2. Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources


land-soil-water-natural-vegetation-and-wildlife-resources

Ncert solution for class 8 social science Geography chapter-02
Question. 1
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Answer.  Temperature and rainfall are two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation. Rainfall contributes in breaking the rocks by applying pressure. Temperature fluctuations between hot and cold also form cracks in the rocks.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer. Reasons for land degradation are:
(a) Ever growing demand of the growing population     (b) Destruction of forest ‘cover.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer. Land is an important resource because it provides surface for agriculture, living, forestry, industries, construction, etc. Most activities take place on land.
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Answer. Steps taken by the government include establishment of natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries in different parts of India. Their purpose is conservation of vegetation and wildlife, respectively.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water. 
Answer.  Three ways to conserve water are as under:
(a) Rainwater harvesting: It is a method of collecting water while it rains so that it may come of use in the future.  (b) The canals used for irrigation should be properly built so that loss of water does not take place while the water is transported to the field.  (c) In dry regions, drip or trickle irrigation is suggested.
 

Question..2. Tick the correct answer..

(i) Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?
(a) time (b) soil texture (c) organic matter.                                      
Answer  .(b)
(ii) Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on steep slopes?
(a) shelter belts (b) mulching (c) terrace cultivation                       
               
Answer. (c)
(iii) Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature?
(a) switch off the bulb when not in use   (b) close the tap immediately after using
(c) dispose poly packs after shopping                                          
                                      
 Answer. (c)
Question..3. Match the followings:

Answer. (i) (c), (ii) (d), (iii) (a), (iv) (b).

Column A

Column B

Land use

productive use of land

Humus

organic matter deposited on top soil

Rock Dams

prevent soil erosion

Biosphere

narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

Question..4. State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, write the reasons.

1.  Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.

Answer. 
True- River valley and plains offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, they are densely populated.
2. Water availability per person in India is declining.
Answer. 
True- Increasing population, increasing urbanization, the rising standards of living and the rising demands for food and cash crops are leading to shortages in the supply of freshwater. The shortages are either due to drying up of water sources or water pollution.
3. Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement are called intercropping.
Answer. 
False- Rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement and protect soil cover. These are called as shelterbelts.
4. Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.

Answer. 
False-  Climate change and human interferences can cause the loss of natural habitats, and hence destroy the ecosystem.

EXTRA QUESTIONS

Question.1 Define soil.
Answer.The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth is called soil.
Question.2. What is parent rock?
Answer. The rock from which soil is derived is called parent rock.
Question.3. Why is the earth called the “water planet”?
Answer. The earth’s surface has about three- fourths water, so it is called “water planet”.
Question.4. What is the Vanamahotsava?
Answer. The social programme of planting trees, organised at community level is called vanamahotsava.