Social Science Geography Notes for Chapter 2 Resources and Development Class 8 - FREE PDF Download
Vedantu’s Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Short notes explain the essential resources of our planet like land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife. According to the CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus, understanding these resources helps us appreciate their role in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.
Table of Content
Our notes will break down each resource, explaining its significance and how it interacts with others. We will discuss the various types of landforms, soil characteristics, the importance of water bodies, the diversity of vegetation, and wildlife conservation. Also, refer to Class 8 Geography Revision Notes for a better understanding of concepts.
FAQs on Resources and Development Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is meant by 'land use' as explained in the Class 8 notes on Resources and Development?
'Land use' refers to the different ways land is utilized by humans. This includes purposes like agriculture for growing crops, forestry, mining, building houses and industries, and constructing roads. The pattern of land use in an area is determined by various physical and human factors.
2. How are land resources classified based on ownership according to Chapter 2?
Based on ownership, land resources are primarily classified into two types:
Private Land: This is owned by individuals or families for personal use, such as a house or a farm.
Community Land: This is owned by the community for common use, such as collection of fodder, fruits, nuts, or medicinal herbs. It is also known as a common property resource.
3. What are the key factors that cause land degradation?
Land degradation is the decline in the productive capacity of land. The main factors causing it include deforestation, overgrazing by animals, overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture, soil erosion from wind and water, and landslides. These human and natural activities reduce the quality of the soil and make the land less fertile.
4. What are the main methods of soil conservation mentioned in the revision notes?
The revision notes cover several key methods for soil conservation:
Mulching: Covering bare ground between plants with organic matter like straw to retain soil moisture.
Contour Barriers: Building barriers with stones, grass, and soil along contours to intercept water flow.
Rock Dams: Piling up rocks to slow down the flow of water and prevent gully formation.
Terrace Farming: Creating broad, flat steps or terraces on steep slopes for cultivation.
Intercropping: Growing different crops in alternate rows to protect the soil from rainwash.
Shelterbelts: Planting rows of trees in coastal and dry regions to check wind movement and protect soil cover.
5. Why is the topsoil considered the most important layer for agriculture?
The topsoil is considered the most crucial layer for agriculture because it contains humus and essential organic matter, which make the soil fertile. This layer is rich in nutrients necessary for plant growth. Its texture also allows for proper root penetration and water retention. The process of topsoil formation is very slow, making its conservation extremely important.
6. What is the water cycle and why is it a crucial concept in these notes?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. This cycle is crucial because it is the primary way that water is naturally renewed and distributed across the planet, making it available as a freshwater resource. Understanding it helps explain why water is considered a renewable resource, yet its availability can be a major problem.
7. How does intercropping help in soil conservation differently from shelterbelts?
Both are methods of soil conservation but work differently. Intercropping involves growing different crops in alternate rows at different times. This primarily protects the soil surface from the direct impact of rainwash, as the ground is covered by crops for a longer period. In contrast, shelterbelts are rows of trees planted to create a barrier against wind. Their main function is to reduce wind speed and prevent wind erosion, which is especially important in arid and coastal areas.
8. What is the role of natural vegetation and wildlife in maintaining the ecosystem?
Natural vegetation and wildlife are vital components of the biosphere and work together to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Vegetation, such as forests, provides oxygen, protects soil, stores water, and offers habitat to animals. Wildlife, including animals, birds, and insects, plays key roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and as decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling. Together, they form a complex web of life that sustains the environment.
9. Why are fresh water sources becoming scarce even though three-fourths of the Earth is covered with water?
Although about 75% of the Earth's surface is water, most of it (over 97%) is saline water found in oceans and is not fit for direct human consumption or agriculture. The available freshwater accounts for only about 2.5%. Of this, a large portion is frozen in glaciers and ice caps. The remaining accessible freshwater in rivers, lakes, and groundwater is facing scarcity due to over-extraction, pollution from industrial and agricultural waste, and increasing population demand.
10. How do physical and human factors influence land use patterns?
Land use patterns are determined by a combination of two main types of factors:
Physical Factors: These include the natural characteristics of the land such as topography (e.g., plains vs. mountains), soil type, climate, and the availability of minerals and water. Fertile plains are typically used for agriculture, while mountainous regions may be used for forestry or tourism.
Human Factors: These include population density and technological capability. Densely populated areas require more land for housing and infrastructure, while advanced technology allows for more intensive use of land, such as for mining or large-scale agriculture.
11. How does deforestation lead to both land degradation and water scarcity?
Deforestation, the large-scale cutting of trees, triggers both land degradation and water scarcity. It leads to land degradation by exposing the topsoil to wind and rain, causing rapid soil erosion and loss of fertility. It contributes to water scarcity because forests act like natural sponges, helping rainwater seep into the ground to recharge groundwater. Without trees, rainwater runs off the surface quickly, leading to floods and reduced groundwater levels.
12. What are biosphere reserves and national parks, and what is their purpose in conservation?
National parks and biosphere reserves are protected areas established to conserve natural vegetation and wildlife.
A National Park is an area protected by the government to preserve its natural environment, scenery, and wildlife for public enjoyment and scientific interest.
A Biosphere Reserve is a larger, internationally recognised area that aims to balance conservation with sustainable use. It often includes protected areas (like national parks) and zones where local communities can engage in sustainable economic activities.
Their main purpose is to protect biodiversity and ecological processes in their natural state.
