(i) Why are resources distributed unequally over the Earth?
Answer
The distribution of resources depends upon a number of physical factors like terrain, climate and altitude. Since these factors differ so much over the Earth, the distribution of resources is unequal.
(ii) What is resource conservation?
Answer
Using resources carefully and giving them time to get renewed is called resource conservation.
(iii) Why are human resources important?
Answer
People are human resources and human resources are important because people can make the best uses of nature to create more resources by applying knowledge, skill and technology.
(iv) What is sustainable development?
Answer
Balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future is called sustainable development. In other words, carefully utilizing resources so that besides meeting the present requirements it also takes care of the need of future generations is what is known as sustainable development.
2. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Which one of the following does not make a substance a resource?
(a) Utility
(b) Value
(c) Quantity
► (c) Quantity
(ii) Which one of the following is a human-made resource?
(a) Medicines to treat cancer
(b) Spring water
(c) Tropical forests
► (a) Medicines to treat cancer
(iii) Biotic resources are
(a) Derived from living things
(b) Made by human beings
(c) Derived from non-living things
► (a) Derived from living things
3. Differentiate between the following.
(a) Potential and actual resources
(b) Ubiquitous and localised resources
Answer
Potential resource - Actual resource
A resource whose entire quantity is not known
A resource whose quantity is known
Not being used at present, but could be used in the future
Being used in the present
The present level of technology is not advanced enough to utilise it
The present level of technology is advanced enough to utilise it
Example: The uranium found in Ladakh, which could be used in the future
Example: The dark soils of the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra
Ubiquitous resource - Localised resource
A resource which is found everywhere
A resource which is found only in certain places
Example: The air we breathe
Example: Copper