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Natural Resources and Their Use Worksheet Class 8
Class 8 Natural Resources and Their Use Worksheet
Worksheet On Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 – Natural Resources and Their Use Worksheet
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which of the following correctly orders the process of a natural element becoming a resource?
(a) Discovery → Demand Technology to use → Acceptable and affordable use
(b) Acceptability → Discovery → Affordability → Demand
(c) Demand → Affordability → Natural occurrence → Acceptance
(d) Natural occurrence → Technology → Affordability → Demand
Answer:
(a) Discovery → Demand Technology to use → Acceptable and affordable use
Question 2.
What does the term “exploitation” mean in the context of natural resources?
(a) Destroying nature completely
(b) Extraction, utilisation, and consumption
(c) Planting new forests
(d) Creating artificial resources
Answer:
(b) Extraction, utilisation, and consumption
Question 3.
Identify the combination that correctly lists non-visible treasures of the Earth used as resources
(a) Air, water, soil
(b) Coal, petroleum, metals, precious stones, timber
(c) Sand, clay, sunlight
(d) Rivers, mountains, plants
Answer:
(b) Coal, petroleum, metals, precious stones, timber
Question 4.
Which of the following examples best demonstrates “transformation of natural substances into resources”?
(a) Rainwater evaporating into clouds
(b) Clay moulded into bricks for houses
(c) Coal remaining underground
(d) Soil untouched in the forest
Answer:
(b) Clay moulded into bricks for houses
Question 5.
Which of the following is an impact of uneven distribution of natural resources?
(a) Egual development across countries
(b) Competition, trade, and sometimes conflicts over resource control
(c) Easy access to all resources everywhere
(d) Absence of international agreements
Answer:
(b) Competition, trade, and sometimes conflicts over resource control
Question 6.
Punjab faces a severe groundwater crisis due to decades of over-extraction. What lesson do we learn from this situation?
(a) Using renewable resources faster than they can regenerate leads to depletion and long-term damage.
(b) Groundwater resources are always limited and cannot be managed in a sustainable way over time.
(c) The excessive use of chemical fertilisers will always cause groundwater levels to rise significantly.
(d) Advanced technological solutions can fully replace the role of natural underground water systems.
Answer:
(a) Using renewable resources faster than they can regenerate leads to depletion and long-term damage.
Question 7.
Which statement describes the natural resource curse?
(a) Resource-rich areas always become wealthy
(b) Having many resources can lead to slow development
(c) Resources are evenly distributed globally
(d) Resources never cause conflicts
Answer:
(b) Having many resources can lead to slow development
Question 8.
A town near coal reserves grows rapidly, providing jobs and sendees. Which long-term problem may arise?
(a) Resource depletion and environmental degradation may occur.
(b) The town will remain undeveloped.
(c) Renewable energy will replace coal quickly.
(d) Cultural acceptance will decline.
Answer:
(a) Resource depletion and environmental degradation may occur.
Question 9.
Which statement describes restoration of renewable resources?
(a) It creates new resources instantly
(b) It brings resources back to a healthy state
(c) It only applies to non-renewable resources
(d) It stops all resource use
Answer:
(b) It brings resources back to a healthy state
Question 10.
The phrase “affordable to extract” means
(a) Only governments can afford to use it
(b) It should not cost more than the benefit it provides
(c) Extraction is easy in all locations
(d) It must be free to the public
Answer:
(b) It should not cost more than the benefit it provides
Question 11.
Which among the following is not a traditional practice of soil management?
(a) Mulching
(b) Multi-cropping
(c) Use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers
(d) Use of cow dung and natural fertilisers
Answer:
(c) Use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers
Question 12.
Among the following, which strategy is mentioned as a solution to.replenish groundwater?
(a) Growing only cash crops
(b) Rejuvenation of ponds and tanks
(c) Building more cement factories
(d) Over-pumping of groundwater
Answer:
(b) Rejuvenation of ponds and tanks
Question 13.
Identify the category in which timber, marble, and gold are placed.
(a) Resources essential for life
(b) Resources for materials
(c) Resources for energy
(d) Renewable resources only
Answer:
(b) Resources for materials
Question 14.
According to the principle of Nature, what happens when a tree falls and decomposes in a forest?
(a) It is lost forever without use
(b) It enriches the soil and supports new growth
(c) It pollutes the forest environment
(d) It destroys the ecosystem permanently
Answer:
(b) It enriches the soil and supports new growth
Question 15.
Why do traditional farming practices need to be applied again?
(a) They ensure holistic soil management.
(b) They reduce the need for crops.
(c) They help farmers abandon irrigation.
(d) They stop rainfall and floods.
Answer:
(a) They ensure holistic soil management.
Assertion – Reason Questions
Given below are two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and answer the questions according to the codes given below.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Question 1.
Assertion (A) Traditional practices can help restore damaged ecosystems.
Reason (R) Traditional methods are always scientifically advanced.
Answer:
(c) A is true, but R is false.
Question 2.
Assertion (A) Renewable resources can become non-renewable.
Reason (R) Overuse can destroy the natural rhythm of restoration.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 3.
Assertion (A) Strategic governance turns resources into long-term benefits.
Reason (R) The earth has treasures, many of which have formed over millions of years.
Answer:
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Question 4.
Assertion (A) Trade and settlements depend on the location of natural resources.
Reason (R) Access to natural resources supports industries and attracts population growth.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 5.
Assertion (A) Restoration and regeneration of renewable resources are identical processes.
Reason (R) Both involve bringing nature back to its original state.
Answer:
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Question 6.
Assertion (A) The cycle of decomposition in forests enriches the soil.
Reason (R) Dead trees decompose with the help of fungi, bacteria, and insects.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 7.
Assertion (A) Non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum cannot be replenished at the rate we use them.
Reason (R) They are formed over millions of years and once exhausted, cannot be replaced quickly.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question 8.
Assertion (A) Natural resources are distributed equally across the world.
Reason (R) The uneven distribution of resources has shaped settlements, trade, and even conflicts.
Answer:
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the help of words in the box given below.
| Resource, Lungs, Paradox, Treasure, Regeneration, Freshwater, Renewable, Sustainable, Environmental Pollution, Restoration |
1. Cement production releases fine dust that harms _______.
Answer:
lungs
2. The natural resource curse is also called the _______ of plenty.
Answer:
paradox
3. _______ means nature’s ability to create new life and help it grow.
Answer:
Regeneration
4. Rivers fed by Himalayan glaciers provide _______ to the plains.
Answer:
freshwater
5. The Central Pollution Control Board regulates _______.
Answer:
environmental pollution
6. An entity becomes a _______ when humans use it for sustenance or consumption.
Answer:
Resource
7. Solar energy, wind energy, and timber are examples of _______ resources.
Answer:
renewable
8. Nature’s principle of _______ and regeneration ensures that ecosystems recover and new life is created.
Answer:
Restoration
9. Coal, petroleum, metal ores, and precious stones are examples of Earth’s hidden _______.
Answer:
Treasure
10. Renewable resources remain renewable only if humans manage them in a _______ manner.
Answer:
Sustainable
True or False
Write ‘T’ for True or ‘F’ for False statements.
1. A natural substance needs technology to become a resource.
Answer:
True
2. Forests can regenerate if managed sustainably.
Answer:
True
3. Timber is a non-renewable resource.
Answer:
False
4. Soil health can be restored using chemical fertilisers alone.
Answer:
False
5. Rainwater harvesting helps restore groundwater levels.
Answer:
True
6. Strategic planning helps turn natural resources into long-term benefits.
Answer:
True
7. Deforestation disrupts nature’s rhythm, reducing regeneration rates.
Answer:
True
8. Trees become resources only when humans use them for making things.
Answer:
True
9. Petroleum deep under the ocean is always considered a resource, even if we cannot extract it.
Answer:
False
10. Air, water, and soil are examples of resources essential for life.
Answer:
True
Match the Columns
Question 1.
Match the Practice in Column A with their correct Outcomes in Column B.
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Rainwater harvesting | 1. Restore soil health |
| B. Multi-cropping | 2. Reduce cement pollution |
| C. Using stone | 3. Restore groundwater |
| D. Organic farming | 4. Improve biodiversity |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Rainwater harvesting | 3. Restore groundwater |
| B. Multi-cropping | 1. Restore soil health |
| C. Using stone | 2. Reduce cement pollution |
| D. Organic farming | 4. Improve biodiversity |
Question 2.
Match the terms in Column A with their description in Column B.
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Renewable Resources | 1. Forest filtering water and preventing erosion |
| B. Non-renewable Resources | 2. Ancient science of caring for plants and trees |
| C. Ecosystem Services | 3. Sunlight, wind and flowing water |
| D. Vrikshayurveda | 4. Coal, petroleum and minerals |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Renewable Resources | 3. Sunlight, wind and flowing water |
| B. Non-renewable Resources | 4. Coal, petroleum and minerals |
| C. Ecosystem Services | 1. Forest filtering water and preventing erosion |
| D. Vrikshayurveda | 2. Ancient science of caring of plants and trees |
Question 3.
Match Column A with the most appropriate options from Column B.
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Cement Industry | 1. Dispute over sharing |
| B. Sikkim | 2. One of the world’s largest solar power plants |
| C. Kaveri River | 3. High dust and pollution |
| D. Bhadla Solar Park | 4. 100% organic farming state |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| A. Cement Industry | 3. High dust and pollution |
| B. Sikkim | 4. 100% organic farming state |
| C. Kaveri River | 1. Dispute over sharing |
| D. Bhadla Solar Park | 2. One of the world’s largest solar power plants |
Jumbled Words
Rearrange the words to form a correct word.
1. This type of substance is used to enrich soil for farming.
RILSIEETFR _______
Answer:
FERTILISER
2. This type of resources can replenish itself over time.
ENELRWABE _______
Answer:
RENEWABLE
3. An economic activity that process raw materials into finished goods.
TRDUSNIY _______
Answer:
INDUSTRY
4. This source of power is generated from flowing water.
RHYDLECCOTRRIEPWO _______
Answer:
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
5. The uppermost layer of the Earth where plants grow.
SILO _______
Answer:
SOIL
6. These are sources like coal petroleum, and natural gas.
SLFOFSSLIUE _______
Answer:
FOSSIL FUELS
7. This natural resource covers most of the Earth’s surface.
TREWA _______
Answer:
WATER
8. This clean source of energy comes from the Sun.
NRALOSYEEGR _______
Answer:
SOLAR ENERGY
Odd-One-Out Questions.
Pick the term that does not belong in the group.
Question 1.
Find the odd one out resource that is not non-renewable.
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Sunlight
(d) Natural gas
Answer:
(c) Sunlight
Question 2.
Find the odd one out resource that is not renewable.
(a) Timber
(b) Marble
(c) Soil
(d) Oxygen
Answer:
(d) Oxygen
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why are all natural things not automatically considered resources?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 2.
How does human activity disturb the natural balance of the environment?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 3.
What does “regeneration of resources” mean?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 4.
Why are renewable resources called “self-replenishing”?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 5.
State one reason why industries often grow near resource-rich areas.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 6.
How can traditional water harvesting help groundwater levels?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 7.
Which factors determine the distribution of natural resources in the world?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 8.
What role does wildlife play in maintaining the balance of natural resources?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why is it important to balance short-term resource gains with long-term sustainability?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 2.
“Cultural beliefs can affect resource use.” Give an example and explain
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 3.
A region rich in coal reserves never developed local steel plants and always exported raw coal. Its economy grew slowly compared to a nearby region that processed coal into finished goods. What economic phenomenon does this illustrate?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 4.
Suggest two ways to reduce pollution caused by industrial waste.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 5.
Give reasons why water is regarded as the most valuable natural resource and explain its role in supporting both human life and economic activities.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 6.
Describe how human beings make use of forest resources in their daily life and why it is important to conserve forests.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Discuss the difference between restoration and regeneration of renewable resources with examples.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 2.
Analyse the relationship between human settlements, industries, and the availability of resources.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 3.
Evaluate the idea that human knowledge and good governance are more important thar the abundance of natural resources for development.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Question 4.
Discuss the consequences of ignoring restoration and regeneration in resource management. ?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Source-Based Questions
Question 1.
Vrikshayurveda is an ancient. Indian botanical science that focuses on the study and care of plants and trees. The term comes from Sanskrit, with Vriksha meaning tree and Ayurveda meaning the science of life or health. This traditional knowledge system dates back several millennia and was formalised in texts such as surpala/s Vrikshayurveda around the 10th century CE.
(i) What does the focus of Vrikshayurveda on soil organisms like earthworms and friy-g suggest about traditional farming practices?
(a) They focused only on plant growth
(b) They understood the role of living organisms in maintaining soil health
(c) They tried to eliminate insects from the soil
(d) They relied mainly on chemical fertilisers
(ii) Which of the following best describes the approach of Vrikshayurveda to st control?
(a) Heavy use of chemical pesticides
(b) affected plants to stop pests
(c) Using companion plants to naturally deter pests
(d) Avoiding cultivation in pest seasons
(iii) The inclusion of crop rotation and mixed cropping in VrikshaYU.ry.eda- indicate?
(a) A desire to grow only a single crop type
(b) A method to reduce farming labour
(c) An effort to preserve soil nutrients and reduce pest cycles
(d) A practice to increase land area usage
(iv) How can Vrikshayurveda be considered relevant to present-day environmental concerns?
(a) It encourages fast-growing crops for export
(b) It supports organic and sustainable farming methods
(c) It promotes monoculture and mechanisation
(d) It replaces traditional methods with modern chemicals
Question 2.
Many farmers in our country extract groundwater for irrigation purposes. In most states, the extraction rate is greater than the rate at which the water table is replenished. Over time, this deficit builds up, leading to higher cost of extraction of groundwater and eventually to its unavailability. It has been practiced that many of our growing cities will run out of groundwater soon. Initiatives to raise groundwater levels have been launched to remedy this.
(i) What traditional methods are being used to conserve water today, and how do they help reduce groundwater stress?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(ii) How can individual and community actions help solve the groundwater crisis? Mention at least two ways.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Picture Based Questions
Question 1.
Observe the picture given below and answer the question.
(i) What type of farming is shown in the image? Name two natural methods used in this farming.
___________________________________________________
(ii) Why is this farming method important for the future generations?
___________________________________________________
(iii) Locate a Western coastal state which has an iron ore reserve.
___________________________________________________
Question 2.
Observe the image given below and answer the following questions.
(i) What kind of energy sources are shown in the image?
___________________________________________________
(ii) What is the main purpose of this solar farm?
___________________________________________________
Activity-Based Questions
Question 1.
Solve the riddles
Answer:
Fossil Fuels
Answer:
Sunlight
Question 2.
Can you match each term to the right space?
Answer:
(i) Restoration
(ii) Non-Renewable
(iii) Lokasangraha
(iv) Stewardship
Map-Based Questions
On the given political map of India, mark and label
1. Two major coal-producing regions.
2. Iron ore is found in abundance.
