Natural Resources and Their UseClass 8 Social Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions and activities
What can make what is today a renewable resource nonrenewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Solution
A renewable resource can become nonrenewable if its rate of consumption or exploitation exceeds its natural rate of regeneration or replenishment. This disrupts the natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration. For example, if timber is harvested faster than the forest can grow trees, the forest will eventually deplete. Similarly, if groundwater is extracted at a rate faster than it is replenished, the water table will decline, leading to its unavailability.
To prevent this from happening, several actions can be taken:
- Sustainable harvesting: Ensure that renewable resources are harvested at a rate that allows for their natural regeneration. This involves implementing sustainable forestry practices, regulating fishing during spawning seasons, and managing water resources responsibly.
- Reducing consumption: Conserve resources by reducing unnecessary consumption. This includes using water efficiently, minimizing waste, and adopting energy-efficient practices.
- Promoting restoration and regeneration: Actively restore degraded ecosystems and promote natural regeneration processes. This can involve reforestation efforts, soil conservation practices, and water harvesting techniques.
- Controlling pollution: Reduce pollution from industries and other sources to protect the quality of renewable resources like water and soil. This involves implementing stricter environmental regulations and promoting cleaner production technologies.
- Raising awareness: Educate people about the importance of sustainable resource management and encourage them to adopt responsible consumption habits.
Q2Questions and activities
Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Solution
Ecosystem functions are the natural processes that occur within an ecosystem. When these processes benefit humans, they are called ecosystem services. Five ecosystem functions that serve humans are:
- Air purification: Trees and other vegetation naturally produce oxygen and absorb pollutants from the air, improving air quality.
- Water filtration: Forests and wetlands filter water, removing impurities and pollutants, providing clean water for drinking and irrigation.
- Soil erosion prevention: Vegetation cover protects soil from erosion by wind and water, preserving fertile land for agriculture.
- Pollination: Insects, birds, and other animals pollinate crops, ensuring food production.
- Climate regulation: Forests and oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate the climate and mitigate climate change.
Q3Questions and activities
What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.
Solution
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished over time through natural processes. They exhibit restorative and regenerative characteristics. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are created over long periods and cannot be replenished at the rate at which they are used.
The key difference between renewable and non-renewable resources lies in their ability to be replenished. Renewable resources can be replenished within a human lifespan, while non-renewable resources take millions of years to form.
To ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations, people can:
- Manage them sustainably: Use renewable resources at a rate that does not exceed their natural rate of regeneration.
- Conserve resources: Reduce unnecessary consumption and adopt resource-efficient practices.
- Protect ecosystems: Preserve and restore ecosystems that provide renewable resources.
- Promote renewable energy: Transition to renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Reduce pollution: Minimize pollution to protect the quality of renewable resources.
Examples:
- Forests: Implementing sustainable forestry practices, such as selective logging and reforestation, can ensure that forests continue to provide timber and other resources for future generations.
- Water: Conserving water through efficient irrigation techniques, reducing water waste, and protecting water sources from pollution can ensure that water remains available for future use.
Q4Questions and activities
Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Solution
Cultural practices often reflect a deep understanding of the importance of natural resources and a commitment to their sustainable use. Some examples of cultural practices that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources include:
- Water conservation: Many cultures have traditional practices for conserving water, such as rainwater harvesting, well maintenance, and responsible irrigation techniques.
- Waste reduction: Traditional practices often involve minimizing waste and reusing materials. For example, using cloth bags instead of plastic bags, composting organic waste, and repairing broken items instead of discarding them.
- Respect for nature: Many cultures consider nature to be sacred and have practices that reflect this respect. For example, protecting sacred groves, avoiding hunting during breeding seasons, and offering prayers to natural elements.
- Sustainable agriculture: Traditional farming practices often promote soil health and biodiversity. For example, using natural fertilizers, rotating crops, and practicing mixed cropping.
- Energy conservation: Traditional building designs often incorporate features that conserve energy, such as using natural materials, providing shade, and promoting natural ventilation.
Q5Questions and activities
What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
Solution
When producing goods for our current use, it is important to consider the following:
- Resource depletion: Ensure that the extraction and use of natural resources are sustainable and do not lead to their depletion.
- Environmental impact: Minimize the environmental impact of production processes, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
- Waste generation: Reduce waste generation and promote recycling and reuse of materials.
- Energy consumption: Use energy efficiently and transition to renewable sources of energy.
- Social equity: Ensure that the production of goods does not exploit workers or harm communities.
- Product lifespan: Design products to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- End-of-life management: Plan for the proper disposal or recycling of products at the end of their lifespan.