NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Resources and Development Solutions

Short Intro

Resources are the foundation of human life and economic development. This chapter explains the classification of resources, resource planning, land utilization, land degradation, soil types, soil conservation, and sustainable development. The exercise solutions below provide detailed explanations for all NCERT questions.

Quick Information Box

Chapter Name: Resources and Development

Class: 10

Subject: Geography

Book: Contemporary India – II

Board: CBSE

Chapter Number: 1

Key Topics: Resources, Resource Planning, Land Resources, Soil Types, Soil Conservation, Sustainable Development

Concepts Used (Topics Covered)

• Classification of Resources
• Sustainable Development
• Resource Planning in India
• Land Utilisation Pattern
• Land Degradation
• Soil Formation
• Types of Soils in India
• Soil Erosion and Conservation

Important Formulas

This chapter is theory-based and does not contain numerical formulas. Important conceptual statements include:

• Sustainable Development = Present Development + Future Resource Protection
• Resource Planning = Identification + Development + Conservation of Resources
• Soil Conservation = Prevention of Soil Erosion + Maintenance of Soil Fertility

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Question 1: Multiple Choice Questions

(i) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

Answer: (c) Over irrigation

Explanation:
Excessive irrigation causes waterlogging, which increases soil salinity and alkalinity, leading to land degradation.

Final Answer: (c) Over irrigation

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(ii) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

Explanation:
Terrace farming is commonly practiced in hilly regions to reduce soil erosion and make agriculture possible on slopes.

Final Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

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(iii) In which of the following states is black soil predominantly found?

Answer: (b) Maharashtra

Explanation:
Black soil, also called Regur soil, is widely found in Maharashtra and is ideal for cotton cultivation.

Final Answer: (b) Maharashtra

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Question 2: Answer the Following Questions in About 30 Words

(i) Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.

Answer:

Black soil is mainly found in:

• Maharashtra
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

The major crop grown in black soil is cotton. Hence, it is also known as Black Cotton Soil.

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(ii) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.

Answer:

Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast.

Features:

  1. Highly fertile in nature.
  2. Rich in potash, phosphoric acid and lime.
  3. Suitable for crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane and pulses.

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(iii) What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?

Answer:

The following measures can control soil erosion:

• Terrace farming
• Contour ploughing
• Afforestation
• Construction of check dams
• Growing grasses and trees on slopes

These methods reduce water runoff and protect topsoil.

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Question 3: Answer the Following Questions in About 120 Words

(i) Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960–61?

Answer:

Land in India is used for forests, agriculture, grazing, settlements, industries, transport networks and wastelands. The pattern of land use depends on physical factors such as climate, relief and soil, as well as human factors like population density and technology.

Although awareness about environmental conservation has increased, forest area has not increased significantly since 1960–61 because of rapid population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation, infrastructure development and expansion of agricultural land. Large areas of forests have been cleared for roads, industries, dams and settlements. While afforestation programs have been undertaken, the increase has been relatively slow compared to the growing demand for land.

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(ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?

Answer:

Technical and economic development has greatly increased the consumption of resources. Modern technology allows people to extract minerals, water and other resources at a much faster rate than before. Industrialisation requires large quantities of raw materials, energy and land. Economic growth increases production and consumption of goods and services, which further raises demand for natural resources.

Improved transportation and communication systems have made resource extraction easier and more efficient. Rising incomes and changing lifestyles have also increased the use of energy, water and consumer products. As a result, resources are being consumed rapidly, leading to depletion, environmental degradation and the need for sustainable resource management.

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Common Mistakes

• Confusing Black Soil with Alluvial Soil.
• Writing Deforestation instead of Over Irrigation for Punjab land degradation.
• Forgetting that Black Soil is ideal for cotton cultivation.
• Mixing up Terrace Farming and Contour Ploughing.
• Ignoring sustainable development concepts in long answers.

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Exam Tips

• Learn characteristics of all major soil types.
• Remember state-wise soil distribution.
• Use keywords like sustainability, conservation and resource planning.
• Include examples in long-answer questions.
• Practice MCQs based on soil and land resources.

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Practice MCQs

  1. Which soil is called Regur soil?
    A. Red Soil
    B. Black Soil
    C. Alluvial Soil
    D. Laterite Soil

Answer: B. Black Soil

  1. Which soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation?
    A. Black Soil
    B. Laterite Soil
    C. Red Soil
    D. Forest Soil

Answer: A. Black Soil

  1. Terrace farming is mainly used to:
    A. Increase rainfall
    B. Reduce soil erosion
    C. Increase salinity
    D. Improve irrigation

Answer: B. Reduce soil erosion

  1. Which soil is deposited by rivers?
    A. Black Soil
    B. Red Soil
    C. Alluvial Soil
    D. Forest Soil

Answer: C. Alluvial Soil

  1. Sustainable development means:
    A. Unlimited use of resources
    B. Economic growth only
    C. Development without harming future needs
    D. Industrial growth only

Answer: C. Development without harming future needs

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FAQ Section

Q1. What is a resource?

Answer:
Anything available in the environment that can satisfy human needs and is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable is called a resource.

Q2. What is sustainable development?

Answer:
Development that meets present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

Q3. Which soil is best for cotton cultivation?

Answer:
Black Soil or Regur Soil.

Q4. What causes soil erosion?

Answer:
Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, construction activities, wind and running water.

Q5. Why is resource planning important?

Answer:
Resource planning ensures proper utilization, conservation and sustainable development of resources.

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