Class 10 Geography Chapter: Resources and Development Question Bank
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which combination best explains when something becomes a resource?
A. It must occur naturally
B. It must be technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable
C. It must be owned by the government
D. It must be renewable
2. Resources are classified according to their origin as:
A. Renewable and non-renewable
B. Individual and community
C. Biotic and abiotic
D. Potential and developed
3. Which of the following is a classification based on ownership?
A. Biotic and abiotic
B. Renewable and non-renewable
C. Potential and reserves
D. Individual, community, national and international
4. Which problem is associated with indiscriminate resource use?
A. Equal distribution of wealth
B. Global ecological crises
C. Increase in forest cover
D. Reduction in pollution
5. The main purpose of sustainable development is to:
A. maximise present consumption
B. stop all economic development
C. meet present needs without compromising future generations
D. use only non-renewable resources
6. Agenda 21 is associated with:
A. military cooperation
B. sustainable development
C. industrial production only
D. population census
7. Resource planning is particularly important in India because:
A. resources are equally distributed everywhere
B. India has no natural resources
C. resource availability varies from region to region
D. only urban areas have resources
8. Which state is described in the chapter as being rich in minerals and coal deposits?
A. Rajasthan
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Kerala
9. Which region is noted for solar and wind energy but has limited water resources?
A. Rajasthan
B. Jharkhand
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Ladakh
10. Which is the first major step in resource planning?
A. Exporting resources
B. Identification and inventory of resources
C. Increasing consumption
D. Stopping industrialisation
11. Which relief feature covers about 43% of India’s land area?
A. Mountains
B. Plateaus
C. Plains
D. Islands
12. Mountains are important because they:
A. contain no natural resources
B. ensure perennial flow of some rivers and support tourism and ecology
C. are used only for industries
D. have the highest population density everywhere
13. Which land category refers to land on which crops are actually sown and harvested?
A. Fallow land
B. Net sown area
C. Culturable waste land
D. Permanent pasture
14. Gross cropped area is obtained by adding:
A. forest area to net sown area
B. fallow land to forest area
C. area sown more than once to net sown area
D. wasteland to net sown area
15. Which factor is a human factor affecting land use?
A. Climate
B. Soil type
C. Population density
D. Topography
16. Which activity is a major cause of land degradation?
A. Afforestation
B. Mining
C. Contour ploughing
D. Shelter-belt planting
17. In Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, land degradation is associated particularly with:
A. over-irrigation
B. overgrazing
C. mining
D. deforestation
18. Waterlogging and increased salinity may result from:
A. contour ploughing
B. over-irrigation
C. afforestation
D. strip cropping
19. Which is an effective measure against land degradation in arid areas?
A. Increasing overgrazing
B. Removing vegetation
C. Stabilising sand dunes with vegetation
D. Increasing mining
20. Soil formation is influenced by:
A. only rainfall
B. relief, parent rock, climate, vegetation, organisms and time
C. only human activities
D. only temperature
21. Which soil is the most widely spread and important soil type described in the chapter?
A. Black soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Arid soil
22. Alluvial soils are mainly deposited by:
A. Himalayan river systems
B. desert winds
C. glaciers alone
D. ocean currents
23. Which alluvial soil is generally newer?
A. Bangar
B. Khadar
C. Regur
D. Laterite
24. Black soil is also known as:
A. desert soil
B. regur soil
C. khadar soil
D. forest soil
25. Black soil is particularly suitable for:
A. cotton
B. tea
C. coffee
D. cashew only
26. A major characteristic of black soil is its:
A. inability to retain water
B. high moisture-retaining capacity
C. extremely sandy texture
D. very low clay content
27. Red colour in red soil is mainly associated with:
A. calcium
B. iron
C. salt
D. humus
28. Laterite soil develops mainly because of:
A. intense leaching under heavy rainfall
B. freezing temperatures
C. lack of rainfall
D. river deposition
29. Which soil is generally acidic and deficient in plant nutrients?
A. Alluvial
B. Laterite
C. Black
D. Khadar
30. Arid soils are generally:
A. clayey and rich in humus
B. sandy and saline
C. highly organic
D. permanently waterlogged
31. Which soil may contain a kankar layer in its lower horizons?
A. Arid soil
B. Alluvial soil
C. Black soil
D. Forest soil
32. Forest soils are mainly associated with:
A. hilly and mountainous regions
B. deserts only
C. coastal deltas only
D. flat plains only
33. Soil erosion means:
A. formation of new soil
B. removal and washing away of soil cover
C. addition of humus
D. improvement of soil fertility
34. Deep channels formed by running water in soil are associated with:
A. sheet erosion
B. gully erosion
C. wind erosion
D. contour farming
35. Soil washed away as a thin layer over a large area is called:
A. gully erosion
B. sheet erosion
C. wind erosion
D. terrace erosion
36. Ploughing along contour lines helps to:
A. increase the speed of water flow
B. reduce water flow down slopes
C. increase wind erosion
D. remove vegetation
37. Terrace cultivation is especially useful for:
A. reducing erosion on slopes
B. increasing desertification
C. increasing mining
D. removing topsoil
38. Strips of grass between crops help reduce:
A. wind force
B. rainfall
C. soil formation
D. groundwater
39. Rows of trees planted to reduce the effect of wind are called:
A. terraces
B. shelter belts
C. ravines
D. gullies
40. Which statement best summarises the chapter?
A. Resources should be consumed as quickly as possible.
B. Resource development must be combined with planning and conservation.
C. Soil is not an important resource.
D. Technology has no role in resource development.
Answer Key — MCQs
1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B, 5-C, 6-B, 7-C, 8-B, 9-A, 10-B
11-C, 12-B, 13-B, 14-C, 15-C, 16-B, 17-A, 18-B, 19-C, 20-B
21-C, 22-A, 23-B, 24-B, 25-A, 26-B, 27-B, 28-A, 29-B, 30-B
31-A, 32-A, 33-B, 34-B, 35-B, 36-B, 37-A, 38-A, 39-B, 40-B
B. Fill in the Blanks
- Resources are classified on the basis of origin into ______ and ______ resources.
- Resources that can be replenished are called ______ resources.
- Resources are classified according to ownership as individual, community, national and ______.
- Development that does not compromise the needs of future generations is called ______ development.
- ______ 21 is associated with global sustainable development.
- Resource planning is essential because resources are ______ distributed across India.
- The first step of resource planning is the identification and ______ of resources.
- About ______ percent of India’s land area is plain.
- The physical area on which crops are sown and harvested is called ______ sown area.
- Net sown area plus land sown more than once is known as ______ cropped area.
- Continuous improper use of land can cause land ______.
- In Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, ______ irrigation is an important cause of land degradation.
- Soil is the medium for ______ growth.
- Alluvial soil is extensively found in the ______ Plains.
- Old alluvial soil is called ______.
- New alluvial soil is called ______.
- Black soil is also known as ______ soil.
- Black soil has a high capacity to retain ______.
- Red soil gets its colour mainly from the presence of ______.
- Laterite soil develops due to intense ______ caused by heavy rainfall.
- Arid soils are generally sandy and ______ in nature.
- The removal and washing away of soil cover is called soil ______.
- Deep channels created by running water are called ______.
- Ploughing along contour lines is called ______ ploughing.
- Rows of trees that help reduce wind erosion are known as ______ belts.
Answers
- biotic, abiotic
- renewable
- international
- sustainable
- Agenda
- unevenly
- inventory
- 43
- net
- gross
- degradation
- over
- plant
- Northern
- Bangar
- Khadar
- regur
- moisture
- iron
- leaching
- saline
- erosion
- gullies
- contour
- shelter
C. True or False
- Resources are simply free gifts of nature and human beings have no role in making them useful.
- Technology and institutions influence resource development.
- Resource planning is unnecessary when resources are unevenly distributed.
- Sustainable development considers the needs of future generations.
- Rajasthan is described as having strong solar and wind energy potential.
- Land is an unlimited resource.
- Population density can influence land-use patterns.
- Mining can contribute to land degradation.
- Over-irrigation can cause waterlogging and salinity.
- Soil takes only a few days to form.
- Alluvial soil is generally fertile.
- Black soil is known for its moisture-retaining capacity.
- Laterite soil forms through intense leaching.
- Arid soils generally have abundant humus and moisture.
- Soil erosion can be caused by both natural forces and human activities.
- Contour ploughing can slow down water flowing down slopes.
- Terrace cultivation can help control soil erosion.
- Shelter belts are rows of trees that can reduce the impact of wind.
Answers
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
D. Match the Following
Set 1
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Black soil | a. Intense leaching |
| 2. Laterite soil | b. Cotton |
| 3. Arid soil | c. Sandy and saline |
| 4. Alluvial soil | d. Northern Plains |
Answer: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
Set 2
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Contour ploughing | a. Rows of trees |
| 2. Terrace farming | b. Slopes |
| 3. Strip cropping | c. Contour lines |
| 4. Shelter belts | d. Strips of grass |
Answer: 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a
Set 3
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Over-irrigation | a. Mining areas |
| 2. Overgrazing | b. Punjab and Haryana |
| 3. Mining | c. Gujarat and Rajasthan |
| 4. Afforestation | d. Conservation |
Answer: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
E. Assertion–Reason Questions
Choose:
A. Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.
B. Both are true, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
C. Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
D. Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
1.
Assertion: Resource planning is important in India.
Reason: Resources are unevenly distributed across different regions.
2.
Assertion: Sustainable development is necessary for long-term human well-being.
Reason: Present development should not compromise the needs of future generations.
3.
Assertion: Black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation.
Reason: Black soil has a high capacity to retain moisture.
4.
Assertion: Laterite soil can be deficient in plant nutrients.
Reason: It develops under conditions of intense leaching.
5.
Assertion: Over-irrigation can contribute to land degradation.
Reason: It may cause waterlogging and increase salinity and alkalinity.
6.
Assertion: Contour ploughing can reduce soil erosion on slopes.
Reason: It slows the movement of water down the slope.
Answers
1-A
2-A
3-A
4-A
5-A
6-A
F. One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions
- What is the term for the physical area on which crops are sown and harvested?
- What is old alluvial soil called?
- What is new alluvial soil called?
- What is another name for black soil?
- Which soil is particularly suitable for cotton?
- Which soil develops through intense leaching?
- What is the removal of soil cover called?
- What type of erosion creates deep channels?
- What type of erosion removes topsoil in a sheet-like manner?
- What are rows of trees planted to reduce wind erosion called?
- What is farming on step-like slopes called?
- What is ploughing along contour lines called?
- What is the addition of repeatedly sown area to net sown area called?
- Which soil type is mainly associated with the Northern Plains?
- Which soil type is generally sandy and saline?
Answers
- Net sown area
- Bangar
- Khadar
- Regur soil
- Black soil
- Laterite soil
- Soil erosion
- Gully erosion
- Sheet erosion
- Shelter belts
- Terrace cultivation
- Contour ploughing
- Gross cropped area
- Alluvial soil
- Arid soil
G. Identify the Correct Term
- A resource classification based on whether a resource can be exhausted.
- A resource classification based on who owns the resource.
- Development that protects future generations’ needs.
- The planned and careful use of resources.
- Land left uncultivated for one or less than one agricultural year.
- Land left uncultivated for one to five agricultural years.
- Land left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years.
- Old alluvial soil containing a higher concentration of kankar nodules.
- New alluvial soil that is generally more fertile than Bangar.
- A layer of calcium-rich material found in the lower horizons of arid soil.
Answers
- Exhaustibility
- Ownership
- Sustainable development
- Resource planning
- Current fallow
- Other than current fallow
- Culturable waste land
- Bangar
- Khadar
- Kankar
H. Case-Based Questions
Case Study 1: Resource Planning
India has considerable variation in the availability of natural resources. Some regions possess abundant minerals, while others may have greater water, solar or wind resources. Some resource-rich regions may still remain economically backward if technology, infrastructure and institutions are inadequate.
Questions
1. Why is resource planning important in India?
2. Name one region mentioned in the chapter that is rich in minerals and coal.
3. Why does resource availability alone not guarantee economic development?
4. What three broad elements are involved in effective resource development besides the mere presence of resources?
Answers
- Because resources are unevenly distributed among regions.
- Chhattisgarh / Jharkhand / Madhya Pradesh.
- Development also requires appropriate technology, institutions, skills and human resources.
- Technology, institutional development and human resources.
Case Study 2: Land Degradation
Land is continuously used for agriculture, settlements, industries, transport and other activities. When land is used without proper conservation and management, its quality can decline. Activities such as mining, deforestation, overgrazing and excessive irrigation can accelerate degradation.
Questions
1. What is land degradation?
2. Mention any two human activities that cause land degradation.
3. Which problem may result from over-irrigation?
4. Give one method of controlling land degradation.
Answers
- Deterioration of the quality and productive capacity of land.
- Mining and deforestation / overgrazing / excessive irrigation.
- Waterlogging and increased salinity or alkalinity.
- Afforestation / controlled grazing / proper waste management / controlled mining.
Case Study 3: Soil Conservation
Soil erosion may occur through water and wind. Human activities can increase the speed of erosion. Different conservation methods are suitable for different conditions. On slopes, contour ploughing and terraces can slow water flow, while shelter belts can reduce wind erosion.
Questions
1. What is soil erosion?
2. Which farming method uses steps cut into slopes?
3. How does contour ploughing help?
4. What is the purpose of shelter belts?
Answers
- Removal and washing away of soil cover.
- Terrace cultivation.
- It slows the movement of water down slopes.
- They reduce wind force and help control wind erosion.
I. Competency-Based Questions
1.
A region has abundant mineral resources but remains economically backward.
What could explain this situation?
Answer: Resource availability alone is insufficient. Lack of suitable technology, infrastructure, skills and effective institutions can restrict development.
2.
A farmer repeatedly grows crops on the same land without adequate conservation measures.
Which major environmental problem may develop?
Answer: Land degradation and soil erosion may increase.
3.
A farmer on a hillside ploughs straight up and down the slope.
Why can this increase erosion?
Answer: The furrows can create channels through which water flows rapidly downhill, carrying away soil.
4.
A farmer changes the method of cultivation by ploughing along the natural contour lines.
What benefit can result?
Answer: Slower water flow and reduced soil erosion.
5.
A dry region has sandy, saline soil with low moisture and humus.
Which soil type is most likely present?
Answer: Arid soil.
6.
A region receives heavy rainfall and has soil formed through intense leaching.
Which soil type is likely to occur?
Answer: Laterite soil.
J. Short Answer Questions — 2/3 Marks
- Why are resources not considered merely free gifts of nature?
- Why is resource planning necessary in India?
- State the three major steps involved in resource planning.
- What is sustainable development?
- Why is conservation of resources necessary?
- Mention two physical and two human factors affecting land use.
- Distinguish between net sown area and gross cropped area.
- Mention three causes of land degradation.
- How does over-irrigation cause land degradation?
- Why is soil considered an important natural resource?
- State three important characteristics of alluvial soil.
- Differentiate between Bangar and Khadar.
- Why is black soil particularly suitable for cotton?
- State three characteristics of laterite soil.
- What are the main characteristics of arid soil?
- What is soil erosion? Mention two causes.
- Distinguish between gully erosion and sheet erosion.
- How does contour ploughing help conserve soil?
- How does terrace cultivation reduce soil erosion?
- What is the role of shelter belts in soil conservation?
K. Long Answer Questions — 4/5 Marks
- Explain why resource planning is essential for India and describe its major steps.
- Explain the relationship between resource availability, technology and institutions in economic development.
- Explain the major causes of land degradation in India and suggest suitable conservation measures.
- Describe the major characteristics and distribution of alluvial soil.
- Explain the main features of black soil and why it is important for agriculture.
- Describe the formation, characteristics and distribution of laterite soil.
- Explain the major types of soil erosion and methods of soil conservation.
- Explain the different categories included in land utilisation.
- Explain how human activities can disturb the balance between soil formation and soil erosion.
- Explain the importance of sustainable development in resource management.
L. Compare and Differentiate
1. Bangar vs Khadar
| Bangar | Khadar |
|---|---|
| Older alluvial soil | Newer alluvial soil |
| Higher concentration of kankar nodules | Generally more fertile |
| Older deposits | Newer deposits |
2. Gully Erosion vs Sheet Erosion
| Gully Erosion | Sheet Erosion |
|---|---|
| Water cuts deep channels | Water removes soil as a sheet |
| Creates gullies | Removes topsoil over a wider area |
| Can make land unsuitable for cultivation | Mainly removes the fertile upper layer |
3. Net Sown Area vs Gross Cropped Area
| Net Sown Area | Gross Cropped Area |
|---|---|
| Physical area actually sown and harvested | Net sown area plus area sown more than once |
| Counts the physical cultivated area | Reflects repeated cropping as well |
4. Renewable vs Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable: Resources that can be replenished or renewed.
Non-renewable: Resources that are limited and can become exhausted through use.
M. Higher-Order Thinking Questions
1.
A country has abundant natural resources but weak technology and institutions. Can it automatically become economically developed? Explain.
2.
Why can the unequal distribution of resources create social and economic problems?
3.
Why should resource conservation be considered a responsibility towards both present and future generations?
4.
Why might two regions with similar natural resources show different levels of economic development?
5.
Why can excessive irrigation become harmful even though irrigation is important for agriculture?
6.
Why are different soil-conservation techniques needed for slopes and dry regions?
7.
Why is land-use planning important when land is finite?
8.
How can inappropriate human activities disturb the natural balance between soil formation and erosion?
N. Rapid Revision: Answer in One Line
1. Resource: Anything environmentally available that can satisfy human needs when it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable.
2. Sustainable development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
3. Resource planning: Systematic identification, development and careful use of resources.
4. Net sown area: Land physically sown and harvested.
5. Gross cropped area: Net sown area plus area sown more than once.
6. Bangar: Older alluvial soil.
7. Khadar: Newer alluvial soil.
8. Regur: Another name for black soil.
9. Laterite: Soil formed under intense leaching.
10. Soil erosion: Removal and washing away of soil cover.
11. Contour ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines to slow water flow.
12. Terrace cultivation: Cultivation on step-like fields cut into slopes.
13. Strip cropping: Leaving strips of grass between crop strips to reduce wind force.
14. Shelter belts: Rows of trees that reduce wind erosion.
Final Exam-Focused Checklist
Before an exam, make sure you can answer these core concepts without looking at your notes:
- Resource definition and classification
- Causes of resource depletion
- Sustainable development
- Agenda 21
- Need for resource planning in India
- Three stages of resource planning
- Land utilisation categories
- Net sown area vs gross cropped area
- Causes and control of land degradation
- Factors responsible for soil formation
- Alluvial soil: Bangar and Khadar
- Black soil
- Red and yellow soil
- Laterite soil
- Arid soil
- Forest soil
- Gully, sheet and wind erosion
- Contour ploughing
- Terrace cultivation
- Strip cropping
- Shelter belts