Class 10 - Chapter 1: Resources and Development

1. Multiple Choice Questions

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

Answer: (c) Over irrigation

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

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

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

Answer: (b) Maharashtra

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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 and Gujarat. It is ideal for growing cotton because it retains moisture for a long time. Hence, it is also known as black cotton soil.

(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. Its main features are:

1. It is very fertile.
2. It contains adequate proportions of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.
3. It is suitable for crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane and pulses.

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

Answer:
The following steps can control soil erosion in hilly areas:

• Terrace farming
• Contour ploughing
• Afforestation
• Regulated grazing
• Planting shelter belts of trees

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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 different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, industries, transport, housing and other developmental activities. The pattern of land use depends on physical factors like topography, climate and soil type, as well as human factors such as population density, technology and culture.

Although efforts have been made to increase forest cover, the area under forests has not increased significantly since 1960-61. Rapid population growth has increased the demand for agricultural land, housing, industries and infrastructure. Large areas of forests have been cleared for development projects, urbanisation and cultivation. As a result, the increase in forest area has been limited despite afforestation programmes.

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

Answer:
Technical and economic development have increased the consumption of resources in many ways. Technological advancements have made it easier to extract, process and use natural resources on a large scale. Industrialisation has increased the demand for minerals, energy and raw materials. Economic growth has improved people's living standards, leading to greater consumption of goods and services. Urbanisation has increased the need for land, water, transport and energy resources. Modern agriculture also requires more water, fertilisers and machinery. As a result, resources are being used more rapidly than before, which has led to resource depletion and environmental problems. Therefore, sustainable use of resources is essential for future generations.