CBSE Geography Class 10 Resource and Development HOTS

Q. 1. Do you think that resources are free gifts of nature as is assumed by many ? Justify your answer with any three suitable arguments. ICBSE 2012]
Ans. They are not free gifts of nature as :
(i) Resources are a function of human activities,
(ii) Human beings themselves are essential components of resources.
(iii) They transform material available in our environment into resources and use them.
For example river is a natural resource but river become a resource when its water is used for irrigation or power production.

Q. 2. What is the importance of natural resources ? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. (i) Resources are used to satisfy human wants.
(ii) Resources are base for economic development for example water, fossil fuel, solar energy is required for power production.
(iii) Resources are vital for human survival as well as maintaining the quality of life.
(iv) Land which is a natural resource support natural vegetation, wild life, human life and all economic activities.
(v) Water which is another natural resource is essential for human, plant and wild life.

Q. 3. “India has land under a variety of relief features.” Justify. [CBSE 2014]
Or
What are the main advantages of India’s land under a variety of relief features ? [CBSE 2010, 2011]
Ans. India has land under a variety of relief features, namely: mountains, plateaus, plains and islands.
(i) About 43 per cent of the land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and industry.
(ii) Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area. They ensure perennial flow of some rivers, provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects.
(iii) About 27 per cent of the land area is plateau. It possesses reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.