Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Question Answer | Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources | English Medium

Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Question Answer | Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources | English Medium | ASSEB

Geography Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Welcome to HSLC Guru! This English-medium study guide for ASSEB Class 8 Social Science (Geography) Chapter 2 — Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources — gives you a clear summary, complete textbook question and answer solutions, additional MCQs, fill in the blanks, true or false statements, and a glossary table. Use these notes for quick revision, examination preparation, and a deeper understanding of how these natural resources sustain life on the Earth.

Chapter Summary

Land is one of the most important natural resources. It covers about 30 per cent of the Earth’s surface, but only a small part is suitable for human use. Land is used for many purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads, railways, and industries. Land may be owned privately by individuals or by the community as common property. The pattern in which land is used in different ways is called the land use pattern, and it is influenced by physical factors like topography, soil, climate, availability of minerals and water, as well as human factors like population, technology, and culture. Uneven distribution of population and uncontrolled human activities have led to land degradation through deforestation, overgrazing, mining, faulty irrigation and the use of chemical fertilisers. Conservation measures include afforestation, regulated grazing, planting of shelter belts, and proper management of waste land.

Soil is the thin layer of loose material that covers the surface of the land. It is formed by the weathering of rocks and the addition of humus over a very long period of time. The factors that control soil formation are the parent rock, climate, relief, vegetation, time and micro-organisms. India has a great variety of soils — alluvial soil found in the northern plains and river deltas, very fertile and good for crops like wheat, rice and sugarcane; black soil (regur) found in the Deccan plateau, ideal for cotton; red soil formed from crystalline rocks in the southern and eastern parts; laterite soil found in regions of heavy rainfall; arid (desert) soil of Rajasthan; and mountain or forest soil in hilly regions. The removal of the top fertile layer by wind or water is called soil erosion. It can be prevented by afforestation, terrace farming, contour ploughing, mulching, building check dams and shelter belts.

Water is essential for all forms of life. Although about three-fourth of the Earth is covered with water, only a very small portion is available as fresh water in rivers, lakes, ponds and ground water. Rapid growth of population, industries, irrigation and pollution have caused widespread water scarcity. Conservation methods include rainwater harvesting, watershed management, recycling and reuse of water, and the construction of dams and reservoirs. Public awareness about not wasting water is equally important.

Natural vegetation means the plant cover that grows by itself without human help. India has a rich variety — tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous (monsoon) forests, thorny bushes and scrubs, mountain forests, mangroves and tidal forests. Forests provide timber, fuel, fodder, medicines, gum, lac and shelter to wildlife. Wildlife includes all the animals, birds, insects and aquatic creatures. To protect natural vegetation and wildlife, the government has set up national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. International efforts include CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which controls the trade of endangered plants and animals. Conservation is necessary because plants and animals maintain ecological balance, support food chains, regulate climate, and have cultural and economic value.

Textbook Questions and Answers

A. Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

Q1. What is land use?

Answer: The use of land for various purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, construction of houses, roads and industries is called land use.

Q2. Name two types of land ownership.

Answer: Private land and community land.

Q3. What is humus?

Answer: Humus is the dark organic material formed in the soil by the decomposition of dead plants and animals.

Q4. Which is the most fertile soil of India?

Answer: Alluvial soil is the most fertile soil of India.

Q5. Name the soil best suited for cotton cultivation.

Answer: Black soil (regur soil) is best suited for cotton cultivation.

Q6. What is rainwater harvesting?

Answer: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use, especially for irrigation, drinking and recharging ground water.

Q7. What does CITES stand for?

Answer: CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Q8. Name any two national parks of India.

Answer: Kaziranga National Park (Assam) and Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand).

Q9. What is a biosphere reserve?

Answer: A biosphere reserve is a large protected area meant for the conservation of plants, animals and the way of life of the local people.

Q10. What is soil erosion?

Answer: Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of the soil by agents like wind, water and human activities.

B. Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

Q1. Mention any three factors that affect land use.

Answer: Three factors that affect land use are:

Topography: Plain land is used for agriculture while hilly areas are used for forestry.
Climate and soil: Fertile soil and good rainfall encourage cultivation.
Population and technology: Densely populated areas have more built-up land and better technology improves productivity.

Q2. What is land degradation? Mention any two causes.

Answer: Land degradation is the decline in the quality and productivity of land due to natural and human causes. Two main causes are deforestation and overgrazing. Other causes include mining, faulty irrigation and excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Q3. Distinguish between alluvial soil and black soil.

Answer:

Alluvial Soil	Black Soil
Formed by deposition of silt by rivers.	Formed from weathering of volcanic rocks.
Found in northern plains and river deltas.	Found in the Deccan plateau region.
Suitable for wheat, rice, sugarcane and pulses.	Suitable for cotton, hence called “black cotton soil”.

Q4. Why is fresh water becoming scarce?

Answer: Fresh water is becoming scarce because of rapid growth of population, expansion of agriculture and industries, wastage in households, pollution of rivers and ponds, and uneven distribution of rainfall. Excessive pumping of ground water has also lowered the water table.

Q5. Mention any three methods of soil conservation.

Answer: Three important methods of soil conservation are:

Afforestation: Planting of trees to bind the soil and reduce run-off.
Terrace farming: Cutting steps on hill slopes to slow down the flow of water.
Contour ploughing: Ploughing across the slope to reduce soil erosion.

Q6. Why is conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife important?

Answer: Conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife is important because they maintain the ecological balance, regulate the climate, prevent soil erosion, control floods, give us food, medicines and raw materials, and support the food chain. Many species are on the verge of extinction and need protection for the future generations.

C. Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)

Q1. Describe the major types of soils found in India.

Answer: India has a wide variety of soils due to its different climatic and physical conditions. The major types are:

Alluvial soil: Found in the northern plains and river deltas. It is the most fertile soil and good for wheat, rice, sugarcane and oilseeds.
Black soil (Regur): Found in the Deccan plateau, especially Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It can hold moisture and is best for cotton.
Red soil: Found in the southern and eastern parts of India, formed from old crystalline rocks. It is suitable for millets and pulses.
Laterite soil: Found in regions of heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Kerala and the north-east. It is good for tea, coffee and cashew.
Arid (desert) soil: Found in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. It is sandy and saline, suitable for crops like bajra and barley with irrigation.
Mountain (forest) soil: Found in the Himalayas and other hilly regions. It is rich in humus and used for tea, coffee, fruits and spices.

Q2. Explain the causes of soil erosion and the methods adopted for its conservation.

Answer: Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer of the soil. Its main causes are:

Deforestation and cutting of trees on hill slopes.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Overgrazing by cattle on grasslands.
Faulty methods of cultivation such as ploughing along the slope.
Mining and unscientific construction.

Methods of soil conservation include:

Afforestation — planting trees to hold the soil firmly.
Terrace farming on hill slopes to slow down water flow.
Contour ploughing — ploughing across the slope to break the speed of water.
Mulching — covering the bare soil with crop residue or leaves to retain moisture.
Shelter belts — rows of trees planted to check wind erosion.
Construction of check dams on small streams to reduce the speed of water.

Q3. What is water scarcity? Explain the methods of water conservation.

Answer: Water scarcity means the shortage of fresh and clean water for drinking, irrigation and industries. It is caused by rapid growth of population, expansion of agriculture and industries, pollution of water bodies, wastage of water and uneven distribution of rainfall.

Methods of water conservation are:

Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater from roofs and open areas for later use and to recharge ground water.
Watershed management: Scientific management of all the land and water resources within a watershed area to reduce run-off and increase storage.
Construction of dams, reservoirs and check dams to store river water.
Recycling and reuse of waste water in factories, gardens and toilets.
Drip and sprinkler irrigation to save water in fields.
Public awareness against the wastage of water in homes and public places.

Q4. Explain the major types of natural vegetation found in India.

Answer: India has a great variety of natural vegetation due to differences in relief, climate and soil. The main types are:

Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in areas of heavy rainfall like the Western Ghats, the north-east and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The trees do not shed their leaves at the same time. Examples — rosewood, mahogany, ebony.
Tropical Deciduous (Monsoon) Forests: The most widespread forests of India. Trees shed their leaves in the dry season. Examples — teak, sal, sandalwood, neem.
Thorny Bushes and Scrubs: Found in dry areas like Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of the Deccan. Plants have long roots and thorny leaves. Examples — acacia, cactus, khejri.
Mountain Forests: Found in the Himalayas. The vegetation changes with altitude — broad-leaved trees in the foothills, conifers like pine, fir and deodar in higher zones, and alpine grasslands at the top.
Mangrove (Tidal) Forests: Found in the deltas of rivers like the Ganga, Mahanadi and Godavari. The famous Sundarbans is a mangrove forest. Sundari trees grow here.

Q5. What steps have been taken in India for the conservation of wildlife?

Answer: Many wild animals and birds have become extinct or endangered because of hunting, deforestation and pollution. The following steps have been taken in India for their conservation:

Setting up of more than 100 national parks such as Kaziranga, Manas, Jim Corbett, Gir and Ranthambore.
Establishment of more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries like Pobitora, Periyar and Bharatpur.
Creation of biosphere reserves such as Nilgiri, Nokrek, Manas and Sundarbans.
Special projects like Project Tiger, Project Elephant and the One-Horned Rhino Conservation Project.
Strict laws under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 against hunting and poaching.
Participation in international agreements like CITES to control trade in endangered species.
Public awareness through education, World Wildlife Week and afforestation programmes.

Additional Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Land covers about how much of the Earth’s surface?

(a) 20% (b) 30% (c) 50% (d) 70%

Answer: (b) 30%

Q2. Which of the following is a human factor affecting land use?

(a) Topography (b) Climate (c) Population (d) Soil

Answer: (c) Population

Q3. Which soil is also known as Regur?

(a) Alluvial (b) Red (c) Black (d) Laterite

Answer: (c) Black

Q4. Laterite soil is found in regions of —

(a) Heavy rainfall (b) Low rainfall (c) Cold climate (d) Desert

Answer: (a) Heavy rainfall

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a method of soil conservation?

(a) Afforestation (b) Terracing (c) Overgrazing (d) Contour ploughing

Answer: (c) Overgrazing

Q6. Sundarbans is famous for its —

(a) Evergreen forests (b) Mangrove forests (c) Thorny bushes (d) Coniferous forests

Answer: (b) Mangrove forests

Q7. Kaziranga National Park is famous for —

(a) Lion (b) Tiger (c) One-horned rhinoceros (d) Elephant

Answer: (c) One-horned rhinoceros

Q8. CITES is related to —

(a) Soil conservation (b) Water harvesting (c) Trade in endangered species (d) Land reform

Answer: (c) Trade in endangered species

Q9. Rainwater harvesting helps in —

(a) Pollution (b) Recharging ground water (c) Soil erosion (d) Deforestation

Answer: (b) Recharging ground water

Q10. A large protected area for plants, animals and the local way of life is called —

(a) National park (b) Sanctuary (c) Biosphere reserve (d) Zoo

Answer: (c) Biosphere reserve

Fill in the Blanks

Q1. The thin layer of loose material covering the land surface is called __________.

Answer: soil

Q2. __________ soil is best suited for the cultivation of cotton.

Answer: Black (Regur)

Q3. The Sundarbans is an example of __________ forests.

Answer: mangrove (tidal)

Q4. Collecting and storing rainwater for later use is called __________.

Answer: rainwater harvesting

Q5. __________ is the convention which controls international trade in endangered species.

Answer: CITES

True or False

Q1. Alluvial soil is found mainly in the Deccan plateau.

Answer: False. Alluvial soil is found mainly in the northern plains and river deltas.

Q2. Terrace farming helps to reduce soil erosion on hill slopes.

Answer: True.

Q3. Only a small portion of the Earth’s water is available as fresh water.

Answer: True.

Q4. A wildlife sanctuary and a national park are exactly the same thing.

Answer: False. A national park has stricter protection than a sanctuary, and human activities like grazing are not allowed inside it.

Q5. Mulching means covering the bare soil with leaves or crop residue to keep moisture.

Answer: True.

Glossary

Term	Meaning
Land use	The use of land for various purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, housing, roads and industry.
Land degradation	The decline in the quality and productivity of land due to natural and human causes.
Soil	The thin loose layer of weathered rock and humus that covers the land surface.
Humus	Dark organic material formed in the soil from decomposed plants and animals.
Alluvial soil	Fertile soil deposited by rivers in plains and deltas.
Regur soil	Black soil rich in iron and lime, ideal for cotton cultivation.
Laterite soil	Soil formed in regions of heavy rainfall and high temperature, suitable for tea, coffee and cashew.
Soil erosion	Removal of the top fertile layer of soil by wind, water or human activity.
Contour ploughing	Ploughing across the slope of a hill to reduce soil erosion.
Terrace farming	Cutting steps on hill slopes for cultivation to slow down water flow.
Mulching	Covering the bare soil with organic matter or crop residue to conserve moisture.
Shelter belt	Rows of trees planted to check the speed of strong winds.
Rainwater harvesting	Collection and storage of rainwater for later use and ground water recharge.
Watershed management	Scientific management of land and water resources within a watershed.
Natural vegetation	Plant cover that grows on its own without human help.
Evergreen forest	Forest where trees do not shed all their leaves at one time.
Deciduous forest	Forest where trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
Mangrove forest	Tidal forest found in coastal deltas, e.g., the Sundarbans.
National park	A protected area where wildlife and vegetation are strictly conserved.
Wildlife sanctuary	A protected area for animals and plants where some human activities are allowed.
Biosphere reserve	A large protected zone meant to conserve plants, animals and the way of life of local people.
CITES	Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Endangered species	Plants or animals whose number has fallen so low that they may become extinct.
Conservation	The protection, careful use and management of natural resources for present and future use.