This worksheet follows the question pattern used in the earlier CBSE-style worksheets and covers the major concepts, examples, maps and case studies from the uploaded chapter.
I. OBJECTIVE-TYPE QUESTIONS
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. When does an element of Nature become a resource?
a) When it remains untouched by humans
b) When humans find it useful and can use it
c) When it is found only underground
d) When it is available in unlimited quantity
2. Which of the following is necessary for an element of Nature to be considered a usable resource?
a) It must be technologically accessible
b) Its use should be economically feasible
c) Its use should be culturally acceptable
d) All of these
3. Which of the following is a resource essential for life?
a) Gold
b) Petroleum
c) Air
d) Marble
4. Which of the following is mainly used as a resource for producing energy?
a) Coal
b) Cotton
c) Clay
d) Timber furniture
5. Which of the following is a renewable resource when used sustainably?
a) Petroleum
b) Coal
c) Wind energy
d) Copper
6. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
a) Sunlight
b) Wind
c) Petroleum
d) Flowing water
7. A forest will continue to provide timber for a long period only when:
a) All mature trees are cut together
b) Timber is harvested faster than trees grow
c) Trees are allowed enough time to regenerate
d) New trees are not planted
8. Which activity may disturb Nature’s cycle of restoration and regeneration?
a) Rejuvenating ponds
b) Treating industrial waste
c) Releasing untreated waste into rivers
d) Planting native trees
9. The benefits that humans receive from natural processes are called:
a) Industrial services
b) Ecosystem services
c) Commercial services
d) Mineral services
10. Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem function?
a) A factory producing cement
b) A forest preventing soil erosion
c) A market selling timber
d) A company exporting minerals
11. Why are natural resources unevenly distributed?
a) All regions have the same climate and geology
b) Natural conditions differ from one geographical region to another
c) Human beings have placed all resources in selected areas
d) Resources occur only in cities
12. Industries often develop near areas rich in natural resources because:
a) Resources become easier to access
b) Transport costs may be reduced
c) Employment opportunities may be created
d) All of these
13. What does the term “paradox of plenty” mean?
a) Resource-rich regions are always economically developed
b) Having many resources does not automatically ensure prosperity
c) Poor countries have no natural resources
d) Natural resources always cause conflict
14. Which practice can help restore groundwater?
a) Excessive pumping
b) Rainwater harvesting
c) Covering ponds with concrete
d) Increasing water wastage
15. Which practice may improve soil health?
a) Excessive use of chemical fertilisers
b) Continuous cultivation of only one crop
c) Use of compost and crop rotation
d) Removal of all organic matter
Assertion–Reason Questions
For Questions 16–20, choose the correct option:
i) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
ii) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
iii) A is true, but R is false.
iv) A is false, but R is true.
16. Assertion (A): Renewable resources can become depleted if they are overused.
Reason (R): A renewable resource remains available only when its rate of use does not exceed its rate of regeneration.
17. Assertion (A): Coal is considered a renewable resource.
Reason (R): Coal takes millions of years to form and cannot be replaced at the rate at which humans use it.
18. Assertion (A): The uneven distribution of natural resources influences trade and settlement patterns.
Reason (R): All natural resources are found equally in every part of the world.
19. Assertion (A): Releasing untreated industrial waste into rivers may damage aquatic ecosystems.
Reason (R): Some industrial wastes disturb Nature’s process of restoration and regeneration.
20. Assertion (A): Responsible use of natural resources is necessary for future generations.
Reason (R): Natural resources should be used without considering their rate of renewal or availability.
II. VERY SHORT ANSWER-TYPE QUESTIONS – 2 Marks Each
1. What are natural resources?
2. State any two conditions that make an element of Nature a usable resource.
3. Give two examples each of:
Renewable resources: ___________________________________________
Non-renewable resources: ______________________________________
4. What is restoration?
5. What is regeneration?
6. What is meant by sustainable use of resources?
7. What is an ecosystem service? Give one example.
8. What is biodiversity loss?
9. What is meant by overexploitation of a natural resource?
10. Why should non-renewable resources be used judiciously?
III. SHORT ANSWER-TYPE QUESTIONS – 3 Marks Each
1. Explain the three conditions required for an element of Nature to become a resource.
2. Classify natural resources according to their uses. Give one example of each category.
3. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
| Renewable Resources | Non-renewable Resources |
|---|---|
4. Explain how Nature follows a cycle of restoration and regeneration in a forest.
5. Why can a renewable resource become scarce or unavailable?
6. Explain any three ecosystem functions performed by forests.
7. How does the uneven distribution of natural resources affect human settlements and economic activities?
8. Mention three advantages that industries may bring to resource-rich regions.
9. Mention three possible problems faced by communities living in resource-rich regions.
10. Explain the term “paradox of plenty.”
11. How can human knowledge, technology and skills increase the value of natural resources?
12. Explain any three methods used to replenish groundwater.
13. How can excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides affect soil and water?
14. State three ways in which traditional farming practices may support soil health.
15. Why is the production of cement considered environmentally harmful?
IV. LONG ANSWER-TYPE QUESTIONS – 5 Marks Each
1. Explain the classification of natural resources on the basis of:
a) Their uses
b) Their ability to renew or regenerate
Give suitable examples.
2. “Renewable resources remain renewable only when humans use them responsibly.” Explain this statement with suitable examples.
3. Explain how the uneven distribution of natural resources can influence:
a) Human settlements
b) Industries
c) Trade
d) Employment
e) Conflicts
4. Describe the causes and consequences of groundwater overexploitation in Punjab.
5. Explain how responsible use of natural resources can help reduce:
a) Pollution
b) Biodiversity loss
c) Climate change
6. Describe the environmental effects of cement production. Suggest sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials.
7. Explain how organic farming practices can improve both environmental and economic conditions. Refer to the example of Sikkim.
V. CASE STUDY-BASED QUESTIONS
Case Study 1: A Forest Under Pressure
A village depends on a nearby forest for timber, medicinal plants, fruits and fuelwood. Earlier, the villagers collected only what they needed and allowed enough time for trees and plants to grow again. Later, commercial companies began cutting trees rapidly. Within a few years, the forest became thinner, many birds disappeared, and nearby streams carried less water during summer.
Answer the following questions:
i) Why was the forest considered a renewable resource earlier?
ii) Which human activity disturbed the forest’s natural cycle of regeneration?
iii) Mention two ecosystem functions affected by the loss of trees.
iv) Suggest two measures to restore the forest.
Case Study 2: Groundwater Use in an Agricultural Region
Farmers in a region began growing water-intensive crops. They installed deep tube wells and used groundwater throughout the year. After several years, wells became deeper and the cost of pumping water increased. Fertilisers and pesticides also entered the groundwater.
Answer the following questions:
i) Which natural resource is being overexploited?
ii) Why did the depth of the water table increase?
iii) How may chemical fertilisers and pesticides affect groundwater?
iv) Suggest three measures to improve the situation.
Case Study 3: Sustainable Farming
A farming family stopped using excessive chemical fertilisers. They began using compost, natural pest repellents and mixed cropping. The soil gradually became healthier, insects and birds returned, and the farmers received better prices for their produce.
Answer the following questions:
i) Name two sustainable farming practices used by the family.
ii) How did these practices improve soil quality?
iii) Why did insects and birds return to the farm?
iv) How can sustainable farming provide both ecological and economic benefits?
VI. MAP-BASED QUESTIONS
1. Observe the map showing the distribution of important minerals in India and answer the questions.
SPACE FOR MAP
INDIA MINERAL MAP
SPACE
a) Identify any two areas where coal is found.
b) Name any two areas associated with petroleum.
c) Identify one region rich in iron ore.
d) What does the map show about the distribution of natural resources?
2. On an outline map of India, mark and label:
a) Punjab – groundwater overexploitation case study
b) Sikkim – organic farming
c) Rajasthan – major solar energy project
d) One coal-producing region
e) One petroleum-producing region
SPACE FOR INDIA MAP
OUTLINE MAP OF INDIA
SPACE
VII. PICTURE-BASED QUESTIONS
1. Observe the image and answer the questions.
SPACE FOR IMAGE: INDUSTRIAL WASTE ENTERING A RIVER
a) Identify the activity shown in the image.
b) How can this activity affect the river ecosystem?
c) Suggest two measures to reduce the problem.
2. Observe the image and answer the questions.
SPACE FOR IMAGE: SOLAR PARK
a) Which type of energy resource is shown?
b) Is it renewable or non-renewable?
c) State two advantages of using this energy resource.
VIII. COMPETENCY-BASED / HIGHER-ORDER THINKING QUESTIONS
1. A forest produces timber, prevents soil erosion, stores water and provides shelter to animals. Classify these benefits as direct resources or ecosystem services.
2. A river receives water every year through rainfall, yet it becomes dry because people withdraw water faster than it is replenished. Can the river still be called renewable? Give reasons.
3. A district has large mineral reserves but lacks roads, industries, trained workers and technology. Will the resources automatically make the district prosperous? Explain.
4. Your city faces falling groundwater levels. Prepare a four-point action plan for households, schools and local authorities.
5. “Development and environmental protection should progress together.” Justify the statement with examples.
6. Why should the needs of future generations be considered while using natural resources today?
IX. ACTIVITY-BASED PRACTICE
1. Resource Audit
Observe any five objects used in your home and complete the table.
| Object | Natural Resource Used | Renewable/Non-renewable | Can It Be Reused or Recycled? |
|---|---|---|---|
2. Local Resource Study
Identify one natural resource available in your region.
Name of resource: ______________________________________________
Uses: _________________________________________________________
Present condition: _____________________________________________
Problems caused by overuse: ____________________________________
Measures for conservation: ______________________________________
