NCERT Solutions Class 8, Social Science, Geography, Chapter- 2, Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources.
1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Solution:
Temperature and rainfall are two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation. Rainfall contributes in breaking the rocks by applying pressure. Temperature fluctuations between hot and cold also form cracks in the rocks.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Solution:
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?
Solution:
Land is an important resource because it provides surface for agriculture, living, forestry, industries, construction, etc. Most activities take place on land.
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Solution:
Steps taken by the government include establishment of natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries in different parts of India. Their purpose is conservation of vegetation and wildlife, respectively.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Solution:
Three ways to conserve water are as under:
- Rainwater harvesting: It is a method of collecting water while it rains so that it may come of use in the future.
- The canals used for irrigation should be properly built so that loss of water does not take place while the water is transported to the field.
- In dry regions, drip or trickle irrigation is suggested.
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
The correct option is : (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
The correct option is : (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 in use
(b) close the tap immediately after using
(c) dispose polypacks after shopping
The correct option is : (c) dispose polypacks after shopping
3. Match the followings :
| (i) Land use |
(a) prevent soil erosion |
| (ii) Humus |
(b) narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
| (iii) Rock dams |
(c) productive use of land |
| (iv) Biosphere |
(d) organic matter deposited on top soil |
|
(e) contour ploughing |
Solution:
| (i) Land use |
(c) productive use of land |
| (ii) Humus |
(d) organic matter deposited on top soil |
| (iii) Rock dams |
(a) prevent soil erosion |
| (iv) Biosphere |
(b) narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
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.
Solution: True
This statement is true. 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.
Solution: True
This statement is true. Though water is present in abundance, fresh water is a scarce resource. Water availability is a serious problem in many regions of the world. Due to the wastage of water, deforestation, and the pollution and depletion of fresh water reserves (such as rivers and ground water), the availability of water is fast declining.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping.
Solution: False
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
Solution: False
Choose the correct option.
(i) Which of these resources covers about three-fourths of the total surface of earth?
(a) land
(b) soil
(c) air
(d) water
The correct option is : (d) water
(ii) What are low-lying areas very susceptible to?
(a) earthquakes
(b) landslides
(c) flooding
(d) tsunamis
The correct option is : (c) flooding
(iii) Which of these physical features are best suited for living?
(a) plains and river valleys
(b) mountains
(c) deserts
(d) lakes and rivers
The correct option is : (a) plains and river valleys
(iv) Which of these is example of community land?
(a) the Sunderban forests
(b) a bungalow
(c) the Parliament House
(d) none of these
The correct option is : (a) the Sunderban forests
(v) What is the majority of land in India used for?
(a) cultivation
(b) pasture
(c) forests
(d) none of these
The correct option is : (a) cultivation
(vi) Which of these countries is mainly covered with forest land?
(a) India
(b) Brazil
(c) USA
(d) both b and c
The correct option is : (d) both b and c
( vii) Due to what feature is ocean water unfit for human consumption?
(a) poisonous
(b) salinity
(c) water temperature
(d) none of these
The correct option is : (b) salinity
Fill in the blank spaces given to complete each sentence.
1. The percentage of fresh water on …………..
2. The process responsible for soil formation is called ……………
3. Private land is owned‘by a fan ………………
4. The grainy layer on land is called …………….
5. Soil becomes fertile due to the right mix of …………… and ……….
6. The colour, texture, etc of soil is determined by ……………….
7. Climate factors influencing rate of weathering include and …………….
8. ………….. is the growing of different crops in alternate rows.
9. 70% of fresh water exists as ……………..
Solution:
1. 2.7
2. weathering,
3. individual
4. soil
5. minerals, organic matter
6. parent rock
7. rainfall, temperature
8. intercropping
9. ice sheets.
