Revision 2 – Water Resources and Natural Vegetation
I Give Reasons for the following statements:
1. Wells are more commonly used for irrigation in the Northern Plains than in the
Peninsular Plateau.
2. Tube wells are extensively used in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
3. Tube wells are not suitable in regions with hard, impermeable rocks.
4. Canal irrigation is more successful in the Northern Plains than in Peninsular India.
5. Perennial canals are more reliable than inundation canals.
6. Canal irrigation is unsuitable in areas with rugged relief and uneven topography.
7. Tank irrigation is widely practised in Peninsular India.
8. Tank irrigation has declined in importance in many parts of India.
9. Tank irrigation is less common in the Northern Plains.
10. Sprinkler irrigation is more suitable for sandy soils and uneven land.
11. Drip irrigation is considered the most efficient method of irrigation in water-scarce
regions.
12. Sprinkler irrigation helps conserve water compared to traditional surface irrigation.
13. Rainwater harvesting is essential even in areas receiving high annual rainfall.
14. Watershed management is an effective means of conserving water resources.
15. Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a rapid decline in the water table in many
parts of India.
16. Multipurpose river valley projects are important for the integrated development of
water resources.
17. Floods and droughts often occur simultaneously in different parts of India.
18. The uneven distribution of rainfall makes irrigation indispensable for Indian
agriculture.
19. Sustainable management of water resources is essential for ensuring food security
and economic development.
20. Groundwater levels are declining rapidly in many parts of India.
21. The construction of dams alone cannot solve India's water scarcity problem.
II A. Assertion and Reason Questions
Directions: Choose the correct answer:
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
1.
Assertion (A): Tube wells are widely used for irrigation in the Northern Plains of
India.
Reason (R): The Northern Plains have deep, porous alluvial soils with abundant
groundwater.
2.
Assertion (A): Tank irrigation is more common in Peninsular India than in the
Northern Plains.
Reason (R): Peninsular India has an undulating rocky surface suitable for
constructing tanks.
3.
Assertion (A): Canal irrigation is extensively practised in the Indo-Gangetic
Plains.
Reason (R): The region has level land and perennial rivers.
4.
Assertion (A): Drip irrigation is more suitable than flood (furrow)irrigation in
water-scarce regions.
Reason (R): Drip irrigation supplies water directly to the root zone with minimal
wastage.
5.
Assertion (A): Sprinkler irrigation is suitable for sandy soils and uneven terrain.
Reason (R): Water is distributed uniformly over the field in the form of artificial
rainfall.
6.
Assertion (A): Rainwater harvesting helps increase groundwater availability.
Reason (R): Harvested rainwater percolates into the ground and recharges
aquifers.
7.
Assertion (A): Dug wells are suitable in areas with a high-water table.
Reason (R): Water can be easily accessed from shallow depths in such regions.
8.
Assertion (A): Johads continue to be effective traditional water conservation
structures in Rajasthan.
Reason (R): They collect and store rainwater while helping recharge
groundwater.
9.
Assertion (A): Pit recharge structures are used for groundwater conservation.
Reason (R): They allow rainwater to infiltrate into underground aquifers.
10.
Assertion (A): Multipurpose river valley projects have increased irrigation
potential in India.
Reason (R): Dams store water that can be supplied throughout the year.
11.
Assertion (A): The adoption of modern irrigation methods has become essential
for sustainable agriculture in India.
Reason (R): Modern irrigation methods reduce water loss through evaporation,
seepage, and surface runoff.
12.
Assertion (A): Water conservation has become a national priority even though
India receives a substantial amount of annual rainfall.
Reason (R): India receives uniform rainfall throughout the year in all parts of the
country.
13.
Assertion (A): Farmers cultivating water-intensive crops in drought-prone
regions are encouraged to adopt drip irrigation.
Reason (R): Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, improving
water-use efficiency and reducing wastage.
14. Assertion (A): Excessive dependence on traditional flood irrigation can
contribute to groundwater depletion.
Reason (R): Flood irrigation requires less water than drip and sprinkler irrigation.
15. Assertion (A): Rainwater harvesting alone is sufficient to solve all water
scarcity problems in India.
Reason (R): Sustainable water management requires groundwater recharge,
efficient irrigation methods, and judicious use of water resources.
III Competency-Based Questions
1. Case Study
A farmer in Punjab irrigates his wheat fields using a tube well.
Questions:
a) Why is tube well irrigation suitable in this region?
b) Mention one limitation of excessive tube well irrigation.
c) Suggest one method to recharge groundwater.
2. Case Study
A farmer in Karnataka uses stored rainwater for irrigation which is found in most
of the peninsular India.
a) Identify the irrigation method used.
b) Why is it more common in Peninsular India?
c) State one advantage and one limitation of this method.
3. Case Study
A village in Rajasthan constructs Johads /Kunds to collect rainwater during the
monsoon.
a) Identify this traditional water conservation method.
b) What are Johads and Kunds?
b) Why is this method suitable for Rajasthan?
4. Case Study
A horticulture farmer in Maharashtra grows grapes in his farm land.
a) State which irrigation is suitable for this crop?
b) Mention two advantages of drip irrigation over furrow irrigation.
5. Case Study
A farmer owns uneven farmland with sandy soil and installs an irrigation system.
a) Why is irrigation system is preferred on his field?
b) Mention two benefits of this irrigation method.
c) Mention two dis advantages of this system.
6. Case Study
An urban housing society installs rooftop rainwater harvesting and recharge pits.
a) Explain how rainwater harvesting helps conserve water.
b) What is the function of recharge pits?
c) State one long-term environmental benefit.
7. Study the Table
Region Physical Feature Suitable Irrigation
A Level alluvial plain ?
B Rocky plateau ?
C Sandy soil ?
Answer the following:
a) Identify the most suitable irrigation method for Region A.
b) Identify the irrigation method suitable for Region B.
c) Identify the irrigation method suitable for Region C.
d) Justify your answers.
8. Case Study
A village in Assam uses Dongs to divert stream water to agricultural fields.
a) Identify this traditional irrigation system.
b) Which tribe uses this method?
c) State one advantage of this method.
9. Case Study
Farmers in Andhra Pradesh depend mainly on Cheruvas for irrigation.
a) What are Cheruvas?
b) Why are they important in Andhrapradesh?
c) Mention one limitation of this system.
10. Case Study
A village in Karnataka has several Keres which they use throughout the year.
a) Identify the traditional water conservation method.
b) Explain how it benefits agriculture.
c) State one environmental benefit.
11. Case Study
A district experiences rapid groundwater depletion because thousands of tube
wells are used without proper recharge.
a) Explain why groundwater levels are falling.
b) Suggest two methods to recharge groundwater.
c) Which irrigation method can reduce groundwater use?
12.
Water Conservation Method Primary Purpose
Recharge Pit ?
Recharge Trench ?
Dug Well Recharge ?
Answer the following:
a) Complete the purpose of each method.
b) Which method is most suitable near buildings?
c) Which method uses existing wells?
13. A district receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon but faces water scarcity
during summer.
a) Explain why this situation occurs.
b) Suggest any three suitable water conservation methods for the district.
14. A state government plans to reduce dependence on groundwater for
agriculture.
Suggest four measures that can be adopted to achieve this objective. Justify
each measure briefly.
15. Four farmers from different regions adopt different irrigation methods:
• Farmer A – Punjab
• Farmer B – Rajasthan
• Farmer C – Karnataka
• Farmer D – Maharashtra (orchards)
Answer the following:
a) Suggest the most suitable irrigation method for each farmer.
b) Give one reason for each choice based on the physical conditions of the
region.
c) Which farmer is most likely to adopt a traditional water conservation system?
Name the system.
Natural Vegetation
I Give Reasons for the following statements:
1. Tropical evergreen forests are mainly found along the Western Ghats and in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2. Trees in tropical evergreen forests do not shed their leaves simultaneously.
3. Tropical evergreen forests are also known as evergreen rainforests.
4. Tropical deciduous forests are the most widespread type of forest in India.
5. Trees in tropical deciduous forests shed their leaves during a particular season.
6. Teak is more commonly found in moist deciduous forests than in dry deciduous
forests.
7. Dry deciduous forests are more open and less dense than moist deciduous forests.
8. Thorn and scrub forests are mainly found in north-western India.
9. Plants in tropical desert vegetation have deep root systems and reduced leaves
(spines).
10. Cactus and other thorny plants are well adapted to arid climatic conditions.
11. Littoral and swamp forests are mainly found in river deltas and coastal regions.
12. Mangrove trees possess breathing roots (pneumatophores).
13. Mangrove forests play an important role in protecting coastal areas from erosion
and cyclones.
14. Mountain forests show a distinct change in vegetation with increasing altitude.
15. Coniferous trees have needle-shaped leaves and conical shapes.
16. Coniferous forests are an important source of softwood.
17. Forests play a vital role in maintaining the water cycle.
18. Large-scale deforestation increases the chances of soil erosion and floods.
19. Afforestation is considered an effective method of forest conservation.
20. Reforestation helps restore ecological balance in degraded forest areas.
21. Social forestry helps reduce pressure on natural forests.
22. Farm forestry provides economic benefits to farmers while conserving the
environment.
23. Agroforestry improves soil fertility and enhances agricultural productivity.
24. Mangrove forest have stilted roots.
25. Community participation is essential for the successful conservation and
management of forests.
Assertion and reasoning
II Assertion and Reason Questions
Directions: Choose the correct answer:
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
1.
Assertion (A): Tropical evergreen forests remain green throughout the year.
Reason (R): Trees in these forests shed their leaves at different times instead
of all at once.
2.
Assertion (A): Tropical deciduous forests are the most widespread forests in
India.
Reason (R): They grow in regions receiving moderate rainfall over a large part of
the country.
3.
Assertion (A): Thorn forests are found mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Reason (R): These regions receive very low annual rainfall and experience high
temperatures.
4.
Assertion (A): Mangrove forests are found mainly in the Sundarbans Delta.
Reason (R): Mangrove trees can tolerate saline and waterlogged conditions.
5.
Assertion (A): Coniferous forests occur at higher altitudes in the Himalayas.
Reason (R): Needle-shaped leaves help reduce water loss and withstand
snowfall.
6.
Assertion (A): Social forestry reduces pressure on natural forests.
Reason (R): Trees are planted on community lands to meet local needs for
fuelwood and fodder.
7.
Assertion (A): Agroforestry is preferred over monoculture farming in many
regions.
Reason (R): Growing trees with crops improves soil fertility and provides
additional income.
8.
Assertion (A): Afforestation helps reduce soil erosion.
Reason (R): Tree roots bind the soil and reduce surface runoff.
9.
Assertion (A): Reforestation refers to planting trees on barren land where
forests never existed.
Reason (R): It aims to restore forests that have been cleared or degraded.
10.
Assertion (A): Forest conservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity.
Reason (R): Forests provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal
species.
11. Assertion (A): Tropical evergreen forests have a multilayered canopy with
dense vegetation.
Reason (R): High temperature and heavy rainfall throughout the year promote
continuous plant growth and prevent simultaneous shedding of leaves.
12. Assertion (A): Agroforestry is an effective strategy for sustainable land
management.
Reason (R): It provides additional income to farmers through the sale of timber,
fruits, and fuelwood.
13. Assertion (A): Mangrove forests play an important role in protecting
coastal ecosystems.
Reason (R): Mangrove trees cannot tolerate saline water and therefore
grow only in freshwater marshes.
14. Assertion (A): Reforestation involves planting trees on land where
forests have never existed.
Reason (R): Reforestation restores forests that have been cleared due to
deforestation or natural calamities.
15. Assertion (A): Afforestation helps in conserving biodiversity and
reducing soil erosion.
Reason (R): Afforestation increases the area under forest cover by planting
trees on barren or degraded land.
III Competency-Based Questions
1. Case Study
A district in Rajasthan receives less than 50 cm of rainfall annually. Vegetation
mainly consists of thorny bushes, acacia and cactus.
Questions:
a) Identify the type of natural vegetation found in the region.
b) Mention two adaptations of plants found in this region.
c) Explain why such vegetation is suitable for this area.
2. Case Study
A village in Uttarakhand lies at an altitude of 2,800 metres. The surrounding
forests consist mainly of pine, deodar and fir.
a) Identify the type of forest.
b) Name one economic use of these forests.
c) Explain why these trees have needle-shaped leaves.
3. Case Study
A coastal village near the Sundarbans experiences frequent cyclones. Dense
forests with stilt roots protect the coastline.
a) Identify the forest type.
b) Name one characteristic feature of these trees.( write the answer not given
in the case study)
c) State two ways these forests benefit coastal communities. .( write the
answer not given in the case study)
4.
A farmer plants neem and eucalyptus trees along the boundary of his
agricultural field while continuing to cultivate crops.
a) Which method of forest conservation is being practised?
b) State two advantages of this method.
5.
A state government launches a programme to plant trees on degraded forest
land after illegal logging.
a) Name the conservation method.
b) State two benefits of this programme.
6.
A community plants trees along village roads, canals and public lands to meet
local fuelwood requirements.
a) Identify the forestry programme.
b) Explain how it helps conserve natural forests.
7.
Study the data below.
Region Annual Rainfall Dominant Vegetation
A Above 250 cm Dense evergreen forests
B 100–200 cm Deciduous forests
C Below 50 cm Thorn forests
Answer the following:
a) Identify Region B.
b) Why does Region A support evergreen forests?
c) Explain why Region C has sparse vegetation.
8.
A forest receives rainfall throughout the year and has several layers of tall trees
forming a dense canopy.
a) Identify the forest type.
b) Explain how the climate supports such vegetation.
9.
A district experiences extensive soil erosion after large-scale deforestation.
a) Explain the relationship between deforestation and soil erosion.
b) Suggest two conservation measures.
10.
A fruit-growing farmer installs a drip irrigation system and also plants timber
trees between rows of crops.
a) Identify the forestry practice being followed.
b) Explain how it benefits both agriculture and the environment.
11.
A mountain slope previously covered with forests is now barren due to
excessive tree felling.
a) State two environmental problems likely to occur.
b) Suggest two suitable conservation measures.
12.
Two regions receive different amounts of rainfall.
• Region X – 300 cm
• Region Y – 75 cm
Predict the natural vegetation found in each region and justify your answer.
13.
A student claims that "All forests in India remain green throughout the year."
Do you agree? Justify your answer with suitable examples.
14.
A village plans to increase its green cover while ensuring villagers have
adequate fuelwood, fodder and small timber without disturbing nearby
reserved forests.
Recommend the most suitable forestry programme and justify your answer
with two reasons.