CBSE Class 6 Science Important Questions Chapter 11 - Nature’s Treasures

1. What are natural resources, and why are they important for humans and the environment?
Natural resources are substances or materials like water, minerals, forests, and animals that occur naturally and are essential for life on Earth. They provide the necessary elements for survival, such as food, water, and shelter, and support various human activities, including agriculture, industry, and energy production. Without these resources, it would be challenging for humans and other living beings to survive and develop. Conservation of natural resources is crucial to ensure they are available for future generations.

2. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over time, such as sunlight, water, and wind. They are considered sustainable as they are available in an almost unlimited supply. Non-renewable resources, however, like coal, oil, and natural gas, are limited and take millions of years to form. Once used, these resources cannot be easily replaced, making their conservation essential to avoid depletion.

3. What are renewable resources, and why are they considered sustainable?
Renewable resources are natural resources that can naturally replenish themselves within a relatively short time, such as solar energy, wind, and biomass. These resources are considered sustainable because they are continually available and can be used without the risk of running out. This sustainability makes them an essential part of environmentally friendly energy solutions, reducing dependence on finite resources like fossil fuels.

4. Define non-renewable resources and explain why they are at risk of depletion.
Non-renewable resources are natural resources that do not replenish quickly and are available in limited quantities, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These resources took millions of years to form, and once they are used up, they cannot be easily regenerated. Due to their limited supply and high demand for energy and industrial uses, non-renewable resources face the risk of depletion, making it crucial to use them wisely.

5. Why is water considered one of the most vital natural resources on Earth?
Water is considered essential because it is necessary for the survival of all living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It is used in various daily activities such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and in agriculture for crop irrigation. Water is also important in industries for production and cooling processes. Without clean and accessible water, life would struggle to sustain itself, making it a precious resource that must be conserved and protected.

6. How does soil function as a natural resource, and why is it important for agriculture?
Soil is a vital natural resource because it supports plant growth, providing essential nutrients, water, and a foundation for roots. It plays a crucial role in agriculture by enabling crop cultivation, which provides food for humans and animals. Soil also helps filter water, supports ecosystems, and is a habitat for many organisms. Healthy soil is necessary for sustainable agriculture and food security.

7. Explain how forests act as valuable natural resources for humans and the environment.
Forests are vital natural resources that provide numerous benefits, including oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption, and habitat for wildlife. They are also a source of timber, medicine, and raw materials used by humans. Forests help prevent soil erosion, regulate the water cycle, and contribute to climate stability. Conserving forests is essential for maintaining biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem.

8. Describe the importance of air as a natural resource for living organisms.
Air is essential for life as it provides oxygen, which is necessary for respiration in humans and animals, and carbon dioxide, which plants use for photosynthesis. The presence of clean air is crucial for health, as polluted air can lead to respiratory issues and environmental problems. Air also regulates temperature and helps distribute heat across the planet, making it vital for sustaining life.

9. What role does sunlight play in the survival of living organisms?
Sunlight is a renewable resource and is the primary energy source for Earth. It is essential for photosynthesis, the process through which plants make food and produce oxygen. Sunlight also regulates weather patterns, seasons, and temperatures, making it critical for the survival of all living organisms. Without sunlight, life on Earth would not be possible.

10. How do minerals serve as natural resources, and what are their uses?
Minerals are natural resources extracted from the Earth, like iron, copper, and gold, used in construction, manufacturing, and technology. They are essential in making everyday items such as buildings, electronics, tools, and machinery. Minerals also play a role in economic development and technological advancement, but their limited supply requires careful management and recycling.

11. What is fossil fuel, and why is it considered a non-renewable resource?
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are energy sources formed from decomposed plants and animals over millions of years. Due to the lengthy formation process, fossil fuels cannot be quickly replenished, making them non-renewable. They are widely used for energy production, but their use contributes to pollution and climate change, highlighting the need for alternative energy sources.

12. Why is it important to conserve natural resources?
Conserving natural resources is crucial to ensure they are available for future generations and to prevent environmental damage. Overuse or depletion of resources like water, minerals, and fossil fuels can lead to shortages, pollution, and habitat destruction. Sustainable management of natural resources helps maintain biodiversity, reduces waste, and supports a healthy environment.

13. How does deforestation impact natural resources and the environment?
Deforestation, or the clearing of forests, reduces natural resources like wood and disrupts ecosystems. It leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate imbalance due to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Preserving forests is essential for maintaining ecological balance and preventing environmental issues like global warming.

14. What are some human activities that lead to the depletion of natural resources?
Activities like deforestation, mining, industrialisation, and excessive water use contribute to the depletion of natural resources. Overfishing and agriculture expansion also harm ecosystems. Managing these activities sustainably can reduce resource depletion and help protect the environment.

15. How do renewable energy sources help in conserving natural resources?
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power provide alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. By using renewable energy, we can lower pollution, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve limited resources like coal and oil for future use.

16. Explain the water cycle and its role in replenishing water as a natural resource.
The water cycle is a process where water evaporates, condenses into clouds, and falls back as precipitation, replenishing water sources. This cycle maintains the availability of freshwater and supports ecosystems, agriculture, and human needs. It plays a vital role in sustaining life by continuously recycling water.

17. How do oceans function as important natural resources?
Oceans provide resources like fish, salt, and minerals and play a major role in regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. They support marine biodiversity and provide livelihoods for millions of people. Oceans also help in temperature regulation and water cycles, making them essential for ecological balance.

18. What is the role of biodiversity in maintaining a balanced ecosystem?
Biodiversity, or the variety of life in an ecosystem, helps maintain ecological balance by supporting food chains, nutrient cycles, and habitat stability. Diverse species interact in ways that strengthen ecosystem resilience, making them better able to adapt to changes and disturbances.

19. How does pollution affect natural resources and living organisms?
Pollution contaminates resources like air, water, and soil, harming both ecosystems and human health. It disrupts habitats, reduces biodiversity, and makes resources unusable, leading to health problems in humans and animals. Reducing pollution is essential for preserving natural resources and ensuring a healthy environment.

20. Why are animals considered an essential part of natural resources?
Animals contribute to biodiversity, food chains, and natural cycles, making them essential for ecosystem balance. They provide resources like food, clothing, and medicines for humans. Protecting animals and their habitats helps preserve ecosystems and ensures the survival of different species.

21. How can recycling help conserve natural resources?
Recycling helps conserve resources by reducing the need for new materials, lowering waste, and minimising environmental impact. By recycling items like paper, metal, and plastic, we can reduce the use of raw materials and energy, contributing to environmental protection and sustainability.

22. What is sustainable development, and why is it important for resource conservation?
Sustainable development is a way of using resources to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. It promotes responsible use and conservation, balancing economic growth with environmental protection, which is essential for long-term ecological health.

23. Why is it necessary to use water resources wisely?
Water is a finite resource essential for life, and using it irresponsibly can lead to shortages and environmental issues. By conserving water through practices like efficient usage and recycling, we ensure it remains available for drinking, agriculture, and industries, benefiting both humans and the environment.

24. How does the use of fossil fuels impact the environment?
The use of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution, climate change, and health problems. Extracting fossil fuels can also harm ecosystems and deplete resources, making the shift to cleaner energy sources important for environmental protection.

25. What are some methods to conserve natural resources in our daily lives?
Conserving resources can involve actions like saving water, reducing energy use, recycling materials, and planting trees. Small efforts, such as turning off lights, using reusable items, and supporting sustainable products, collectively help reduce the impact on natural resources and the environment.

Extra Questions for Class 6 Science Chapter 11 Nature’s Treasures

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is a natural resource?
   a) Plastic
   b) Paper
   c) Petroleum
   d) Glass
   Answer: c) Petroleum
   
   

2. Which part of the plant is used to make spices like cloves?
   a) Leaves
   b) Roots
   c) Flowers
   d) Seeds
   Answer: c) Flowers
   
   

3. Which one of the following is a product obtained from animals?
   a) Cotton
   b) Wool
   c) Rubber
   d) Jute
   Answer: b) Wool
   
   

4. Which of the following is NOT a use of forests?
   a) Providing oxygen
   b) Home for animals
   c) Source of fossil fuels
   d) Preventing soil erosion
   Answer: c) Source of fossil fuels

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What are natural resources? 

Natural resources are materials or elements found in the environment that living beings use to survive, such as water, minerals, and forests.

2. Define renewable resources with an example. 

Renewable resources are those that can naturally replenish themselves over time. An example is sunlight.

3. What is the significance of forests in maintaining ecological balance? 

Forests support ecological balance by providing habitats for many species, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and helping maintain the water cycle.

4. Name two non-renewable resources. 

Coal and petroleum are examples of non-renewable resources.

5. What is conservation of water, and why is it important?

Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently and avoiding waste to ensure it is available for future generations. It is crucial because water is essential for all life forms.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Explain the process of rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It captures rainwater from surfaces like rooftops and stores it in tanks or underground reservoirs, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater levels.

2. Describe the role of forests in preventing floods. 

Forests help prevent floods by absorbing and slowing down rainfall, which allows water to seep into the ground. The roots of trees also prevent soil erosion, reducing surface runoff and regulating water flow.

3. How does the Sun contribute to the drying process of food items like mangoes? 

The Sun provides heat that causes the moisture in food items like mangoes to evaporate. By exposing sliced mangoes to sunlight, the heat speeds up the evaporation process, drying the fruit and increasing its shelf life.

4. What are the different forms in which water exists on Earth? 

Water exists in three forms: liquid (in oceans and rivers), solid (in glaciers and polar regions), and gas (as water vapor in the atmosphere).

5. Why is ocean water not suitable for domestic use? 

Ocean water is salty due to its high concentration of salts, making it unsuitable for drinking, irrigation, or domestic use unless it undergoes desalination.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Discuss the importance of forests and the consequences of deforestation. 

Forests are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, controlling the climate, preventing soil erosion, and supporting the water cycle. Deforestation leads to loss of habitats, higher carbon dioxide levels, disruption of the water cycle, and degradation of soil.

2. Explain how human activities have impacted natural resources and suggest measures for sustainable use. 

Human activities like excessive mining, deforestation, and pollution have depleted natural resources and harmed ecosystems. Sustainable practices include conserving resources, using renewable energy, promoting afforestation, and reducing waste.

3. Describe the concept of renewable and non-renewable resources with examples. Discuss their significance. 

Renewable resources, such as solar energy and wind, can naturally regenerate and are sustainable. Non-renewable resources, like coal and oil, are finite and can be exhausted. Shifting to renewable resources is essential for long-term environmental health and energy security.

4. What are the traditional water harvesting systems used in Rajasthan and Gujarat? Explain their features. 

Traditional water harvesting methods like stepwells (Bawadi in Rajasthan and Vav in Gujarat) are deep, vertical wells with steps leading down to the water. These structures are designed to collect rainwater and provide access to it during dry spells.

5. How do forests contribute to the water cycle and help in maintaining soil fertility?

Forests absorb rainfall, which reduces surface runoff and helps recharge groundwater. The organic matter from fallen leaves adds nutrients to the soil, improving its fertility, while trees prevent soil erosion and maintain the land's integrity.

Vedantu’s set of important questions for Chapter 11: Nature’s Treasures is a great way to help you do well in your Class 6 Science exams. It includes different types of questions, such as short and long answers, MCQs, and extra practice. 

These questions will help you understand the chapter better and prepare for your exams. Download the FREE PDF now, start practising, and get ready to do your best in your exams!

Additional Study Material for Class 6 Science Chapter 11

CBSE Class 6 Science Important Questions for All Chapters

Additional Study Materials for Class 6 Science