NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Resources contain solutions to the exercises given in the Geography book Resources and Development. These answers have been explained in a manner that you will easily understand all the concepts and get your doubts cleared without even seeking anyone’s assistance.
Class 8 Geography Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Resources Ncert Textbook Questions and Answers
Question 1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Answer: The two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation are temperature and rainfall. These factors influence the rate of weathering of rocks and organic matter decomposition, thereby affecting soil characteristics such as its texture, structure, and nutrient content.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer: Deforestation and the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers in agricultural lands are two factors contributing to land degradation.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer: Land is considered an important resource because it serves multiple purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses and roads, and setting up industries. It is the foundation for human settlements and economic activities. The availability and quality of land influence habitation patterns, agricultural productivity, and the location of industries.
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Answer: Two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals:
- Establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to provide protected habitats for flora and fauna. For example: the Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
- Implementing legal measures against the trade and killing of endangered species to prevent their extinction.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Answer: Three ways to conserve water:
- Rainwater harvesting to collect and store rainwater for later use.
- Lining irrigation canals to avoid seepage of water.
- Replenishing groundwater by promoting afforestation.
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) Soil texture
(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) Terrace cultivation
(iii) Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature?
(a) switch off the bulb when not inuse
(b) close the tap immediately after using
(c) dispose polybags after shopping
Answer: (c) Dispose polybags after shopping
Question 3. Match the followings.
| Column A | Column B |
| Land use | prevent soil erosion |
| Humus | narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
| Rock Dams | productive use of land |
| Biosphere | organic matter deposited on top soil |
| contour ploughing |
Answer:
| 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.
(i) Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
Answer: True.
Reason: Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, these are densely-populated areas of the world.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
Answer: True.
Reason: 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 fresh water. The shortages are either due to drying up of water sources or water pollution.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping.
Answer: False.
Reason: The described process is called shelter belts. Inter cropping is the process in which different crops are grown in alternate rows, and are sown at different times to protect the soil from rain wash.
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
Answer: False.
Reason: Human interference and climatic changes for the most part adversely affect the balance of the ecosystem.