GEOGRAPHY | Class 10 | Question Bank 2026 Solutions; Chapter 1: Economic Geography, Subject Matter and Resource | (SEBA) Board of Secondary Education Assam.
1. Choose the correct answer:
(i) Which one of the following is a non-renewable resource?
Answer: (d) Natural gas
(ii) Which one of the following is abiotic resource?
Answer: (a) Air
(iii) Which one of the following resources is a non-renewable resource?
Answer: (c) Iron
(iv) Which one of the following is man-made resource?
Answer: (b) Irrigation
(v) Which one of the following is an abiotic resource?
Answer: (i) Air
(vi) Which of the following is not a primary occupation?
Answer: (c) manufacturing process
(vii) Which of the following is not applied to 'resource'?
Answer: (a) cannot be exchanged
(viii) Which one of the following is non-renewable resource?
Answer: (b) Mineral oil
(ix) Which one of the following is not included in tertiary occupation?
Answer: (c) Mineral resource collection
(x) Choose the correct set of statements about the IUCN:
Correct Answer: (a) (i), (iii)
(i) IUCN was formed in the year 1948. ✔
(ii) The full form of IUCN is Indian Union for Conservation of Nature. ❌ (Incorrect – it's "International Union for Conservation of Nature")
(iii) WWF and World Conservation Monitoring Centre were established with the initiative of IUCN. ✔
(iv) George Chisholm was the founder Director General of IUCN. ❌
Correction: Actually, based on proper facts, only statements (i) and (iii) are correct. So, the correct answer should be:
Answer: (a) (i), (iii)
(xi) Which among the following options is correct for quaternary sector of economy?
Answer: (b) Innovative research on modern eco-friendly technology
(xii) Assertion (A): With the change in society, simultaneous changes occur in the concept of resource, and consequent change in resource collection and use.
Reason (R): with the expansion.......
Choose the correct answer based on these statements.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(xiii)
Question: Which of the following are correct regarding conservation of resources?
(i) Economic use of resources
(ii) Long-lasting developmental processes needing more and more use of non-renewables
(iii) More and more use of renewable resources
(iv) Possible optimum utilization of resources without any destruction and misuse
(v) Preservation of resources for future use
Options:
(a) (i), (ii), (v)
(b) (ii), (iii), (iv)
(c) (i), (iii), (iv), (v)
(d) (i), (ii), (iv)
✅ Correct Answer: (c) (i), (iii), (iv), (v)
Explanation:
These points align with the principles of sustainable development and conservation. Option (ii) is incorrect because overuse of non-renewables contradicts the concept of conservation.
(xiv)
Assertion (A): Economic Geography studies human activities associated with production, distribution, consumption, and exchange of resources in spatial and temporal contexts.
Reason (R): Human's way of life and their economic activities are different in terms of spatio-temporal variations.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, (R) is true.
✅ Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
Both statements are true, and the reason logically explains the assertion since spatio-temporal differences influence how resources are used and studied.
B. Short Type Questions: Answers
1. **Mention two main characteristics of resources.**
**Answer:** The two main characteristics of resources are-
- Utility: Resources have the capacity to satisfy human needs or wants.
- Limited Availability (Scarcity): Resources are finite in quantity and require judicious management to prevent depletion.
2. **What is meant by “Conservation of resources”?**
**Answer:**
Conservation of resources refers to the sustainable and efficient use of natural or human-made resources to ensure their availability for future generations. It involves minimizing waste, preventing over-exploitation, and adopting practices like recycling and renewable energy usage.
3. **Why is man called Human resource?**
**Answer:**
Humans are termed "human resources" because they possess skills, knowledge, and creativity to transform raw materials into valuable goods and services. Their ability to innovate, learn, and contribute to economic and social development makes them a critical resource for progress.
**4. Differentiate between renewable resource and non-renewable resource.**
**Answer:**
- **Renewable Resources:** These are resources that can be replenished naturally over short periods. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, and forests (if managed sustainably).
- **Non-renewable Resources:** These are finite and take millions of years to form. Once depleted, they cannot be easily replaced. Examples include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
**5. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources.**
**Answer:**
- **Biotic Resources:** Derived from living organisms or organic matter. Examples: Forests, fish, livestock, and agricultural products.
- **Abiotic Resources:** Obtained from non-living, inorganic materials. Examples: Minerals (iron, gold), rocks, and water.
**6. Explain briefly about the dynamic concept of resource.**
**Answer:**
The dynamic concept of resources emphasizes that the status of a resource changes with time, technology, and human needs. For instance, uranium became a valuable resource only after the development of nuclear technology. Similarly, sand in deserts was not considered a resource until its use in construction and glass manufacturing.
**7. How can conservation of resource be made successful?**
**Answer:**
Conservation can be achieved through:
1. Sustainable Practices: Using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations (e.g., afforestation).
2. Recycling and Reuse: Reducing waste by recycling metals, plastics, and paper.
3. Policy Implementation: Enforcing laws to prevent over-exploitation (e.g., wildlife protection acts).
**8. Define Natural and Human resources with example.
**Answer:**
- Natural Resources: Materials derived from nature, used directly or with minimal processing. Example: Water, minerals, sunlight.
- Human Resources: The skills, knowledge, and labor of people. Example: Engineers, teachers, doctors.
**9. What is meant by resource? Mention any one of its main characteristics.**
**Answer:**
A resource is any substance, object, or capability that has utility and can fulfill human needs.
Main Characteristic: Utility – A resource must have practical use (e.g., air is a resource because it provides oxygen).
**10. Write in brief about the relationship between resource and science-technology.**
**Answer:**
Science and technology enhance the value and accessibility of resources. For example:
- Advanced drilling technology enables extraction of deep-sea oil.
- Biotechnology improves crop yields, making agriculture more efficient.
Without technology, many natural substances (e.g., silicon for microchips) would remain unused.
**11. Define ‘Economic Geography’. What is its subject Matter?**
**Answer:**
Economic Geography studies the spatial distribution of economic activities and their relationship with the environment.
It's subject matter includes analysis of industries, trade patterns, resource allocation, urbanization, and transportation systems.
**12. What is non-renewable resource? Give an example.**
**Answer:**
Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan. Example: Coal (formed over millions of years from decomposed plant matter).
**13. What is meant by ‘conservation of resources?’ Mention two methods of resource conservation.**
**Answer:**
Conservation of resources refers to the sustainable management and use of resources to prevent depletion.
Methods are-
1. Afforestation: Planting trees to replace those cut down.
2. Energy Efficiency: Using LED bulbs or energy-star appliances to reduce electricity consumption.
**14. What are called Ubiquitous Resource and Localised Resource? Give example of each of these resources.**
**Answer:**
Ubiquitous Resource: Found everywhere and universally accessible. Example: Air, sunlight.
Localized Resource: Found only in specific regions. Example: Diamonds (mined in limited areas like South Africa), bauxite (found in tropical regions).
C. Essay type Questions:
1. What is Economic Geography? State three major branches of Economic Geography.
**Answer:**
Economic Geography is a subfield of geography that studies the spatial distribution of economic activities, including the production, consumption, and exchange of goods and services, and how these activities interact with the environment and human societies.
Three major branches are-
1. Agricultural Geography: Focuses on farming practices, crop distribution, and land use patterns.
2. Industrial Geography: Examines the location, development, and impact of industries.
3. Transportation Geography: Analyzes the movement of goods, people, and information, and its role in shaping economic landscapes.
**2. Write in brief about the organization associated with resource conservation and their role.**
**Answer:**
**IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)**
Role:
- Conducts research on biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Publishes the Red List of Threatened Species.
- Advises governments and organizations on sustainable resource management.
- Promotes global conservation policies and practices.
**3. What is meant by conservation of resources? Discuss its need.**
**Answer:**
Conservation of resources refers to the sustainable use and management of natural resources to prevent depletion and ensure availability for future generations.
Need for conservation:
- Prevents over-exploitation and exhaustion of non-renewable resources (e.g., fossil fuels).
- Maintains ecological balance and biodiversity.
- Supports sustainable development by meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
- Reduces environmental degradation (e.g., deforestation, soil erosion).
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**4. Write in short about the landforms present on the earth's land surface.**
**Answer:**
Major landforms include:
1. **Mountains**: Elevated landforms with steep slopes (e.g., Himalayas).
2. **Plateaus**: Flat-topped highlands with steep sides (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
3. **Plains**: Flat, low-lying areas ideal for agriculture (e.g., Indo-Gangetic Plains).
4. **Valleys**: Low areas between hills/mountains, often formed by rivers (e.g., Grand Canyon).
5. **Deserts**: Arid regions with minimal vegetation (e.g., Sahara).
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**5. What is meant by 'Resource'? Mention its basic characteristics with examples.**
**Answer:**
A resource is any material, substance, or feature of the environment that humans use to satisfy their needs.
Characteristics with their examples are as follows -
1. Utility: Must have value (e.g., water for drinking).
2. Accessibility: Must be reachable (e.g., underground minerals require technology).
3. Exhaustibility: Can be renewable (solar energy) or non-renewable (coal).
4. Interactivity: Resources depend on human skill and technology (e.g., uranium for nuclear energy).
---
**6. Write a note on the classification of resources.**
**Answer:**
Resources are classified as:
1. Based on Origin:
- Biotic: Derived from living organisms (e.g., forests, fish).
- Abiotic: Non-living materials (e.g., minerals, rocks).
2. Based on Exhaustibility:
- Renewable: Replenished naturally (e.g., wind, water).
- Non-renewable: Finite (e.g., petroleum, coal).
3. Based on Ownership:
- Individual: Owned privately (e.g., farmland).
- Community: Shared locally (e.g., village ponds).
- National: Managed by the state (e.g., forests).
- International: Global commons (e.g., oceans).
4. Based on Development:
- Potential: Not yet utilized (e.g., tidal energy).
- Developed: Ready for use (e.g., cultivated land).
- Stock: Lacking technology to exploit
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Additional Important Questions
A. MCQs and Short Questions:
(i) Choose the correct answer
Kaziranga National Park is a—
(a) Individual Resource
(b) National Resource
(c) International Resource
(d) None of these
✅ Answer: (b) National Resource
(ii) Which one of the following is abiotic resource?
(a) Air
(b) Plants
(c) Animals
(d) Fungus
✅ Answer: (a) Air
(iii) Which one of the following is non-renewable resource?
(a) Air
(b) Water
(c) Crops
(d) Coal
✅ Answer: (d) Coal
(iv) Which one of the following animals is about to be extinct?
(a) One-horned Rhino
(b) Pygmi Hog
(c) Giraffe
(d) Gayal (Mithun)
✅ Answer: (a) One-horned Rhino
(v) The organization IUCN is under which of the following organizations?
(a) UNESCO
(b) UNDP
(c) UNICEF
(d) UNEP
✅ Answer: (d) UNEP
(vi) The father of modern economic geography is—
(a) George Chisholm
(b) C.F. Jones
(c) G.G. Derkenwald
(d) Zimmermann
✅ Answer: (a) George Chisholm
(vii) Statement 1: The natural resources are found in solid, liquid or gaseous states, and in metallic or non-metallic form.
Statement II: Few of such natural resources are used as raw materials in different industries.
(a) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(b) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
(c) Both Statement I and II are true
(d) Both Statement I and II are false
✅ Answer: (c) Both Statement I and II are true
(viii) Statement I: Biotic resources are those resources which do not have life.
Statement II: Abiotic resources are those resources which have life.
(a) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(b) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
(c) Both Statement I and II are true
(d) Both Statement I and II are false
✅ Answer: (d) Both Statement I and II are false
(ix) Statement I: Sunshine and air are the examples of renewable resources.
Statement II: Copper and gold are the examples of non-renewable resources.
(a) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(b) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
(c) Both Statement I and II are true
(d) Both Statement I and II are false
✅ Answer: (c) Both Statement I and II are true
(x) Match the following:
(A) Crops → iv. Renewable Resource
(B) Limestone → v. Non-renewable Resource
(C) Kaziranga National Park → ii. National Resource
(D) Household Properties → iii. Personal Resource
✅ Answer: (a) (A) → iv, (B) → v, (C) → ii, (D) → iii
(xi) A - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was formed in 1986.
B - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was formed on 5th June.
C - World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June.
D - World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th July.
Choose the correct option:
(a) A and C
(b) A and D
(c) B and C
(d) B and D
✅ Answer: (c) B and C
(xii) Which of the following statements are true?
(A) Environment denotes the condition around an organism or a community of organisms
(B) The elements of the environment can be divided into two types—biotic and abiotic
(a) A is true, B is false
(b) A is false, B is true
(c) Both A and B are true
(d) Both A and B are false
✅ Answer: (c) Both A and B are true
(xiii) Match the following appropriately:
(A) Education → iii. Individual Resource
(B) Natural Gas → iv. Non-renewable Resource
(C) Animals under the possession of a country → ii. National Resource
(D) Oceans & seas → i.
International Resource
✅ Answer: (d) A → iii, B → iv, C → ii, D → i
1. **Give one example of Non-Renewable Resources.**
Example: Coal (or oil, natural gas, etc.).
2. **Who is considered as the father of modern economic geography?**
Alfred Weber (known for industrial location theory).
3. **What is resource?**
A resource is any material, substance, or feature of the environment that can be used to fulfill human needs or wants.
4. **What is the full form of IUCN?**
International Union for Conservation of Nature.
5. **When was IUCN formed?**
October 5, 1948.
6. **Name the person behind the formation of IUCN.**
Julian Huxley (first Director General of UNESCO and key figure in IUCN's establishment).
7. **Who was the founder Director General of UNESCO?**
Julian Huxley.
8. **When is the World Environment Day celebrated?**
June 5th.
9. **Under which organization is IUCN?**
IUCN operates independently but collaborates with the United Nations (UN).
10. **Give one example of Renewable Resources.**
Example: Solar energy (or wind, hydropower, etc.).
B. Short Type Questions:
**1. What is Economic Geography? What is its main subject matter?**
**Answer:**
Economic Geography is a sub-discipline of human geography that studies the spatial distribution, organization, and impacts of economic activities across the globe. Its main subject matter includes:
- Analysis of how natural resources, human labor, technology, and capital influence economic systems.
- Examination of the location, patterns, and interactions of industries, agriculture, trade, and services.
- Study of regional development, globalization, and environmental sustainability in economic contexts.
---
**2. Mention the important branches of Economic Geography.**
**Answer:**
The key branches of Economic Geography are:
1. **Agricultural Geography**: Focuses on farming practices, land use, and crop distribution.
2. **Industrial Geography**: Studies the location and dynamics of manufacturing industries.
3. **Transport Geography**: Analyzes transportation networks and their role in economic systems.
4. **Resource Geography**: Examines the distribution and utilization of natural resources.
5. **Development Geography**: Explores economic disparities and regional development strategies.
6. **Trade Geography**: Investigates global and local trade patterns and markets.
---
**3. Write in brief about the scope of Economic Geography.**
**Answer:**
The scope of Economic Geography encompasses:
- **Spatial Analysis**: Mapping economic activities and understanding their geographical patterns.
- **Resource Management**: Evaluating the use of natural resources and sustainability.
- **Globalization**: Assessing the impact of international trade, multinational corporations, and economic policies.
- **Regional Development**: Addressing inequalities and planning for balanced growth.
- **Human-Environment Interaction**: Studying how economic activities affect ecosystems and vice versa.
---
**4. What do you mean by economic activities of man? What are such economic activities?**
**Answer:**
Economic activities refer to actions undertaken by humans to produce, distribute, or consume goods and services for livelihood or profit. These are categorized into:
- **Primary Activities**: Direct extraction of natural resources (e.g., farming, mining, fishing).
- **Secondary Activities**: Processing raw materials into finished goods (e.g., manufacturing, construction).
- **Tertiary Activities**: Service-based sectors (e.g., retail, education, healthcare).
- **Quaternary Activities**: Knowledge-intensive sectors (e.g., IT, research, consultancy).
---
**5. What are the major branches of Economic Geography?**
**Answer:**
The major branches align with key economic sectors and themes:
1. Agricultural Geography
2. Industrial Geography
3. Transport and Communication Geography
4. Resource Geography
5. Urban Economic Geography (focusing on cities and services)
6. Development and Regional Planning Geography
---
**6. What is the subject matter of Agricultural Geography?**
**Answer:**
Agricultural Geography focuses on:
- **Spatial Patterns**: Distribution of farming systems (e.g., subsistence vs. commercial agriculture).
- **Environmental Factors**: Influence of climate, soil, and topography on crop selection.
- **Technological Impact**: Role of irrigation, machinery, and biotechnology in farming.
- **Socioeconomic Issues**: Land tenure, rural development, and food security challenges.
- **Policy Analysis**: Effects of government subsidies, trade policies, and sustainability practices.
**Detailed Answers with Corresponding Questions:**
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**7. What is the subject matter of Industrial Geography?**
Industrial Geography examines the spatial distribution, development, and organization of industries. It analyzes factors influencing industrial locations (e.g., proximity to raw materials, labor markets, transportation networks) and the impact of globalization on manufacturing patterns. Example: The concentration of automobile manufacturing in Detroit due to historical access to steel and skilled labor.
---
**8. What is the subject matter of Geography of Resources?**
This field studies the distribution, utilization, and management of natural and human-made resources. It explores how resource availability shapes economies, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical strategies. Example: The role of rare earth minerals in advancing renewable energy technologies.
---
**9. What is the subject matter of Transport Geography?**
Transport Geography investigates transportation systems (e.g., roads, railways, ports) and their role in economic connectivity, urban growth, and regional integration. Example: The Panama Canal’s significance in global maritime trade.
---
**10. What is the subject matter of Geography of Marketing?**
It focuses on how geographic factors influence consumer behavior, market segmentation, and distribution strategies. Example: Tailoring advertising campaigns for urban versus rural populations in India.
---
**11. What is the subject matter of Geography of Planning and Development?**
This branch addresses sustainable land-use planning, infrastructure development, and equitable regional growth. Example: Singapore’s urban planning to balance housing, green spaces, and economic zones.
---
**12. What is the subject matter of Geography of Tourism?**
It studies tourist destinations, their spatial appeal, and the socio-economic/environmental impacts of tourism. Example: The Great Barrier Reef’s dual role as a biodiversity hotspot and tourist attraction.
---
**13. What are the variety of approaches by means of which economic geography is studied?**
- **Spatial Analysis**: Examines industrial clustering (e.g., Silicon Valley’s tech hub).
- **Behavioral Approach**: Focuses on decision-making by firms and consumers.
- **Marxist Approach**: Critiques capitalism’s role in uneven development.
- **Environmental Approach**: Emphasizes sustainability and resource limits.
---
**14. Mention the characteristics of ‘Resources’.**
- **Utility**: Must fulfill a need (e.g., water for irrigation).
- **Accessibility**: Physically and economically obtainable (e.g., offshore wind farms).
- **Exhaustibility**: Can be renewable (forests) or non-renewable (oil).
- **Economic Value**: Determined by demand and scarcity (e.g., diamonds).
---
**15. How can any material become a resource, according to the famous economist Zimmermann?**
Zimmermann argued that a material becomes a resource when human **needs** and **technological capabilities** converge. Example: Uranium became a resource with the advent of nuclear energy technology.
---
**16. ‘Resource is Dynamic’. – Explain.**
Resources evolve with societal changes and technological advancements. Example: Sand, once used for construction, is now critical for semiconductor manufacturing.
---
**17. Write about the necessities of resource with examples.**
- **Survival**: Freshwater for drinking and agriculture.
- **Energy**: Fossil fuels for electricity generation.
- **Infrastructure**: Iron ore for steel production in buildings.
---
**18. Write in brief about the relationship between resource and man.**
Humans depend on resources for survival but must balance exploitation with conservation. Example: Deforestation for timber vs. reforestation efforts to combat climate change.
---
**19. Briefly discuss about the relationship between resource and science-technology.**
Technology unlocks new resources. Example: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, making solar energy a viable resource.
---
**20. Write about classification of resources with examples.**
- **Natural**: Forests, coal, sunlight.
- **Man-made**: Highways, dams, factories.
- **Renewable**: Wind, hydropower.
- **Non-renewable**: Natural gas, coal.
- **Biotic**: Timber, livestock.
- **Abiotic**: Gold, natural gas.
---
**21. What is meant by natural resource? Write briefly with examples.**
Natural resources are materials derived from the Earth, used directly or processed. Examples: Crude oil, freshwater, fertile soil.
---
**22. What is man-made resource? Write in brief about its use with examples.**
Resources created by humans for specific purposes. Examples:
- **Infrastructure**: Bridges for transportation.
- **Technology**: Computers for data processing.
---
**23. What are the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources?**
- **Renewable**: Naturally replenished (e.g., solar energy, timber).
- **Non-renewable**: Finite supply (e.g., coal, diamonds).
---
**24. What do you mean by ‘Conservation of Resources’?**
Sustainable management to prevent depletion. Example: Recycling metals to reduce mining pressure.
---
**25. What is the necessity of conservation of resources?**
Ensures long-term availability, protects biodiversity, and mitigates environmental degradation. Example: Banning single-use plastics to reduce ocean pollution.
---
**26. What is biotic resource? Give examples.**
The resources that are derived from living organisms. Examples: Cotton, medicinal plants, fish stocks.
---
**27. What is abiotic resource? Give examples.**
Non-living resources are known as abiotic resources. Examples: Iron ore, petroleum, limestone.
---
*28. What is individual resource? Give examples.**
The resources that are privately owned. Examples: A farmer’s land, personal solar panels.
---
**29. What is national resource? Give examples.**
The resources that are owned by a nation. Examples: India’s coal reserves, Canada’s boreal forests.
---
**30. What is international resource? Give examples.**
Managed through global agreements. Examples: Antarctica’s mineral resources (regulated by the Antarctic Treaty), fisheries under UN oversight.
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**31. Name the valuable plant-species of Assam that are on the verge of extinction.**
- **Hollong** (*Dipterocarpus macrocarpus*).
- **Manas Sal** (*Shorea assamica*).
---
**32. Name the animals in Assam that are getting extinct.**
- **Pygmy Hog** (*Porcula salvania*).
- **Greater Adjutant Stork** (*Leptoptilos dubius*).
---
**33. How are non-renewable resources getting gradually vanished?**
Over-exploitation and slow formation rates lead to depletion. Example: Excessive coal mining reduces reserves faster than geological processes can replenish them.
---
**34. How is IUCN’s role in the conservation of resources?**
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) identifies endangered species through its **Red List**, advocates for protected areas, and promotes sustainable policies. Example: Conservation programs for Assam’s one-horned rhinoceros.
**35. What are the international organizations established with the initiative of IUCN?**
**Answer:**
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has played a key role in establishing or significantly contributing to the following international organizations and initiatives:
- **World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF):** Co-founded by IUCN in 1961.
- **Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971):** IUCN helped draft the treaty.
- **CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 1975):** IUCN provided foundational support.
- **TRAFFIC:** A wildlife trade monitoring network established by IUCN and WWF.
- **World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA):** A global network under IUCN for protected area management.
---
**36. What are the organizations established in India keeping in mind the conservation and protection of resources?**
**Answer:**
Key organizations in India focused on conservation and resource protection include:
- **National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):** Manages tiger reserves.
- **Wildlife Institute of India (WII):** Conducts wildlife research and training.
- **Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):** Regulates pollution.
- **National Green Tribunal (NGT):** Adjudicates environmental disputes.
- **Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE):** Promotes sustainable forestry.
- **Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS):** Engages in biodiversity conservation.
---
**37. Name the non-governmental organizations in India that are working for protection of the environment.**
**Answer:**
Prominent NGOs in India include:
- **Greenpeace India:** Advocates for climate action and anti-pollution campaigns.
- **Centre for Science and Environment (CSE):** Focuses on sustainable development.
- **WWF-India:** Works on wildlife and habitat conservation.
- **Kalpavriksh:** Engages in environmental education and policy advocacy.
- **Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI):** Restores water bodies and ecosystems.
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**38. Name some non-governmental organizations in Assam that are working for protection of the environment.**
**Answer:**
Key NGOs in Assam:
- **Aaranyak:** Focuses on biodiversity conservation and research.
- **Nature’s Beckon:** Works on wildlife protection, especially in the Brahmaputra Valley.
- **Early Birds:** Engages in bird conservation and habitat restoration.
- **Kaziranga Wildlife Society:** Protects Kaziranga National Park and its wildlife.
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**39. Write short notes:**
**(a) Resource**
A resource is any material, substance, or service derived from the environment that fulfills human needs or desires. Resources can be natural (e.g., water, minerals, forests), human-made (e.g., machinery, infrastructure), or human (skills, knowledge). They are classified into renewable (e.g., solar energy) and non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels). Proper management ensures sustainability and equitable distribution.
**(b) Human Resource**
Human resources refer to the collective skills, knowledge, creativity, and physical abilities of individuals within an organization or society. It emphasizes workforce management, including recruitment, training, and development. For example, a company’s employees and their expertise are its human resources, driving productivity and innovation.
**(c) Wealth**
Wealth represents the accumulation of valuable economic assets, such as money, property, investments, or natural resources, owned by an individual, community, or nation. Unlike income (flow of money), wealth is a stock of assets. For instance, a nation’s wealth includes its infrastructure, industries, and natural reserves.
**(d) Renewable Resource**
Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as sunlight, wind, water (via the hydrological cycle), and biomass (e.g., forests). However, overexploitation (e.g., deforestation) can exceed regeneration rates, making sustainable practices like rotational logging critical.
**(e) Personal Resource**
Privately owned assets or capabilities of an individual, including financial savings, personal skills, time, health, and social networks. For example, a person’s ability to manage time effectively or their expertise in a field is a personal resource contributing to career success.
**(f) National Resource**
Resources owned and managed by a nation, such as rivers, minerals, forests, and territorial waters. Governments regulate their use through policies (e.g., mining laws) to ensure national development and intergenerational equity. Example: India’s coal reserves or the Ganges River.
**(g) Biotic Resource**
Resources derived from living organisms or organic matter, such as timber, medicinal plants, livestock, and fisheries. These are part of ecosystems and require conservation to prevent biodiversity loss. Contrasted with abiotic resources (e.g., metals, air).
**(h) Resource Conservation**
The sustainable management and protection of resources to prevent depletion or degradation. Practices include afforestation, water harvesting, energy efficiency, and wildlife protection. For example, rainwater harvesting in arid regions ensures water availability during droughts.
**(i) Resource Recycling**
The process of converting waste materials into reusable products to reduce raw material extraction and environmental pollution. Examples: recycling paper reduces deforestation, and reprocessing plastic lowers landfill waste. Promotes a circular economy.
**(j) IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)**
Founded in 1948, IUCN is a global authority on environmental sustainability. It publishes the Red List of Threatened Species, guides conservation policies, and facilitates treaties like CITES and Ramsar. Works with governments, NGOs, and scientists to promote biodiversity and sustainable resource use.
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40. Differences Between:**
**(a) Resource and Wealth**
- **Resource**: A resource is any material, substance, or feature of the environment that has utility and can be used to produce goods or services (e.g., water, minerals, forests).
- **Wealth**: Wealth refers to the accumulation of valuable economic resources, assets, or money. It represents ownership or control over resources (e.g., owning land, stocks, or gold).
**Key Difference**: Resources are raw materials with potential utility, while wealth is the accumulated value derived from resources or assets.
**(b) Economic Geography and Resource Geography**
- **Economic Geography**: Studies the spatial distribution of economic activities (e.g., industries, trade, urbanization) and their relation to geographic factors.
- **Resource Geography**: Focuses on the distribution, utilization, and management of natural resources (e.g., oil reserves, agricultural land).
**Key Difference**: Economic Geography covers broader economic systems, while Resource Geography is specialized in natural resources.
**(c) Resource and Neutral Staff**
*(Note: Likely a typo; assuming "Neutral Stuff" refers to non-economic or inert materials)*
- **Resource**: Has economic value and utility (e.g., timber, coal).
- **Neutral Stuff**: Materials with no direct economic value or utility in their current form (e.g., common rocks, air).
**Key Difference**: Resources are valuable and usable, while neutral stuff lacks immediate economic relevance.
**(d) Personal Resource and National Resource**
- **Personal Resource**: Owned by individuals (e.g., skills, savings, private land).
- **National Resource**: Owned collectively by a nation (e.g., public forests, minerals, rivers).
**Key Difference**: Ownership—personal resources are individual property, while national resources belong to the state.
**(e) Man-made Resource and Human Resource**
- **Man-made Resource**: Physical objects created by humans (e.g., machinery, roads, buildings).
- **Human Resource**: The skills, knowledge, and labor of people (e.g., engineers, teachers).
**Key Difference**: Man-made resources are tangible, while human resources are intangible capabilities.
**(f) Recycling of Resource and Innovation**
- **Recycling**: Reusing waste materials to create new products (e.g., turning plastic bottles into fabric).
- **Innovation**: Developing new methods, technologies, or products (e.g., solar panels replacing coal).
**Key Difference**: Recycling focuses on reuse, while innovation introduces novel solutions.
C. Essay Type Questions (4-5 Marks Each):**
**1. Methods of Resource Conservation**
Resource conservation ensures sustainable use of natural and human-made resources. Key methods include:
1. **Sustainable Harvesting**:
- Limiting extraction rates to match regeneration (e.g., *rotational farming* to maintain soil fertility).
- Example: *Crop rotation* in agriculture prevents soil degradation.
2. **Recycling and Reuse**:
- Reprocessing waste into new products (e.g., *e-waste recycling* to recover metals like gold and copper).
- Example: Sweden recycles 99% of its household waste through advanced incineration and recycling plants.
3. **Legal Frameworks**:
- Governments enact laws to protect resources (e.g., *CITES* to prevent illegal wildlife trade).
- Example: India’s *Forest Conservation Act (1980)* restricts deforestation for non-forest purposes.
4. **Technological Innovation**:
- Developing efficient alternatives (e.g., *drip irrigation* reduces water waste in farming).
5. **Community Participation**:
- Local involvement in conservation (e.g., *Chipko Movement* in India to protect forests).
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**2. Activities or Occupations of Man**
Human occupations are categorized based on economic sectors:
1. **Primary Activities**:
- Direct extraction of natural resources (e.g., *fishing, mining, forestry*).
- Example: *Norwegian fisheries* contribute to 10% of the country’s economy.
2. **Secondary Activities**:
- Processing raw materials into finished goods (e.g., *automobile manufacturing, textile production*).
- Example: *Germany’s automobile industry* (BMW, Volkswagen) transforms steel into vehicles.
3. **Tertiary Activities**:
- Service-oriented roles (e.g., *teachers, doctors, bankers*).
- Example: *Tourism in France* generates revenue through hotels, guides, and transport services.
4. **Quaternary Activities**:
- Knowledge-based sectors (e.g., *IT, research, education*).
- Example: *Silicon Valley* drives innovation through tech startups and AI research.
5. **Quinary Activities**:
- High-level decision-making roles (e.g., *CEOs, policymakers*).
**Modern Trends**: Automation in secondary sectors and gig economy jobs (e.g., *Uber drivers*) reflect evolving occupational structures.
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**3. Subject Matter of Branches of Economic Geography**
Economic Geography studies the spatial aspects of economic activities. Key branches include:
1. **Agricultural Geography**:
- Examines farming patterns, crop yields, and land use.
- Example: Study of *rice terraces in the Philippines* to understand labor-intensive agriculture.
2. **Industrial Geography**:
- Analyzes factors influencing factory locations (e.g., proximity to raw materials, labor, markets).
- Example: *Pittsburgh, USA* became a steel hub due to nearby coal and iron ore.
3. **Transport Geography**:
- Focuses on movement of goods and infrastructure (e.g., *shipping routes, railway networks*).
- Example: The *Suez Canal*’s role in global maritime trade.
4. **Urban Geography**:
- Studies economic activities in cities (e.g., *CBDs, slums, real estate*).
- Example: *Tokyo’s urban sprawl* and its impact on housing prices.
5. **Development Geography**:
- Addresses regional disparities and poverty (e.g., *UN Sustainable Development Goals*).
**Significance**: These branches help policymakers optimize resource allocation and reduce inequalities.
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**4. ‘Resource’ and Its Main Characteristics**
**Definition**: A resource is any material, energy, or service that satisfies human needs.
**Characteristics**:
1. **Utility**: Must fulfill a need (e.g., *petroleum* for fuel).
2. **Accessibility**: Must be technologically and economically retrievable (e.g., *Arctic oil reserves* are untapped due to harsh conditions).
3. **Interactivity**: Resources depend on cultural and technological contexts (e.g., *Uranium* became a resource only after nuclear technology emerged).
4. **Exhaustibility**: Classified as:
- *Renewable*: Solar energy, wind.
- *Non-renewable*: Coal, natural gas.
5. **Transferability**: Can be moved from one place to another (e.g., *LNG (liquefied natural gas)* transported via ships).
**Example**: *Hydropower* is a renewable resource, but building dams requires accessibility and capital.
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**5. Necessities of Resources with Examples**
Resources are vital for survival, development, and progress:
1. **Basic Survival**:
- Food (*agricultural land*), water (*rivers*), shelter (*timber*).
2. **Energy Production**:
- Fossil fuels (*coal for electricity*), renewables (*solar panels*).
3. **Industrial Growth**:
- Minerals (*bauxite for aluminum*), metals (*iron for steel*).
4. **Technological Advancement**:
- Rare earth elements (*lithium for batteries*).
5. **Cultural and Aesthetic Needs**:
- Forests for tourism (*Amazon rainforest*), mountains for recreation (*Swiss Alps*).
**Case Study**: *Saudi Arabia’s economy* relies entirely on oil exports, highlighting dependency on a single resource.
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**6. Classification of Resources with Examples**
Resources are categorized based on **origin**, **exhaustibility**, and **ownership**:
1. **By Origin**:
- *Natural*: Forests, minerals, air.
- *Human-made*: Roads, software, machinery.
2. **By Exhaustibility**:
- *Renewable*: Wind, tidal energy.
- *Non-renewable*: Diamonds, natural gas.
3. **By Ownership**:
- *Individual*: Private land, personal savings.
- *Community*: Village ponds, grazing lands.
- *National*: Oil reserves, public highways.
- *Global*: Oceans, Antarctica.
**Example**: *Solar energy* is a renewable, natural, and global resource.
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**7. Necessity of ‘Conservation of Resources’**
Conservation is critical for:
1. **Preventing Depletion**: Non-renewables like *fossil fuels* are finite.
2. **Environmental Protection**: Over-mining causes *soil erosion*; deforestation disrupts *carbon sinks*.
3. **Biodiversity Preservation**: Protecting habitats saves species (e.g., *Great Barrier Reef conservation*).
4. **Equitable Distribution**: Ensures marginalized communities access resources (e.g., *water rights in arid regions*).
5. **Future Generations**: Sustainable practices like *afforestation* secure resources for tomorrow.
**Global Initiative**: The *Paris Agreement* aims to conserve fossil fuels by promoting renewable energy.
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**Note**: Answers are concise yet comprehensive, adhering to HSLC exam standards.
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