Chapter 11: Nature’s Treasures
Introduction
Nature provides us with resources that are essential for life. These include water, air, soil, forests, minerals, and energy sources. Using these resources wisely ensures sustainable living.
1. Natural Resources
- Air – Provides oxygen for breathing and carbon dioxide for plants.
- Water – Essential for drinking, agriculture, and industries.
- Soil – Supports plant growth and provides nutrients.
- Forests – Source of timber, fruits, medicines, and oxygen.
- Minerals – Used in construction, tools, and machines.
- Energy Sources – Sunlight, wind, water, coal, petroleum, natural gas.
2. Conservation of Natural Resources
- Avoid wastage of water and electricity.
- Plant trees and protect forests.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.
- Use renewable energy like solar and wind.
3. Importance of Natural Resources
- Provide food, fuel, and raw materials.
- Maintain ecological balance.
- Support human survival and biodiversity.
4. Key Points to Remember
- Nature’s resources are limited and must be used wisely.
- Renewable resources can be replenished; non-renewable cannot.
- Conservation ensures sustainable living for future generations.
Questions – Nature’s Treasures
1. Very Short Answer (1 mark)
- Name two renewable resources.
- Name two non-renewable resources.
- Why is air important for life?
- Give an example of a forest product.
- Name one mineral used in construction.
- Why should we conserve water?
- Give one example of a fossil fuel.
- What is sustainable use of resources?
- Name one energy source provided by the sun.
- Why is soil important?
2. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Which of these is a renewable resource?
a) Coal
b) Petroleum
c) Solar energy
d) Natural gas - Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
a) Wind energy
b) Coal
c) Water
d) Forests - Forests provide:
a) Oxygen
b) Timber
c) Fruits and medicines
d) All of the above - Conservation of resources means:
a) Wasting them
b) Using them carefully
c) Ignoring their importance
d) Depleting them - Fossil fuels include:
a) Coal and petroleum
b) Sunlight and wind
c) Water and soil
d) Trees and fruits
3. Fill in the Blanks
- Resources that can be replaced naturally are called __________ resources.
- Resources like coal and petroleum are __________.
- Forests provide __________, fruits, and medicines.
- Soil helps in __________.
- Using resources carefully to meet present and future needs is called __________.
4. True/False Type
- Non-renewable resources can be replaced quickly. (True/False)
- Solar energy is a renewable resource. (True/False)
- Minerals are a type of natural resource. (True/False)
- Conservation helps in sustainable living. (True/False)
- Water and air are not considered natural resources. (True/False)
5. Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks)
- Define natural resources.
- Give two examples each of renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Why are forests important for humans?
- Name two ways to conserve water.
- Give one example each of mineral and fossil fuel.
6. Long Answer Questions (4–5 marks)
- Explain the different types of natural resources with examples.
- Describe the importance of forests and soil for humans.
- What are renewable and non-renewable resources? Give examples.
- Explain how human activities can lead to depletion of resources.
- Suggest methods to conserve natural resources and promote sustainability.
7. Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) & Application
- How can solar and wind energy help reduce the use of fossil fuels?
- If all forests are cut down, what impact will it have on humans and animals?
- Suggest ways to recycle and reuse materials to conserve resources.
8. Passage-Based Questions
Read the passage and answer:
Nature provides resources like air, water, soil, forests, minerals, and energy. These resources are limited. Using them wisely and conserving them ensures sustainable living.
- Name three natural resources mentioned in the passage.
- Why is it important to conserve natural resources?
- Give one example of a renewable and one of a non-renewable resource.
- What is the result of using resources wisely?
Answer Key – Nature’s Treasures
1. Very Short Answer
- Solar energy, Wind energy
- Coal, Petroleum
- Provides oxygen for breathing
- Timber
- Iron, Limestone
- To avoid wastage and ensure supply for future
- Coal or Petroleum
- Using resources carefully to meet present and future needs
- Sunlight
- Supports plant growth and provides nutrients
2. MCQ Answers
- c) Solar energy
- b) Coal
- d) All of the above
- b) Using them carefully
- a) Coal and petroleum
3. Fill in the Blanks
- renewable
- non-renewable
- timber
- plant growth
- sustainable use
4. True/False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
5. Short Answer
- Natural resources are materials provided by nature that are useful for humans, animals, and plants.
- Renewable: Solar, Wind; Non-renewable: Coal, Petroleum
- Forests provide oxygen, timber, fruits, medicines, and habitat for animals.
- Fix leaks, store rainwater, use water-saving devices.
- Mineral: Iron; Fossil fuel: Coal
6. Long Answer
- Natural resources: Air, Water, Soil, Forests, Minerals, Energy sources – each with examples
- Forests – oxygen, timber, habitat; Soil – plant growth, nutrients
- Renewable – replenished naturally (solar, wind); Non-renewable – cannot be replaced quickly (coal, petroleum)
- Cutting forests, overuse of water, mining, burning fossil fuels
- Plant trees, reduce, reuse, recycle, use renewable energy
7. HOT & Application
- Solar and wind energy reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decreasing pollution.
- Deforestation leads to loss of oxygen, soil erosion, habitat loss, and climate imbalance.
- Recycle paper, plastic, metals; reuse bottles and bags; reduce wastage.
8. Passage-Based
- Air, Water, Soil
- To ensure resources for future generations and maintain ecological balance
- Renewable – Solar; Non-renewable – Coal
- Sustainable living and conservation of resources