Resources and Development is a chapter in the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus from Contemporary India. This chapter hub brings together revision notes, practice questions, worksheets, flashcards to help students learn, practice, and revise Resources and Development effectively.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science Chapter 1: Resources and Development (Pages 1–12)
CBSE
Class 10
Social Science
Contemporary India
1
1–12
6 study resources
Download the Resources and Development revision guide with key points, summaries, and quick revision notes for CBSE Class 10 Social Science.
Key Points
Define 'Resource' with examples.
Resources are anything available in our environment that can satisfy our needs, provided they are technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. Examples include water, minerals, and forests.
Classify resources based on origin.
Resources can be biotic (living, like forests) or abiotic (non-living, like minerals). This classification helps in understanding their availability and sustainability.
Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable resources can be replenished (solar energy), while non-renewable ones cannot (coal). Overuse of non-renewables leads to depletion.
Explain sustainable development.
Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. It balances economic growth with environmental protection.
Importance of resource planning.
Resource planning ensures equitable distribution and sustainable use. It involves identifying, inventorying, and developing resources with appropriate technology.
Rio Earth Summit 1992 key outcomes.
The Summit addressed global environmental issues, leading to Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainable development, emphasizing local and global cooperation.
Define Agenda 21.
Agenda 21 is a global action plan for sustainable development, focusing on combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through cooperation.
Land use pattern in India.
India's land use includes forests, agriculture, and non-agricultural uses. Factors like climate, soil, and population density influence this pattern.
Causes of land degradation.
Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and improper irrigation lead to land degradation, affecting soil fertility and biodiversity.
Methods to prevent soil erosion.
Contour ploughing, terrace farming, and afforestation are effective against soil erosion, preserving soil fertility and preventing landslides.
Alluvial soil features and distribution.
Found in northern plains, alluvial soil is fertile, rich in potash and lime, ideal for crops like wheat and sugarcane.
Black soil characteristics.
Black soil, high in clay, retains moisture and is perfect for cotton. It's found in Deccan plateau regions like Maharashtra.
Red and yellow soils formation.
Developed in low rainfall areas on igneous rocks, these soils are rich in iron oxide, giving them a reddish or yellow hue.
Laterite soil and its uses.
Formed in wet climates, laterite is rich in iron but poor in nutrients. It's used for tea and coffee plantations after treatment.
Arid soils and their challenges.
Found in deserts, arid soils are sandy and saline, requiring irrigation for cultivation, as seen in parts of Rajasthan.
Forest soils and their importance.
Forest soils, found in hilly areas, support diverse flora and fauna. They vary in texture and are crucial for ecological balance.
Impact of over-irrigation.
Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging and salinity, degrading soil quality, as observed in Punjab and Haryana.
Role of technology in resource development.
Technology enables efficient resource use and conservation, transforming materials into valuable resources and reducing waste.
Gandhiji's view on resource conservation.
Gandhiji advocated for sustainable use, opposing mass exploitation, emphasizing 'enough for everyone's need, not greed'.
Soil conservation techniques.
Shelter belts, strip cropping, and afforestation are key techniques to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.
Practice important questions and exam-style problems from Resources and Development. These questions cover key topics from the CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus.
How to practice: Start with the questions below to test your understanding of Resources and Development. Use the revision guide to review concepts you find difficult, then come back and retry the questions for better retention.
Identify the renewable resource from the options below.
Which of the following are types of resources based on their exhaustibility?
Resources that are obtained from nature and used without much modification are called {{ }} resources.
Resources can be classified based on their origin as {{ }} (biotic/abiotic) and {{ }} (renewable/non-renewable)
Explain the importance of sustainable development in resource management.
Write an essay on the need for resource planning in India.
How many types of soil are primarily found in India according to the NCERT chapter on "Resources and Development"?
Match the following resources with their classification:
Which of the following resources is classified as a non-renewable resource?
Which of the following statements are true about sustainable development?
Resources which are confined to certain regions are called {{ }} resources.
{{ }} {{ }} (Alluvial/Black) soil is best suited for growing cotton in India.
Describe how land use patterns have changed in India over the years.
Discuss the role of resource planning in achieving sustainable development in India.
How many broad classifications of resources are there based on ownership according to NCERT?
Match the following types of resources with their examples:
Which of the following is an example of renewable resources?
Which type of resource is characterized by its limited availability and cannot be replaced once used?
What term describes resources that are present but not yet developed or utilized?
Which of the following can be considered a biotic resource?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sustainable development?
What is the primary goal of resource planning?
Which factor does NOT influence the economic development of a region rich in resources?
What does the term 'sustainable development' emphasize?
What is the concern with the indiscriminate exploitation of resources?
Which of the following regions is known for being resource-rich but economically backward?
What does the Agenda 21 aim to address?
Which of the following is a common trap when discussing resource types?
What is a key challenge in resource planning in diverse regions of India?
Which of the following best describes the role of human resources in effective resource development?
What can be a long-term consequence of over-utilizing natural resources?
What does sustainable development aim to achieve?
Which of the following is a major consequence of resource exploitation?
Which summit is recognized for addressing climate change and sustainable development?
What is the primary goal of resource planning?
Which region is known for being resource-rich yet economically backward?
Resource conservation can help in mitigating which of the following?
What strategy is essential for the sustainable management of resources?
What is one of the key challenges in resource development?
Which country is often viewed as a model for sustainable resource management?
What type of resources are minerals considered?
Why is equitable distribution of resources important?
What does Agenda 21 emphasize for local governments?
Which natural resource is abundant in Rajasthan?
Which of the following global issues is directly linked to resource exploitation?
The ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ social division arises mainly from:
What percentage of India's land area is classified as plains?
Which land type is classified as 'land not available for cultivation'?
What is meant by 'net sown area'?
Which factor does NOT affect land use patterns?
Why is the forest area in India lower than the desired 33%?
How much of India's total geographical area is forested?
What agricultural practice contributes to improving gross cropped area?
What is the significance of plateaus in India?
What is a major factor leading to the decrease in permanent pastures?
Which is NOT a reason for low net sown area in specific regions of India?
Which area has the highest net sown percentage in India?
The concept of sustainable development was primarily popularized by which document?
Which of the following is an example of 'cultivable wasteland'?
What role do mountains play in land utilization?
What is the primary goal of resource planning?
Which event marked a significant global advance in sustainable development efforts?
What is Agenda 21?
Which of the following is a problem caused by indiscriminate resource exploitation?
Which state in India is known for its richness in minerals and coal deposits?
What role does technology play in resource planning?
Which type of land utilization is designated for agricultural purposes?
What is a critical consequence of resource accumulation in the hands of a few?
What is one major aspect of sustainable development?
Which state in India is well-known for its solar and wind energy resources?
What is the main purpose of surveying and mapping in resource planning?
How does irrational consumption lead to resource depletion?
What is one reason for economic development despite having poor resource availability?
Which historical event significantly highlighted the need for resource conservation?
What is the primary function of soil in ecosystems?
Which type of soil is characterized by high salt content and is often found in arid regions?
What major factor contributes to soil degradation in agricultural areas?
Which soil type develops primarily in regions with high rainfall and is often acidic?
Which human activity is NOT a significant cause of soil erosion?
Among the following, which soil is most fertile and supports a wide range of crops?
What contributes to the formation of soil over time?
The process of soil denudation often leads to which of the following?
Which soil is highly suitable for growing cotton?
Which method can help in preventing soil erosion on slopes?
What primarily leads to the nutrient depletion in laterite soils?
Which type of soil is prevalent in the Himalayan region and is known for being fertile?
The presence of which type of rock is associated with black soil?
What is the role of decomposers in the soil ecosystem?
What is one significant impact of soil erosion on agriculture?
Which practice is effective in restoring degraded soil?
What is the significance of soil horizons in soil science?
Which soil conservation technique can help prevent wind erosion effectively?
What type of resource is sunlight considered as?
Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
What term describes resources that are available in limited quantities and can be depleted?
Which of the following is NOT a criteria for classifying resources?
Which statement best describes sustainable resources?
Why is water considered a renewable resource?
Which of the following resources can be classified as biotic?
How can over-exploitation of resources lead to economic disparities?
What is the main objective of resource conservation?
Which of these resources is most likely to contribute to global environmental changes when over-exploited?
What do we call resources that can be replaced quickly, like crops and forests?
Which of the following is a consequence of resource scarcity?
What is a stock resource?
How does technology influence the utilization of resources?
What is the most significant benefit of judicious resource planning?
What is the primary purpose of resource planning?
Which of the following is an outcome of indiscriminate exploitation of resources?
What principle was endorsed at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992?
How does resource diversity impact India’s development?
Which resource-rich state in India is known for its mineral wealth?
What does sustainable development require according to the chapter?
What is one of the main objectives of Agenda 21?
Which of the following is NOT a problem caused by resource over-exploitation?
What factor is crucial for the effective development of resources?
What is the impact of balancing resource planning across different regions?
What major issue arises from the accumulation of resources in a few hands?
Which of the following regions of India is self-sufficient in terms of water resources?
What challenge arises from technological disadvantage in resource-rich regions?
What is the primary goal of resource planning?
Which of the following is a key component of sustainable development?
Why is resource planning particularly important in India?
What was one major outcome of the Rio Earth Summit in 1992?
Which of the following factors is NOT important in resource planning?
Which region in India is known for its richness in minerals and coal deposits?
Which principle emphasizes that resources should be available for everyone's need?
What type of land is characterized as 'barren and waste land'?
Why is community participation vital in resource planning?
Which of the following is a misconception about resources?
Which of the following is an example of a sustainable resource?
What is meant by ‘Agenda 21’?
Which Indian state is known for its rich solar and wind energy resources?
What does resource depletion primarily refer to?
What is a significant challenge in achieving sustainable development?
What is the primary function of land in human life?
Which percentage of India's surface area is covered by mountains?
What constitutes the net sown area in agriculture?
Which factors influence the use of land resources in India?
What is the primary reason for the low forest area in India compared to the desired percentage?
What is classified as 'current fallow' land?
Which type of land is excluded from the net sown area?
Which region in India has over 80% of its area under net sown land?
What is the main type of land not available for cultivation?
Which historical document first systematically advocated for resource conservation?
What does the gross cropped area include?
Which state has less than 10% net sown area?
What is the total geographical area of India?
Which land utilization type includes land not suitable for any other use?
Why is the concept of Sustainable Development important?
What is the effect of increased urbanization on land resources?
What is soil primarily formed from?
Which soil is best suited for growing cotton in India?
Why is overgrazing a concern for soil health?
What characteristic of laterite soil is significant for its agricultural use?
Which of the following practices helps in soil conservation?
What is the primary impact of deforestation on soil?
Which type of soil is generally found in arid regions?
Which method is NOT effective in preventing soil erosion?
What process characterizes soil erosion?
What soil conservation technique is used to stabilize sand dunes?
Which factor does NOT contribute to soil formation?
What is the primary reason for soil acidity in laterite soils?
What is a key characteristic of forest soils?
Which of the following is a consequence of water logging in soils?
Download and practice Resources and Development worksheets to improve problem-solving accuracy and speed for CBSE Class 10 Social Science exams.
This worksheet covers essential long-answer questions to help you build confidence in Resources and Development from Contemporary India for Class X (Social Science).
Questions
Define resources and classify them based on their origin, exhaustibility, ownership, and status of development.
Resources are everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. They are classified as: (a) On the basis of origin - biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living), (b) On the basis of exhaustibility - renewable (can be replenished) and non-renewable (limited stock), (c) On the basis of ownership - individual, community, national, and international, (d) On the basis of status of development - potential (not yet utilized), developed (surveyed and quality determined), stock (potential but lack of technology), and reserves (subset of stock). Examples include forests (biotic and renewable), minerals (abiotic and non-renewable).
Explain the concept of sustainable development and its importance.
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is important because it ensures long-term ecological balance, prevents resource depletion, and promotes equitable resource distribution. The Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 emphasized sustainable development through Agenda 21, aiming for global cooperation in environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and health improvement. Examples include using solar energy instead of fossil fuels to reduce pollution and conserve resources for the future.
Describe the process of resource planning in India.
Resource planning in India involves three stages: (i) Identification and inventory of resources across regions through surveying and mapping, (ii) Developing a planning structure with appropriate technology and institutional setup, (iii) Matching resource development plans with national development plans. It is crucial due to India's diverse resource availability, ensuring balanced regional development and preventing resource depletion. For example, states like Jharkhand are rich in minerals but lack infrastructure, while Rajasthan has solar energy but scarce water resources, necessitating careful planning.
What are the major problems caused by indiscriminate use of resources?
Indiscriminate use of resources leads to: (i) Depletion of resources for few individuals' greed, (ii) Accumulation of resources in few hands, creating societal divisions (haves and have-nots), (iii) Global ecological crises like global warming, ozone layer depletion, pollution, and land degradation. For example, overuse of fossil fuels causes air pollution and climate change, while deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. These problems threaten sustainable existence and global peace.
Explain the land use pattern in India and reasons for its variation.
India's land use pattern includes forests, land not available for cultivation (barren, buildings), other uncultivated land (pastures, fallow), and net sown area. Variations occur due to physical factors (topography, climate, soil) and human factors (population density, technology, culture). For instance, Punjab has over 80% net sown area due to fertile plains, while Arunachal Pradesh has less than 10% due to hilly terrain. The desired 33% forest cover is unmet, affecting ecological balance and livelihoods dependent on forests.
Discuss the causes and measures to control land degradation.
Land degradation is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, mining, over-irrigation (waterlogging, salinity), and industrial waste. Measures include afforestation, controlled grazing, shelter belts, terrace farming, contour ploughing, and proper waste management. For example, in Rajasthan, growing thorny bushes stabilizes sand dunes, while in Punjab, avoiding over-irrigation prevents soil salinity. These practices ensure sustainable land use and productivity.
Describe the characteristics and distribution of alluvial soils in India.
Alluvial soils are fertile, found in northern plains and river deltas, formed by deposits from rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra. They vary in texture (sandy to clayey) and age (old bangar with kanker nodules, new khadar more fertile). Rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, they support crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Examples include the Indo-Gangetic plains and delta regions of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.
What are the features of black soil and where is it predominantly found?
Black soil, or regur, is black, clayey, and ideal for cotton. It retains moisture, develops cracks in heat, and is rich in calcium, magnesium, and lime but poor in phosphorous. Found in Deccan trap regions (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat), it forms from lava flows. Its high fertility supports crops like cotton, hence called black cotton soil. Proper tilling post-rain ensures good aeration and productivity.
Explain the formation and types of soil erosion.
Soil erosion is the denudation and washing away of soil due to natural forces (wind, water) and human activities (deforestation, faulty farming). Types include: (i) Gully erosion - water cuts deep channels (ravines in Chambal), (ii) Sheet erosion - topsoil washed uniformly, (iii) Wind erosion - loose soil blown away. For example, up-down slope ploughing accelerates water flow, causing erosion, while contour ploughing prevents it.
How can soil conservation be achieved in hilly and arid regions?
In hilly areas, terrace farming, contour ploughing, and afforestation prevent erosion. For example, Himalayas use terrace farming to slow water flow. In arid regions, shelter belts (rows of trees) and thorny bushes stabilize sand dunes (e.g., Rajasthan). Strip cropping (alternate grass and crops) reduces wind impact. These methods maintain soil fertility and prevent degradation, ensuring sustainable agriculture.
This worksheet challenges you with deeper, multi-concept long-answer questions from Resources and Development to prepare for higher-weightage questions in Class X.
Questions
Explain the interdependent relationship between nature, technology, and institutions in the context of resource development.
The interdependent relationship between nature, technology, and institutions is crucial for resource development. Nature provides the raw materials, technology enables their transformation into usable resources, and institutions create the framework for their sustainable use. For example, forests (nature) provide timber, which is harvested using machinery (technology), and government policies (institutions) regulate the process to prevent deforestation.
Compare and contrast renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.
Renewable resources, like solar energy and wind power, can be replenished naturally over time, whereas non-renewable resources, such as coal and petroleum, take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished in a human lifetime. Both are vital for human survival but require different management strategies to ensure sustainability.
Discuss the impact of indiscriminate use of resources on society and the environment.
Indiscriminate use of resources leads to depletion of resources, accumulation in few hands, and global ecological crises like global warming and ozone layer depletion. It divides society into haves and have-nots, exacerbating inequality and threatening global peace and sustainable development.
What is sustainable development? Explain its importance with reference to the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992.
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992, was pivotal in promoting this concept globally, leading to agreements like Agenda 21, which aims for sustainable development through global cooperation.
Describe the process of resource planning in India and its significance.
Resource planning in India involves identifying and inventorying resources, developing a planning structure with appropriate technology and institutions, and aligning resource development with national development plans. It's significant for balanced regional development, especially in a country with diverse resource availability like India.
Explain the classification of soils in India and their distribution.
Soils in India are classified into alluvial, black, red and yellow, laterite, arid, and forest soils, based on factors like origin, color, and texture. They are distributed across various regions, with alluvial soils in the northern plains, black soils in the Deccan plateau, and laterite soils in high rainfall areas.
What are the causes and consequences of land degradation in India? Suggest measures to combat it.
Land degradation in India is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and over-irrigation, leading to reduced soil fertility and ecological imbalance. Measures to combat it include afforestation, proper grazing management, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Compare the land use pattern in India between 1960-61 and 2014-15. Why has the land under forest not increased much?
The land use pattern shows marginal changes in net sown area and forest cover due to urbanization and agricultural expansion. The forest cover hasn't increased much due to population pressure and lack of effective implementation of afforestation policies.
How does soil erosion occur, and what are the methods to prevent it?
Soil erosion occurs due to water, wind, and human activities like deforestation. Prevention methods include contour ploughing, terrace farming, strip cropping, and planting shelter belts to reduce erosion.
Analyze the role of technology and economic development in the consumption of resources.
Technology and economic development lead to higher resource consumption by enabling more efficient extraction and use of resources. However, they also offer solutions for sustainable use through innovations like renewable energy technologies.
The final worksheet presents challenging long-answer questions that test your depth of understanding and exam-readiness for Resources and Development in Class X.
Questions
Evaluate the statement 'Resources are free gifts of nature' in the context of sustainable development.
This statement is a misconception because resources are not free gifts but are created through human intervention and technology. Sustainable development emphasizes the need for responsible use of resources to ensure their availability for future generations, highlighting the role of human activities in resource creation and conservation.
Analyze the impact of indiscriminate use of resources on global ecological crises.
Indiscriminate use of resources leads to depletion of resources, accumulation in few hands, and global ecological crises like global warming and ozone layer depletion. This calls for equitable distribution and sustainable management of resources to mitigate these effects.
Discuss the significance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992, in promoting sustainable development.
The Rio Summit was pivotal in addressing global environmental and socio-economic issues, leading to the adoption of Agenda 21. It emphasized global cooperation for sustainable development, marking a shift towards integrating environmental protection with development goals.
Examine the challenges of resource planning in India with reference to regional disparities.
India faces challenges in resource planning due to its diverse geography and unequal resource distribution. Regions rich in certain resources lack others, necessitating balanced planning to address disparities and ensure sustainable development across all regions.
Critically assess the role of technology and institutions in the development of resources.
Technology and institutions play a crucial role in transforming natural elements into resources. However, without equitable access and sustainable practices, technological advancement can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Explore the relationship between land use patterns and physical factors in India.
Land use in India is influenced by physical factors like topography, climate, and soil types, as well as human factors. This relationship determines the agricultural productivity and ecological balance of different regions.
Debate the effectiveness of afforestation and proper grazing management in combating land degradation.
Afforestation and controlled grazing are effective in preventing land degradation by stabilizing soil, enhancing water retention, and restoring ecological balance. However, their success depends on community participation and sustainable practices.
Compare and contrast alluvial and black soils in terms of their formation and agricultural suitability.
Alluvial soils, formed by river deposits, are fertile and ideal for crops like wheat and rice. Black soils, derived from lava flows, are rich in minerals and suitable for cotton. Both have distinct formation processes and agricultural advantages.
Investigate the causes and consequences of soil erosion in India, suggesting conservation measures.
Soil erosion in India is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, and faulty agricultural practices, leading to loss of fertile land and biodiversity. Conservation measures include contour ploughing, terrace farming, and afforestation.
Propose a comprehensive plan for sustainable resource management in your locality, considering local needs and global environmental goals.
A sustainable plan would involve community-based resource management, promotion of renewable energy, waste recycling, and education on sustainable practices, aligning local actions with global environmental objectives like the SDGs.
Explore the chapter on Resources and Development for Class 10, highlighting types of resources, their significance, and the need for sustainable resource management in Social Science.
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