CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 – Resources NCERT Solutions
This chapter, 'Resources,' for CBSE Class 8 Social Science, delves into the fundamental concept of resources and their significance in our lives. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations for why resources are unevenly distributed across the globe, influenced by factors like terrain and climate. It defines resource development as the intelligent utilization of resources to enhance their quality and usability. The solutions emphasize the critical role of human resources, highlighting their intelligence in transforming natural substances into valuable resources. Furthermore, the concept of sustainable development is explained as the balanced use of resources to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. These solutions are designed to help students grasp these core concepts thoroughly, aiding in their exam preparation by offering detailed answers and explanations for all textbook questions.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 – Resources |
Chapter summary
Chapter 1, 'Resources,' for Class 8 Social Science, focuses on understanding what constitutes a resource. The NCERT Solutions cover the uneven distribution of resources due to geographical factors, the process of resource development, and the indispensable role of human beings in creating and utilizing resources. It also introduces and explains the crucial concept of sustainable development, emphasizing the need for balanced resource consumption for present and future needs. The solutions address all textbook questions, providing clarity on definitions and distinctions between different resource types.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the reasons for unequal distribution of resources globally.
- Define and explain resource development.
- Recognize the importance of human resources.
- Explain the concept of sustainable development and its necessity.
- Differentiate between potential and actual resources.
- Differentiate between ubiquitous and localised resources.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Resources
- Unequal distribution of resources
- Physical factors influencing resources
- Resource development
- Human resources
- Utility and value of resources
- Sustainable development
- Potential resources
- Actual resources
- Ubiquitous resources
- Localised resources
- Water as a resource
Important topics
- Definition and types of resources
- Factors affecting resource distribution
- Importance of human resources
- Concept and necessity of sustainable development
- Distinction between potential and actual resources
- Distinction between ubiquitous and localised resources
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
(i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
(ii) What is resource development?
(iii) Why are human resources important?
(iv) What is sustainable development?
(i) The distribution of resources across the Earth is uneven because it depends on a variety of physical factors. These factors include the specific terrain of a location, its climate, and its height above sea level. Since these physical conditions vary significantly from one part of the world to another, resources are not found in equal amounts everywhere.
(ii) Resource development refers to the process of utilizing our intelligence and knowledge to enhance the quality, usability, and overall benefit derived from a particular resource. It involves finding better ways to extract, process, and use resources effectively.
(iii) Human resources are critically important because people possess intelligence and creativity. This allows them to harness nature's potential and transform natural substances into valuable resources. Without human intervention and ingenuity, many materials found in nature would remain unused or unrecognized for their potential utility.
(iv) Sustainable development is the practice of using resources in a balanced way. This approach ensures that we can meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes conservation and responsible consumption for long-term availability.
Question 2
(i) Which one of the following does not make a substance a resource?
(a) utility (b) value (c) quantity
(ii) Which one of the following is a human-made resource?
(a) medicines to treat cancer (b) spring water (c) tropical forests
(iii) Complete the statement. Biotic resources are
(a) derived from living beings. (b) made by human beings. (c) derived from non-living things.
(i) The correct option is (c) quantity. A substance becomes a resource due to its utility and value. While quantity can be a factor in how much of a resource is available, it is not the primary determinant of whether something is a resource at all.
(ii) The correct option is (a) medicines to treat cancer. Medicines developed through scientific research and human effort are considered human-made resources. Spring water and tropical forests are natural resources.
(iii) The correct option is (a) derived from living beings. Biotic resources are those that are obtained from living organisms, such as plants and animals. Abiotic resources are derived from non-living things.
Question 3
(a) Potential and actual resources
(b) Ubiquitous and localised resources
(a) Potential Resources vs. Actual Resources
- Potential Resources: These are resources that exist in a given region but are not currently being utilized. Their use may not be feasible with the current level of technology or economic conditions. They have the potential to become actual resources in the future. For example, uranium deposits in Ladakh are a potential resource. The entire quantity of a potential resource may not be known.
- Actual Resources: These are resources that are currently being used and whose quantity and quality have been assessed. Their utilization is feasible with the existing technology and economic viability. For example, coal deposits are actual resources. The actual quantity of an actual resource is known.
(b) Ubiquitous Resources vs. Localised Resources
- Ubiquitous Resources: These are resources that are found everywhere across the globe. Their presence is not limited to specific geographical areas or conditions. A prime example is air, which is present all over the Earth. The presence of ubiquitous resources is not governed by specific physical conditions.
- Localised Resources: These are resources that are found only in particular regions or specific geographical locations. Their occurrence is dependent on specific physical conditions. Minerals are a common example of localised resources, as they are found in specific geological formations.
Question 4
"Rahiman paani raakhiye, Bin paani sab soon. Paani gaye na ubere Mod, manus, choon..."
These lines, written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhanam, translate to: "Keep water, for without water there is nothing. Without water, pearl, swan, and dough cannot exist."
What kind of resource is the poet referring to? Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared?
The poet is referring to water, an indispensable resource for all life on Earth. If water were to disappear, the consequences would be catastrophic. Firstly, life itself would cease to exist, as water is fundamental for drinking and all biological processes. Agriculture would collapse, leading to widespread famine, as crops require water for irrigation and growth. Industries would halt, as water is essential for many manufacturing processes and for generating electricity. Sanitation and hygiene would become impossible, leading to the rapid spread of diseases. The entire ecosystem would collapse, affecting plants, animals, and all forms of life that depend on water for survival. In essence, the disappearance of water would mean the end of the planet as we know it.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the definition of resource development with simple extraction.
- Underestimating the role of human intelligence in resource creation.
- Not fully grasping the long-term implications of unsustainable resource use.
- Difficulty in distinguishing between potential and actual resources.
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the factors influencing resource distribution.
- Clearly define and differentiate between potential/actual and ubiquitous/localised resources.
- Emphasize the importance of sustainable development in your notes.
- Practice explaining the role of human resources in transforming nature.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which factor does NOT determine if a substance is a resource?
Explanation: While utility and value make a substance a resource, its quantity alone does not determine its resource status. A substance must be useful and have value to be considered a resource.
Q2. Which of the following is an example of a human-made resource?
Explanation: Medicines to treat cancer are developed through human research and innovation, making them human-made resources. Spring water and tropical forests are natural resources.
Q3. Biotic resources are:
Explanation: Biotic resources are those that are obtained from living organisms, such as plants and animals. Non-living things yield abiotic resources.
Q4. What is the primary reason for the unequal distribution of resources on Earth?
Explanation: The physical characteristics of a place, including its terrain, climate, and altitude, vary significantly across the globe, leading to the uneven distribution of natural resources.
Q5. Sustainable development means:
Explanation: Sustainable development involves using resources judiciously to meet current needs while ensuring that they are available for future generations, striking a balance between development and conservation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main factors that cause resources to be distributed unevenly across the Earth?
Resources are distributed unevenly due to variations in physical factors such as the terrain, climate, and altitude of different regions. These geographical differences influence the availability and type of resources found in various parts of the world.
How is resource development defined in this chapter?
Resource development is defined as the process of using human intelligence to improve the quality, usability, and overall utility of a resource, making it more beneficial for human needs.
Why are human resources considered important?
Human resources are crucial because they possess the intelligence and capability to transform natural substances into valuable resources. Without human intervention, many natural materials would not be recognized or utilized for their potential benefits.
What is the core principle of sustainable development?
Sustainable development is about using resources in a balanced manner. It means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, ensuring conservation for the long term.
Can you explain the difference between potential and actual resources?
Potential resources are those that exist in a region but are not currently being used, possibly due to lack of technology or economic viability. Actual resources are those that are currently being used and their quantity is known.
What is the difference between ubiquitous and localised resources?
Ubiquitous resources are found everywhere, like air. Localised resources are found only in specific regions, such as certain minerals, due to particular physical conditions.
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