Answer The Following Question.
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Ans :
The two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation are temperature and rainfall. Rainfall influences the rate of weathering and the formation of humus, while temperature affects the rate of chemical and biological processes in the soil.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Ans :
Overuse of chemical fertilizers – The excessive use of fertilizers has degraded soil health and caused nutrient imbalance, leading to a decline in soil fertility.
Deforestation – The large-scale cutting down of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes has led to soil erosion and loss of fertile land.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Ans :
Land is considered an important resource because it serves multiple purposes, including agriculture, forestry, mining, construction of homes and roads, and the establishment of industries, which are essential for the economy and human development.
(iv) Name any two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Ans :
National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves – These protected areas have been created to preserve natural vegetation and wildlife.
Awareness programs – Initiatives like social forestry, tree plantation drives such as ‘Vanamahotsava’ help in conserving forests and increasing green cover.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Ans :
Increasing forest cover – Forests help slow down surface runoff, allowing more water to infiltrate into the ground.
Rainwater harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater helps replenish underground water reserves.
Reducing water loss in irrigation – Shifting to more water-efficient methods of irrigation, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, can minimize water wastage in agriculture.
3.Match the following.
4. State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, give the reasons.
(i). Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
True : The Ganga–Brahmaputra plain is one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in India, which supports a high population density. The river valleys and plains offer suitable land for farming, which contributes to the dense population in this region.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
True : The availability of water per person in India is declining due to factors like population growth, urbanization, and the increasing demand for food and cash crops. Over-extraction of groundwater, drying up of water sources, and pollution also contribute to water scarcity.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement are called intercropping.
False : The rows of trees planted in coastal areas to protect soil from wind erosion are called shelterbelts, not intercropping. Intercropping refers to growing different crops together on the same land to increase yield.
(iv). Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
False : Human interference and climate change generally disrupt the ecosystem. Activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation of resources lead to habitat loss and ecological imbalances, which harm the natural environment and biodiversity.