CLASS – VIII

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
LESSON NO 1: UTILISATION AND DEVELOPMENT

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Resources can be used again and again after processing.
2. On the basis of occurrence, resources are classified into two categories: natural and
man-made.
3. With advancement of technology, availability of capital and skilled labour are
necessary for resource utilization.
4. Developed countries are economically self-sufficient and technologically advanced.
5. The potential resources need a detailed survey for estimating their quantity and quality.

C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements:
1. Any material which is used to satisfy human needs – Resource
2. Resources which cannot be renewed- non-renewable.
3. Resources which are created by human being - man made
4. The resources which are surveyed and developed - Actual
D. Answer the following questions in brief:
1. ‘Utility and value of resource vary from time to time and place to place. ‘Give any
three examples to support the statement.
Ans. Utility and value of resource varies from time to time and place to place.
• Earlier human civilizations flourished along the river valleys as they used water for
irrigating fields.
• Now, human beings are using water for generating energy, irrigation, navigation, and
industries.
• China and United States of America ae generating more wind energy than India.

2. Why are human being consider the most important resources for development?
Ans. Human beings are considered as a resource because they are an asset. It is only with
the help of human skills that the other resources can be developed.

3. Differentiate between Biotic and Abiotic resources. Give examples for each.

BIOTIC RESOURCES ABIOTIC RESOURCES

• Resources, which are obtained from
biosphere and have life are known as
biotic resources.
• For E.g.: - animals, birds, fish, forests,
etc.
• All non-living resources are known as
abiotic resources.
• For E.g.: - land, water, minerals.

• They are not renewable except water

• They are renewable, but some take a which is inexhaustible.
long period of time to be renewed.
For Eg: - Forests.
• These resources are in great demand
• They provide a variety of useful for the development of various
products. industries and agriculture.
 4. Why is there a need for resources planning? Give any three reasons.
Ans. There is a need for resource planning because-
• Distribution of resources across the world is highly uneven.
• Over-utilization of resources have led to drastic depletion and degradation of
natural resources. For example, over-utilisation of soil has resulted in the depletion
of the fertility of the soil in many parts of the world.
• Most of our resources are limited, over resources of these will result in these
resources getting exhausted.

5. Mention any six factors on which the utilization of resources depend upon.
Ans. Factors on which utilisation of resources depend upon are-
1. Availability of resources
2. Skill of human beings
3. Availability of capital
4. Availability of water
5. Advancement of technology (tools, machines etc.)
6. Availability of transport and communication facilities, etc.

E. Answer the following questions:

1. “Human needs and wants are neither uniform in all parts of the world nor static over
the years”. Explain
Ans. Human needs and wants are neither uniform in all parts of the world nor static over
the years:
• They generally grow and become complex with the process of change in the Society.
• In ancient times, emphasis was mainly given on satisfying the basic needs, such
as food, clothing, shelter which was derived from the natural environment.
•Even today the pygmies of Africa eat edible plants, roots, flowers, fruits
and huntanimals.

2. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources:

Renewable resources Non-renewable resources

(i) Resources which can be renewed (i) Resources which take a longer period
either naturally or by human efforts are to be renewed are called non-renewable
called renewable resources. resources.

(ii) Renewable resources are also (ii) Non-renewable resources are also
called in-exhaustible resources. called exhaustible resources.

(iii) The quality of these resources (iii) These resources are limited on
can be affected by improper usage the earth’s surface and their complete
utilization would result in their
exhaustion.
 3. What is meant by sustainable development? Why is sustainable development
the need of the hour?
Ans. Sustainable development means development that takes place without damaging
the environment. It meets the needs of the presents without compromising the
needs of the future generations.
Sustainable development is the need of the hour because:
• Most of our resources are limited in supply.
• Overuse of many valuable resources has led to their degradation or deterioration in
quality for example, soil, land, and water resources.
• It is necessary to maintain ecological balance.

4. Describe the various basis of classification of resources with the help of

examples. (For answer Refer to the PPT)