NCERT Class 8 Social Science Resource And Development(Geography): Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources
This chapter, "Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources," from NCERT Class 8 Social Science (Resource and Development), explores the diverse ways these natural resources shape human lives and settlements across the globe. It contrasts the lives of Mamba in Tanzania and Peter in New Zealand, highlighting how variations in land quality, soil, water, climate, and technology influence lifestyles and population distribution. The chapter defines land as a crucial resource, explaining its uneven distribution and the factors affecting habitability, such as topography and climate. It details land use for agriculture, forestry, mining, and infrastructure, influenced by both physical and human factors. Ownership is classified into private and community lands. The text also addresses the challenges of limited land availability, increasing demands, and threats like land degradation, soil erosion, and desertification due to human activities. Understanding these resources is vital for sustainable development and managing environmental challenges.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Resource And Development(Geography) |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 666 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife as resources.
- Analyze the factors influencing the distribution of population and land use patterns.
- Differentiate between private and community land ownership.
- Recognize the threats to land and environmental degradation.
- Appreciate the role of these resources in shaping human lifestyles.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Topography | The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features or properties of an area. |
| Habitable | Fit or suitable to live in. |
| Sparsely populated | Having very few people living in an area. |
| Land use | The way in which land is used for different purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, etc. |
| Encroaching | Intruding on or trespassing. |
| Land degradation | The decline in the quality of land due to human activities or natural processes. |
| Desertification | The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. |
| Common property resources | Resources owned by the community for common use. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What are the main physical factors that determine the use of land? Answer: The main physical factors are topography, soil, climate, minerals, and availability of water.
- What is the difference between private land and community land? Answer: Private land is owned by individuals, while community land is owned by the community for common uses.
- Why are plains and river valleys densely populated? Answer: Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture, making them densely populated.
- Name some major threats to the environment due to land use changes. Answer: Major threats include land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the percentage of land area occupied by 90% of the world's population?
Ninety per cent of the world population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area.
What are some examples of sparsely populated areas?
Rugged topography, steep mountains, waterlogged areas, deserts, and thick forests are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited.
What is land use?
Land use refers to the way land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads, and industries.
What are common property resources?
Community lands used for common purposes like collecting fodder, fruits, nuts, or medicinal herbs are called common property resources.
What are the major threats to the environment mentioned in the chapter?
Major threats include land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, and desertification, often caused by expanding agriculture and construction activities.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Resource And Development(Geography) — Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.