1. Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.
2. Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
The two reasons for land degradation are (i) Overgrazing (ii) Deforestation.
3. Why is land considered as an important resource?
Land is an important resource because it is used for different purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, building, houses, etc.
4. What is land?
Land is among the most important natural resources. Land covers about 29% of the total area of the earth's surface. It is made up of soil and rock.
5. What do you mean by land use?
Land use refers to the use of land for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, etc.
6. Define private land.
Private land refers to the part of land owned by an individual or group of individuals like land used for personal purposes only (house).
7. What do you mean by community land?
Community land is owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, medicinal herbs. These community lands are also called common property resources.
8. What is the difference between deforestation and afforestation?
Deforestation refers to the action of cutting down trees, whereas afforestation refers to the action of planting trees.
9. What do you mean by conservation of land resources?
Conservation of land resources refers to the use of land properly and carefully, so that we can save our land resources for future generations.
10. Define landslides.
Landslides refer to the mass movement of rock, debris or earth down a slope. They often take place in conjunction with earthquakes, floods and volcanoes.
11. Write the definition of soil.
Soil is the thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth. It is made up of organic matter, minerals and weathered rocks found on the earth.
12. What is weathering?
The breaking up and decay of exposed rocks by temperature changes, frost action, plants, animals and human activity is called weathering.
13. Explain the term soil erosion.
Soil erosion refers to the removal of top soil by running waters, winds and glacier or human action.
14. What do you mean by degradation of soil?
Removal of top soil is called soil degradation. Both human and natural factors can lead to degradation of soils. Ex: Landslides, soil erosion.
15. What is the importance of water resources?
Water is a vital renewable natural resource. Humans use large amounts of water not only for drinking and washing but also in processes of production like agriculture, industries, generating electricity, etc.
16. Explain natural vegetation.
Natural Vegetation refers to the group of plants which grow in an area without the interference of human beings.
17. What is wildlife?
Wildlife includes animals, birds, insects, aquatic life forms which live in their natural habitat.
18. Describe the various types of natural vegetation.
The various types of natural vegetation are as follows: (i) Forest (ii) Grasslands (iii) Shrubs and Tundra
19. What is ecosystem?
In the biosphere living beings are inter-related and interdependent on each other for survival. This life supporting system is known as the ecosystem.
20. What do you understand by 'rainwater harvesting'?
It is the process of collecting rainwater from roof tops and directing it to an appropriate location where it is stored for future use.
21. What is 'biosphere'?
Natural vegetation and wildlife exists only in the narrow zone of contact between lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere that is called 'biosphere'.
22. Which regions in the world face water scarcity?
Most of Africa, West Asia, South Asia, parts of Western USA, North-west Mexico, parts of South America and entire Australia are facing shortage in fresh water supply.
23. What is a 'National Park' ?
A natural area designated to protect both flora and fauna for the present and future generation is called a National Park.
24. What does 'biosphere reserve' mean?
Series of protected areas linked through a global network, intended to demonstrate the relationship between conservation and development is called biosphere reserve.