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1 Mark

What is a resource?

Anything that can be used to satisfy a need — natural, human, or human-made.

1 Mark

Name two types of natural resources based on development.

Actual resources and Potential resources.

3 Marks

Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.

Renewable: replenish naturally (sunlight, water, air). Non-renewable: take millions of years to form, get depleted (coal, petroleum). Give one example each and mention time factor.

3 Marks

What is sustainable development? Why is it needed?

Using resources to meet present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Needed because overuse leads to depletion, imbalance in nature, and loss of biodiversity.

5 Marks

Explain the classification of resources on the basis of ownership.

Individual resources (owned by individuals), Community resources (parks, ponds), National resources (minerals, forests), International resources (ocean beyond 200 nautical miles, Antarctica). Give one example for each type.

1 Mark

What percentage of Earth's land is usable by humans?

Only about 30% of Earth's surface is land, and much of it is not suitable — approximately 12–13% is cultivated.

1 Mark

What is land degradation?

Decline in land quality caused by misuse — deforestation, overgrazing, waterlogging, excessive fertiliser use.

3 Marks

What are the factors that determine the type of soil in an area?

Parent rock, climate, vegetation, time, and organisms. Each factor briefly explained — parent rock gives mineral content, climate affects weathering rate, organisms add humus.

3 Marks

Why is soil considered an important natural resource?

It supports plant growth, provides food, is home to organisms, stores water, and is the base of agriculture. Loss of soil = loss of crops, food insecurity.

5 Marks

Explain the various methods of soil conservation.

Contour ploughing (across slopes), Terrace farming (steps on hilly land), Strip cropping (alternate crops), Shelter belts (wind break using trees), Afforestation, Check dams. Describe each briefly with purpose.

5 Marks

How is water becoming a scarce resource? What steps can be taken to conserve it?

Growing population, overuse in agriculture, pollution, changing rainfall pattern. Conservation: rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, reforestation, treating wastewater, reducing industrial discharge.

1 Mark

What is a mineral?

A naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition. Found in rocks in the earth's crust.

1 Mark

Name any two ferrous minerals.

Iron ore and manganese.

2 Marks

What is the difference between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy?

Conventional: coal, petroleum, natural gas — finite and polluting. Non-conventional: solar, wind, geothermal, tidal — renewable and cleaner.

3 Marks

Why are non-conventional sources of energy important today?

Conventional fuels are depleting, expensive, and polluting. Non-conventional sources are clean, renewable, and available in remote areas. India's solar and wind potential is huge — reduces dependence on imports.

5 Marks

Explain the distribution of minerals in India with examples.

North-East Plateau (iron, coal, manganese — Jharkhand, Odisha), South-West Plateau (iron ore, manganese — Karnataka, Goa), North-West Region (copper, zinc — Rajasthan). Mention the peninsular plateau as the mineral heartland.

1 Mark

What is arable land?

Land that is fit for growing crops.

1 Mark

Name the two main cropping seasons in India.

Kharif (June–September) and Rabi (October–March).

3 Marks

What is the difference between subsistence and commercial farming?

Subsistence: grown for family's own use, small plots, traditional tools, low output. Commercial: grown for sale in markets, large farms, modern tools, high yield. Example — subsistence in parts of Africa, commercial wheat farming in USA.

3 Marks

What is mixed farming? Why is it practised?

Combining crop cultivation with livestock rearing on the same farm. Reduces risk of crop failure, provides multiple income sources, improves soil with animal manure. Common in Europe and USA.

5 Marks

What is the Green Revolution? What were its benefits and limitations?

Introduction of HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers in the 1960s. Benefits: increase in food production, India became self-sufficient in food grains. Limitations: only benefited wheat and rice growing states (Punjab, Haryana), led to overuse of fertilisers, water depletion, regional inequality.

5 Marks

Describe the major types of farming practised in the world.

Nomadic herding, Commercial livestock rearing, Shifting cultivation, Intensive subsistence, Commercial grain farming, Mixed farming, Plantation farming. Explain each in 1–2 lines.

1 Mark

What is an industry?

An economic activity that converts raw materials into finished goods for use or trade.

1 Mark

Where is the Silicon Valley located?

Santa Clara Valley, California, USA — known for IT and software industries.

2 Marks

What factors influence the location of an industry?

Raw material availability, Power supply, Labour, Transport, Market, Land, Water, Government policies. (Name any 4 with one-word explanation each.)

3 Marks

Why is the iron and steel industry called the backbone of modern industry?

Steel is used in making machines, bridges, ships, railways, buildings — every other industry depends on it. Called a basic or key industry. Without it, industrialisation cannot take place.

5 Marks

Describe the cotton textile industry of India — its importance and challenges.

Importance: oldest industry, provides employment to millions, earns foreign exchange, uses domestic cotton. Major centres: Mumbai, Ahmedabad. Challenges: competition from synthetic fibres, outdated machinery, power shortages, competition from China and Bangladesh.

1 Mark

What is population density?

Number of people living per square kilometre of an area.

1 Mark

Which continent has the highest population?

Asia — home to over 60% of the world's population.

3 Marks

What factors affect the distribution of population in the world?

Physical factors: fertile plains (high density), deserts, high mountains (low density). Economic factors: industrial areas attract people. Social factors: places of religious importance or cultural significance. Mention an example for each.

3 Marks

What is the difference between population growth and population change?

Population growth refers to an increase in number over time. Population change includes births, deaths, and migration — it can be positive or negative. Birth rate, death rate, and migration are the three factors.

5 Marks

Why are people considered a resource? Explain with examples.

Humans use intellect, skills, and creativity to turn natural materials into useful things. Educated, skilled, and healthy people contribute to development. Example: Japan has few natural resources but is highly developed due to human capital. India's IT sector shows how educated humans are key resources. Contrast with raw material-rich countries that are still developing.

1

Resources

8–10 marks

Definitions, classification diagrams

🔴 High

2

Land, Soil, Water, Vegetation

12–15 marks

Conservation methods, soil types

🔴 High

3

Mineral and Power Resources

10–12 marks

Types, state-wise distribution

🟠 Medium

4

Agriculture

15–18 marks

Types of farming, Green Revolution

🔴 Very High

5

Industries

12–15 marks

Location factors, case studies

🔴 High

6

Human Resources

8–10 marks

Population density, growth factors

🟠 Medium