Let Us Exercise
1. Tick the correct option.
a. The value of a resource is determined by its quantity, quality, and its usefulness in the present times. Which of the following has an economic value?
i. a forest view ii. medicinal plants iii. love and affection from parents. iv. majestic waterfalls
Answer. ii. medicinal plants
b. In India, tidal power is not yet profoundly utilised, but with the advancement of modern technology, it is likely to be utilised soon. Under what category would you place tidal energy?
i. Ubiquitous resources
iii. Potential resources
ii. Actual resources
iv. Biotic resources
Answer. iii. Potential resources
c. Read the information given below and identify the resource.
The resource has a limited stock in nature. It may get depleted due to its overuse or misuse. It even takes millions of years to get regenerated.
i. solar energy
iii. wind energy
ii. tidal energy
iv. petroleum
Answer. iv. petroleum
d. In the following question two statements are given as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) .Read the statement and tick the correct order
Assertion (A) : Technology is a human-made resource.
Reason (R) : Human beings convert natural resources into human-made resources by using their knowledge and skill.
i. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A (ii) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A. (iii) A is true, but R is false. (iv)A is false, but R is true.
Answer. i. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Q2. Answer the following question in 10 to 20 words.
a. List any two factors that affect the development of resources of a nation.
Answer. The development of a nation’s resources depends on:
- Technology: Advanced tools and machines enable the efficient extraction and processing of resources (e.g., deep-sea oil drilling).
- Economic Capital: Money is needed to invest in infrastructure like mines, factories, and transport systems to utilize resources. Without funds, even rich resources remain untapped.
b. What are ubiquitous resource? Give an example.
Answer. Ubiquitous resources are those available everywhere in nature. Unlike localized resources like minerals, these are universally accessible.
- Example: Air and sunlight are found globally, making them ubiquitous.
c. Why are human beings considered the most valuable resources on the earth?
Answer. Humans are the most important resource because:
- They use knowledge and skills to convert raw materials into useful products e.g., turning wood into furniture.
- Their innovation leads to discoveries e.g., using wind for electricity. Without humans, other resources remain unused.
d. Define conservation of resources.
Answer. Conservation means using resources wisely to avoid wastage and ensure availability for the future.
- Methods: Recycling paper, reducing water waste, and using energy-efficient appliances.
- Goal: Prevent depletion, e.g., saving forests to maintain the oxygen supply.
e. What do you mean by ‘Sustainable development’?
Answer. Sustainable development means meeting today’s needs without harming future generations ‘needs. Example: Using solar energy instead of coal reduces pollution and preserves coal for later generations.
- Principle: “Use but don’t exhaust” e.g., replanting trees after cutting them.
Q3. Answer the following question in 50 to 70 words.
a. What is the significance of time and technology in making a substance into a resource? Elaborate with an example.
Answer. Time and technology transform ordinary substances into valuable resources:
- Example: Petroleum was once just a sticky liquid until technology refined it into fuel, plastics, and chemicals.
- Role of Time: Over centuries, humans discovered new uses for materials e.g., sand for glass and silicon chips.
- Role of Technology: Modern tools like fracking machines are used to extract oil and natural gas from shale rock formations; previously, it was not possible to reach these resources.
b. Explain how resources are classified broadly.
Answer. “Resources come in three main types. First, natural resources – things nature gives us air, water and minerals that we use .
Human-made resources – Things we build from natural materials, like houses, roads and tools.
Human resources – that’s us! People use their skills and smarts to turn raw materials into useful things.
c. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer. Some resources can renew themselves quickly, like sunlight that keeps shining every day – we call these renewable. Others, like oil or coal, take millions of years to form and can’t be replaced once we use them up – these are non-renewable. The big difference is that Renewable resources keep coming back, while non-renewable ones used completely will eventually run out.”
| Renewable | Non-Renewable |
| Replenished quickly e.g., wind, sunlight. | Take millions of years to form e.g., coal, oil. |
| Eco-friendly low pollution. | Cause pollution e.g., CO₂ from burning coal. |
| Infinite supply if managed well. | Finite supply; risk of exhaustion. |
d. How do you classify natural resources based on stages of development and use? Explain with examples
Answer. “Natural resources can be grouped by how ready we are to use them:
- Potential – resources that are Available but not used yet are known as potential energy, like Gujarat’s wind energy
- Developed – Resources that are Already being used by us like forests and soil
- Stock – The resources that are available in the environment but we don’t have the knowledge or technology to use them are called stock. An example is hydrogen fuel
- Reserve -Reserve resources are those that exist and it’s economically feasible and have the technology to extract them, but are not currently used example, dam water that can be used for hydroelectric power
e. Depletion of resources in the present century is an alarming phase not only for us but also for future generations. List out any four steps in which one can conserve resources and achieve sustainable development.
- Answer. Switch to Renewables: Use solar/wind energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
- Recycle: Reprocess materials like metals and plastics to minimize waste.
- Water Management: Harvest rainwater and fix leaks to prevent scarcity.
- Afforestation: Plant trees to avoid soil erosion and maintain ecosystems.
- Public Awareness: Educate communities about responsible resource use.
Q4. Give reasons.
a. A computer is considered a resource.
- Answer. A computer is considered a resource because it helps store, process, and share information quickly, saving time and effort.
- People use it to work, learn, and communicate, making life easier.
- Like tools or machines, it’s a human-made resource created to solve problems.
b. Air is a ubiquitous resource.
- Answer. Air is a ubiquitous resource because it’s available everywhere no place on Earth lacks air.
- All living things need it to survive, and it’s freely accessible.
- Unlike water or minerals, air doesn’t need to be extracted or transported.
Q5. Think Ahead (Hots)
Why is renewable energy often called ‘clean energy’ or green power?
- Answer. Renewable energy is often called ‘clean energy’ or green power because of No Pollution: Unlike coal/oil, renewables solar, wind don’t release smoke or harmful gases.
- Never Runs Out: Sunlight/wind won’t disappear like fossil fuels.
- Earth-Friendly: Doesn’t harm animals, plants, or the climate, e.g., no oil spills.
- Sustainable: Can be used forever without damaging the planet.
Example: Solar panels = clean energy, sunlight → electricity without smoke.