Natural Resources: Renewable and Non-Renewable (Conservation and Management) Questions

Question 1

Define natural resources.

Accepted Answer

Natural resources are materials and services provided by nature used by humans for survival and development.

Question 2

Give two examples of renewable resources.

Accepted Answer

Solar energy and wind energy are renewable resources.

Question 3

Give two examples of non-renewable resources.

Accepted Answer

Coal and petroleum are non-renewable resources.

Question 4

What is rainwater harvesting?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater harvesting is collecting and storing rainwater for future use and groundwater recharge.

Question 5

Define afforestation.

Accepted Answer

Afforestation is planting trees on non-forest land to increase forest cover.

Question 6

State one soil conservation method.

Accepted Answer

Contour ploughing is a soil conservation method.

Question 7

Differentiate renewable and non-renewable resources (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Renewables can replenish naturally in short time; non-renewables take long and are limited. Renewables include solar/wind; non-renewables include coal/petroleum. Overuse can still make renewables scarce; non-renewables get depleted permanently.

Question 8

Write any three causes of deforestation.

Accepted Answer

Agricultural expansion, urbanisation, mining, logging and infrastructure development are causes of deforestation (any three).

Question 9

List any three water conservation methods.

Accepted Answer

Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, drip irrigation, reuse/recycling and preventing pollution are water conservation methods (any three).

Question 10

Write any three impacts of mining on environment.

Accepted Answer

Mining causes land degradation, deforestation, air and water pollution, and health hazards for workers (any three).

Question 11

Write any three non-conventional energy sources.

Accepted Answer

Solar energy, wind energy, biogas, geothermal and tidal energy are non-conventional sources (any three).

Question 12

Write any three individual actions for resource conservation.

Accepted Answer

Save electricity/water, practise 3Rs, avoid waste, use public transport and plant trees are individual actions (any three).

Question 13

Explain natural resources and classify them with examples.

Accepted Answer

Natural resources are materials and services provided by nature that support human life and development.

Classification:
1) Renewable resources: replenish naturally within short time if used sustainably. Examples: sunlight, wind, water cycle, forests (when managed).
2) Non-renewable resources: limited and take very long to form. Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas, many minerals.

Importance:
- provide raw materials for industries
- support agriculture and food production
- provide energy for transport and production
- maintain ecological balance

Because resources are limited or can become scarce due to overuse, conservation and proper management are necessary.

Question 14

Explain issues of water resources and conservation measures.

Accepted Answer

Water resources face problems like scarcity, pollution and overuse of groundwater.

Major issues:
- falling water table due to excess pumping
- pollution from sewage, industrial waste and chemicals
- unequal distribution and drought
- wastage in agriculture (flood irrigation)

Conservation measures:
- rainwater harvesting and rooftop collection
- watershed management
- efficient irrigation (drip/sprinkler)
- reuse and recycling of water
- treatment of sewage and industrial effluents

Proper water conservation ensures availability for present and future generations.

Question 15

Explain energy resources and importance of non-conventional energy.

Accepted Answer

Energy resources are broadly conventional and non-conventional.

Conventional sources:
- coal, petroleum, natural gas and large hydropower
Problems: air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, limited availability.

Non-conventional (renewable) sources:
- solar, wind, biogas, small hydropower, geothermal (where available)
Benefits: cleaner, sustainable, reduces fossil fuel dependence.

Energy conservation and shift to renewables are important to reduce pollution and climate change and to ensure energy security.

Natural Resources: Renewable and Non-Renewable (Conservation and Management)

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