Geography
Chapter 1
RESOURCES
Q1. Define the following terms:
1. Utility- Utility or usability is what makes an object or substance a resource.
2. Value- Value means worth. Some resources have economic value, some do not.
3. Patent- It means the exclusive right over any idea or invention.
Q2. Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?
Ans- The distribution of resources depends on various factors such as the physical nature of the
place. The physical factors include terrain, climate, height above sea level, etc. Since these
factors vary in different parts of the world, resources are not distributed over the earth.
Q3. Describe how resources are classified along with examples.
Ans- Resources are broadly classified into natural, human-made, and human.
4. Natural resources are those that are taken from the nature. They are used without modifying
them, i.e. in the same form as they exist in. Rivers, lakes, air, soils, minerals, trees,
mountains, etc. are natural resources.
5. Human-made resources are not provided to us by nature. Human beings have used their
intelligence to manufacture them for their own use. Examples include vehicles, buildings,
roads, telephones, etc.
6. Human resources include people who serve us in different ways. A teacher, doctor, carpenter,
cobbler, etc are human resources.
Q4. Explain the classification of Natural resources.
Ans- Natural resources can be broadly categorised into renewable and non-renewable
resources.
1. Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly. Some of
these are unlimited and are not affected by the human activities, such as solar and
wind energy.
2. Non-renewable resources are those which have a limited stock. Once the stocks are
exhausted it may take thousands of years to be renewed or replenished. Since this
period is much more than human life spans, such resources are considered non-
renewable. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are some examples.
Q5. Explain the terms resource conservation and sustainable development.
3. Conservation of resources refers to using natural resources carefully so that they
could be renewed and continue to be used in future.
4. Sustainable Development: Carefully utilizing resources so that besides meeting
the requirements of the present, also take care of the future generations.
Q6. State the six principles of Sustainable development.
Ans- Six Principles of Sustainable Development are:
1. Respect and care for all forms of life.
2. Improve the quality of human life.
3. Conserve the earth’s vitality and diversity.
4. Minimise the depletion of natural resources.
5. Change personal attitude and practices towards the environment .
6. Enable communities to care for their own environment.
Q7. Why are people considered a resource?
Human beings are the most important resource of a nation. They
are significant because had they not utilised their brains, the
other resources of nature would not have found any utility. In
other words, human resource is the ultimate resource.
Q8. What are the factors for the uneven distribution of population in the world?
Geographical Factors
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People always prefer to live on plains rather than mountains and plateaus because
these areas are suitable for farming, manufacturing and service activities. The Ganga
plains are the most densely populated areas of the world while mountains like Andes,
Alps and Himalayas are sparsely populated.
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People usually avoid extreme climates that are very hot or very cold like Sahara desert,
polar regions of Russia, Canada and Antarctica.
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Fertile soils provide suitable land for agriculture. Fertile plains such as Ganga and
Brahmaputra in India are densely populated.
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People prefer to live in the areas where fresh water is easily available. The river valleys
of the world are densely populated while deserts have spare population.
[Link]: Areas with mineral deposits are more populated. Diamond mines of South
Africa and discovery of oil in the Middle east lead to settling of people in these areas.
Social, Cultural and Economic Factors
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Areas of better housing, education and health facilities are more densely
populated e.g., Pune.
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Places with religion or cultural significance attract people. Varanasi,
Jerusalem and Vatican city are some examples.
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Industrial areas provide employment opportunities. Large number of
people are attracted to these areas. Osaka in Japan and Mumbai in India
are two densely populated areas.