” for humans, providing an example.
See AnswerAn element of nature becomes a “resource” when humans utilize it for their sustenance or transform it into new things for consumption. For instance, trees exist independently as part of the environment, but when humans cut them down and convert their wood into furniture, the trees are then considered a resource due to their utility.

3. What are the three essential criteria for an entity to be classified as a natural resource, beyond simply existing in nature?
See AnswerFor an entity to be called a natural resource, it must fulfill three key criteria. Firstly, it needs to be technologically accessible, meaning we possess the means to extract or utilize it. Secondly, its exploitation must be economically feasible, implying that the cost of extraction is not prohibitively high. Lastly, it should be culturally acceptable, ensuring its use aligns with societal values and traditions.

4. Describe the concept of “restoration” in nature and provide an example from the book.
See AnswerRestoration in nature refers to the process of returning something that has been degraded or damaged back to its original healthy state. Nature possesses an inherent ability to heal, renew, and maintain itself over time. An example is how a cut on human skin typically heals naturally or how a forest can recover and regenerate after a wildfire.

5. How do “ecosystem functions” differ from “ecosystem services” and how do humans benefit from the latter?
See AnswerEcosystem functions are the inherent ways nature works, such as trees naturally producing oxygen or a forest filtering water and preventing soil erosion. Ecosystem services, on the other hand, are the benefits that humans receive when these natural processes serve their needs. For example, when we get clean water, protected farmland or pollinated crops because of a healthy forest, we are receiving ecosystem services from nature.

6. What is the “natural resource curse” or “paradox of plenty” and how has India generally avoided it?
See AnswerThe “natural resource curse”, also known as the “paradox of plenty”, is an economic phenomenon where regions abundant in natural resources may paradoxically experience slower economic growth and development. This often occurs because economies fail to develop industries that convert raw resources into higher-value products. India has generally avoided this curse by strategically investing in the development of such industries to meet its growing needs and add value to its resources.

7. Explain why groundwater depletion is a significant concern in many parts of India, citing the case of Punjab.
See AnswerGroundwater depletion is a major concern in India because, in most states, the rate at which groundwater is extracted for purposes like irrigation significantly exceeds the rate at which the water table is replenished. This imbalance leads to a buildup of deficit over time, resulting in increased extraction costs and eventual unavailability. In Punjab, for example, approximately 80% of the area is classified as ‘over-exploited’ due to drawing water at a rate far greater than its restoration and rejuvenation capacity, creating a critical sustainability issue.

8. How did the Green Revolution in Punjab contribute to the current crisis of groundwater depletion and chemical contamination?
See AnswerThe Green Revolution in Punjab, which initially ensured India’s food security, inadvertently led to the current groundwater crisis. In the 1960s, farmers adopted high-yielding varieties of wheat and paddy that demanded significantly more water than traditional seeds. This led to extensive groundwater extraction, exacerbated by the supply of free power for pumping. Modern farming techniques introduced the widespread use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The combined effect has resulted in groundwater levels becoming inaccessible at significant depths and chemicals dissolving in the water, posing health hazards.

9. What are ecosystem services, and provide two examples of how they benefit humans, as mentioned in the Chapter?
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from the natural processes and functions of ecosystems. These services are needed for human well-being and survival. Two examples from the paragraph include a forest naturally filtering water, which provides humans with clean drinking water, and trees producing oxygen, where a mature tree can generate about 275 liters of oxygen per day, vital for human respiration.

10. What is Vṛikṣhāyurveda, and how does this ancient Indian botanical science contribute to sustainable agriculture?
See AnswerVṛikṣhāyurveda is an ancient Indian botanical science, with “vṛikṣha” meaning tree and “ayurveda” meaning the science of life or health. This traditional knowledge system, formalized around the 10th century CE, offers elaborate recommendations for sustainable agriculture. It provides intricate methods for seed collection, preservation and pre-planting treatments, specifies irrigation techniques based on plant species and growth stages, and details pest management strategies using natural repellents. Furthermore, it promotes practices like crop rotation and mixed cropping to maintain soil health and advises on proper ploughing methods to retain soil moisture and facilitate the growth of beneficial soil organisms.

Long Answer type Questions

1. Define ‘natural resources’ and explain the conditions for an entity to be considered a resource.
See AnswerNatural Resources: Natural resources are materials and substances that occur in Nature and are valuable to humans.
Conditions for an Entity to be a Resource:
a)It must be technologically accessible.
b) Its exploitation (extraction, utilization and consumption) should be economically feasible.
c) Its exploitation should be culturally acceptable.

2. Explain how natural resources can be categorized based on their uses, providing examples for each category.
See Answera) Resources Essential for Life: These are resources without which life could not exist on Earth.
Examples: Air we breathe, water we drink and the food we eat, obtained from the atmosphere, rivers/ponds and soil cultivation.
b) Resources for Materials: These are Nature’s gifts that humans transform into physical objects for utility or beauty.
Examples: Wood (for furniture or statuettes), marble, coal and gold.
c) Resources for Energy: These are diverse natural sources that provide energy for modern living, including electricity, transportation and production processes.
Examples: Coal, water, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight and wind.

3. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources, giving examples for each and state the condition for renewable resources to remain renewable.
See AnswerRenewable Resource
a) Exhibit characteristics of restoration and regeneration over time.
b) Can be replenished naturally at a rate comparable to or faster than their consumption, if managed sustainably.
c) Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, energy from flowing water, timber from forests, rivers fed by rain and melting glaciers and soil replenishing itself.
Non-Renewable Resources:
a) Created over long geological periods and cannot be replenished at the rate we use them.
b) Examples: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum) and minerals and metals like iron, copper and gold.
Condition for Renewable Resources to Remain Renewable: The natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration must not be disturbed by human actions.

4. Explain Nature’s principle of restoration and regeneration?
See AnswerNature’s Principle of Restoration and Regeneration:
a) Nature functions in a restorative and regenerative way, returning degraded or damaged elements to a healthy state.
b) Restoration involves healing and renewal (e.g., skin cut healing, forest recovering after wildfire).
c) Regeneration goes beyond restoration, involving Nature’s ability to create new life and conditions for thriving (e.g., new trees growing from decomposed matter).
d) Nature operates in cycles with no waste, where components decompose and enrich the soil for new growth.

5. Discuss the implications of the uneven distribution of natural resources across the planet.
See Answera) Shaping Human Settlements: The availability of resources influences where people choose to live and establish communities.
b) Trade Patterns: Resource distribution dictates international and national trade, as regions with surplus resources trade with those lacking them.
c) International Relations and Conflicts: Uneven distribution is a significant factor in international relations, often leading to tensions and conflicts over resource control. Many wars have been fought for this reason.
d) Economic Opportunities and Costs: Industries develop near resource-rich areas, creating employment and expanding economic opportunities. However, these benefits can be accompanied by costs such as displacement of local populations and threats to sacred places.
e) Inter-state and International Tensions: Nature does not adhere to political boundaries, leading to disputes over resource sharing (e.g., Kaveri River water dispute in India and international river sharing conflicts).

Natural resources are elements of nature like air, water, soil, sunlight, coal and forests that are useful to humans. They become ‘resources’ only when humans are able to access and use them for sustenance or development. A resource should be technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable. These resources are categorized based on their use: those essential for life like air and water; those that provide materials like timber and marble; and those that offer energy like coal, petroleum and wind. This classification helps in understanding how human life depends on nature in different ways. India’s geographical diversity provides many such resources.

Resources are also classified as renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources like sunlight, flowing water and forest timber can be regenerated naturally over time. But overuse can disturb their natural cycle, making them scarce. Non-renewable resources like coal, petroleum and metals take millions of years to form. Once used, they cannot be quickly replaced. Over-exploitation of these resources leads to environmental degradation, water crises and climate change. The case of Punjab shows how groundwater was overused during the Green Revolution, leading to deep water tables and soil pollution. Hence, we must use resources responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.

Natural resources are unevenly distributed across the world and even within countries. This affects where people settle, where industries grow and sometimes leads to conflicts—like the Kaveri River water dispute between states. Sometimes, having abundant resources does not ensure prosperity, a situation called the “natural resource curse”. To avoid this, we need good governance and planned development. Sustainable methods like organic farming in Sikkim, use of traditional knowledge like Vṛkṣāyurveda and India’s leadership in solar energy through the International Solar Alliance show the way forward. We must act as stewards of nature, using resources wisely and ensuring fairness in access.