Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wild Life Resources Class 8 important questions with answers PDF download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wild Life Resources - 2025-26
1. What are the key factors that influence soil formation, a frequently asked question in Class 8 exams?
The major factors that influence the process of soil formation are:
- Parent Rock: This determines the soil's colour, texture, mineral content, and chemical properties.
- Climate: Temperature and rainfall directly impact the rate of weathering of rocks and the formation of humus.
- Relief: The altitude and slope of the land determine how thick the soil layer can become. Steep slopes often have thinner soil cover.
- Flora, Fauna, and Micro-organisms: The presence of plants, animals, and bacteria affects the rate of humus formation, enriching the soil.
- Time: The duration of the soil formation process determines the thickness and maturity of the soil profile.
2. What are some of the most important methods for soil conservation that a student must know for the CBSE 2025-26 exams?
For the upcoming exams, students should focus on these important soil conservation methods:
- Mulching: Covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw to retain soil moisture.
- Contour Barriers: Building barriers with stones, grass, and soil along contours to slow down water flow and collect it in trenches.
- Terrace Farming: Cutting broad, flat steps or terraces on steep slopes to create flat surfaces for farming, which reduces surface runoff and soil erosion.
- Shelterbelts: Planting rows of trees in coastal and dry regions to block wind and protect the soil cover from wind erosion.
3. Why is land considered the most crucial natural resource, even though it covers only about 30% of the Earth's surface?
Land is considered a fundamental resource because it supports nearly all aspects of life and human activity. Its importance goes beyond mere surface area because it provides:
- The foundation for agriculture, which produces our food.
- Space for human settlements, industries, and essential infrastructure like roads and railways.
- The habitat for all natural vegetation and wildlife, which maintain ecological balance.
- Access to critical mineral resources and is the basis for forestry.
4. What are the main causes of fresh water scarcity that could be asked as a 3-mark question?
The main reasons for the increasing scarcity of fresh water are:
- Growing Population: A larger population requires more water for drinking, sanitation, and growing food.
- Urbanisation and Industrialisation: Rising urban centres and industries demand huge quantities of water and often pollute existing sources.
- Over-exploitation: Excessive pumping of groundwater and overuse of river water depletes these sources faster than they can be replenished.
- Water Pollution: Contamination of freshwater bodies by industrial chemicals, agricultural pesticides, and untreated sewage makes the water unfit for use.
5. How does land use in a region reflect its economic activities and development? Explain with an example.
The pattern of land use is a direct reflection of a region's economic focus. For instance, a region with a high percentage of land under agriculture and forests typically indicates an economy based on primary activities. In contrast, a developed region will likely have more land dedicated to industries, urban housing, and complex infrastructure like airports and highways, signalling a shift towards secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) economic sectors.
6. What is the fundamental difference between a national park and a biosphere reserve in the context of wildlife conservation?
The fundamental difference lies in their approach and scope. A national park is primarily focused on protecting the natural environment and its wildlife within a strictly defined boundary, with human activity heavily restricted. A biosphere reserve, on the other hand, is a more holistic concept aimed at conserving biodiversity on a larger scale. It includes multiple ecosystems and allows for sustainable economic activities by local communities in its outer zones, integrating conservation with human development.
7. How can an individual student contribute to the conservation of land, soil, and water resources in their daily life?
Even students can make a significant impact on resource conservation. Important actions include:
- Conserving Water: Turning off taps when not in use, taking shorter showers, and reusing water where possible.
- Preventing Land Degradation: Planting trees, avoiding the use of plastic bags that pollute the land, and participating in community clean-up drives.
- Promoting Soil Health: Creating a compost pit for organic waste at home to create natural manure, which reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
- Spreading Awareness: Educating friends and family about the importance of these resources and the need for their conservation.
8. Explain why the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife is critical for human survival, not just for tourism.
It is a serious misconception that vegetation and wildlife are only for aesthetic value. Their conservation is critical for human survival because they maintain the planet's health. Plants provide the oxygen we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide. The entire ecosystem provides us with clean air and water. Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the food chain, pollination of crops, and seed dispersal. Together, they form a delicate balance that, if disturbed, can have severe consequences for the environment and human life.
