Class 8 Social Science - CBSE
Natural Resources and Their Use
The chapter 'Natural Resources and Their Use' in Class 8 CBSE Geography explores the definition, classification, and sustainable management of resources provided by nature. Students learn about biotic and abiotic resources, renewable and non-renewable resources, and their distribution across the globe. This chapter is vital for board exams as it builds foundational knowledge about environmental conservation, sustainable development, and human dependence on nature. Questions often test students' ability to differentiate between resource types and propose conservation methods, making it a high-scoring and conceptually important topic for term exams.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Natural Resource
Anything derived from nature that is used by human beings to satisfy their needs, such as air, water, soil, and minerals.
Biotic and Abiotic Resources
Biotic resources are living organisms like plants and animals, while abiotic resources are non-living elements such as land, water, and rocks.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable resources get replenished quickly like solar and wind energy, whereas non-renewable resources take millions of years to form like coal and petroleum.
Resource Conservation
Using natural resources carefully and judiciously so that they meet current needs while also being preserved for future generations.
Sustainable Development
Balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future without harming the environment.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 8 Social Science exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include direct definitions, differentiating between renewable and non-renewable resources, giving examples of biotic and abiotic resources, and short-answer questions on the importance of resource conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between actual and potential resources?
Actual resources are those whose quantity is known and they are being used currently (e.g., coal in Ruhr region). Potential resources are those whose entire quantity may not be known and they are not being used at present but could be used in the future (e.g., uranium in Ladakh).
Why are human beings considered a resource?
Human beings are considered a resource because their intelligence, skills, health, and education help transform physical materials into valuable resources.
How can we conserve natural resources?
We can conserve natural resources by reducing waste, reusing items, recycling materials, practicing sustainable development, and using alternative sources of energy like solar and wind power.
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