NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources: Notes, Solutions, Free PDF

What is the common thing between the water we drink, the food we eat and the importance of books we read? All of these things are resources. Resources are substances that are worth as well as useful to humankind. Then why has a beauty home remedy been used and still not a resource? To find the answer to this and more details on NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources here is a blog that will explore everything about resources, types and conservation of resources!

Download NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources (Free PDF)

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What are Resources?

Things that have value and satisfy a human need are called resources. Fruits, vegetables, rickshaws, Water, and Electricity all are resources because they have value and a human need. A thing will only be considered a resource if it has value and utility. Any substance can change into a resource with time and technology. The resources are not fixed and change over some time. For Example – A home remedy for a Grandmother has utility but no value in the market, if the same remedy is patented for selling by a medical firm will become a resource.

Also Read: When People Rebel Class 8

Types of Resources

The resources can be classified into three types

1. Natural Resources
2. Human  Made Resouces
3. Human Resouces

Natural Resources

The resources that exist naturally without any effort or modifications from human beings are called natural resources. For example – Air, Solar Energy, Water, Coal, and Petroleum are natural resources. Natural Resources are further classified into two categories – Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources.

• Renewable resources are resources that are renewed or replenished quickly in a finite period. For example – Wind and solar energy are not affected by the consumption of humans. However, Water is also a renewable resource but due to careless use, most parts of the world face water shortages or drying up.
• Non-renewable resources are limited resources.

In case the resources are used completed they will not be replaced immediately. Non-renewable resources take thousands of years to replenish. For Example – Coal, Petroleum, etc.

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Also Read: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age Class 8 Notes

Human Made Resouces 

Natural resources that require a modification and their original form is changed for utilization are Human-Made Resources. For example – Woods and Sands were used to create buildings and houses. Technology is also a Human-Made resource.

Human Resources

The greatest resources that can consume and turn resources for utilization and better consumption are Humans. Humans are also the resources. Humans are turned into valuable resources with quality education, and improved health, and when they can gain skills and the ability to create more resources it is called human resource development.

Take a break from Class 8 Resources notes and check out the Science Projects for Class 8

Conserving Resources

The resources are valuable and should be used carefully. We might have resources today but the coming generations will have to suffer if we don’t take the necessary steps to conserve the environment and resources. Resources conservation refers to giving the resources appropriate time to be renewed. Furthermore, using the available resources carefully when humans balance the use of resources with conservation for coming years is called sustainable development. The future depends on the present human beings and a few simple steps can create a bigger impact. Our responsibility and duty towards conserving resources are as follows:

• Sustainable use of all renewable resources
• Conserving the diversity of life on the earth
• Minimizing the damage to the natural environment.

Class 8 Resources PDF

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 1: Resources

Let us now dive into answers to writing questions following the NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources

Ques 1. Answer the following questions:

a. Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?

b. What is resource conservation?

c. Why are human resources important?

d. What is sustainable development?

Ans:

a. The unequal distribution of resources on Earth is a result of its varying topography, climate, and altitude, and the fact that these factors differ from one location to another. Furthermore, the distribution is influenced by the level of development and technological advancements in different regions.

b. Conservation refers to the practice of safeguarding resources for the benefit of future generations. It involves the responsible and ethical management of precious resources, including minerals, water, forests, wildlife, and more. Resource conservation primarily aims to preserve the natural environment to ensure the sustainability of resource supplies.

c. The significance of humans as a resource lies in their capacity to derive value from all other resources. They possess the knowledge, skills, and technology necessary to harness the potential of nature and generate additional resources. Education and health play crucial roles in enhancing the value of humans as a resource.

d. Sustainable development is the practice of harmonizing the utilization of resources with their preservation for the long term. It involves recognizing the interconnection between the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants and our capacity to uphold and safeguard the natural systems that sustain life. Sustainable development is achieved when renewable resources are managed in a sustainable manner, the Earth’s biodiversity is preserved, and adverse impacts on the natural environment are minimized and reserved for the benefit of future generations.

Ques 2. Choose the correct answers:

(i) Which one of the following does NOT make substance a resource?

a. Utility

b. Value 

c. Quantity

Ans: Option c. Quantity

(ii) Which of the following is a human-made resource?

a. Medicines to treat cancer

b. Spring water

c. Tropical forests

Ans: Option a. Medicines to treat cancer

(iii) Complete the statement- Non-renewable resources are:

a. those which have limited stock

b. made by human beings

c. derived from non-living things

Ans: Option a. those which have limited stock

MCQs for NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 1: Resources

Now that you are through with the class 8  Resouces notes, test your knowledge with these questions:

FAQs

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