NCERT Solutions for class-10 Science chapter-16 Natural Resources
1. What changes can
you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?
Solution :
(a) Plant one tree on
every birthday.
(b) Stop using
polythene bags.
(c) Switch off
unnecessary lights and fans.
(d) Take bus instead
of personal vehicles.
(e) Use CFL in place
of bulbs.
2. What would be the
advantage of exploiting resources with short-term aims?
Solution :
(a) It can meet the
immediate needs of the masses.
(b) We shall be able
to get industrial growth.
3. How would these
advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term prospective in
managing our resources?
Solution : Exploitation of resources with short-term
aims are beneficial for present day generation while managing with long-term
perspective are on a sustainable basis and are aimed to fulfill the needs of
future generations as well.
4. Why do you think
there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be
working against an equitable distribution of our resources?
Solution : Natural resources are given to us given
nature. All the individuals have equal right on these resources like air and
water. Industrialists and some other rich persons are who are in power wants to
grab all the resources. It is this section which is working against equitable
distribution of energy.
5. Why should we
conserve forests and wildlife?
Solution : Forests present a wide biological
diversity. They are essential for ecological diversity, to prevent floods and
to influence rainfall. Forests help in protection of soil and in retaining
sub-soil water.
6. Suggests some
approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Solution :
(a) Afforestation
(b) Check on
indiscriminate cutting of trees.
(c) Check on forest
fires
(d) Check on
overgrazing.
7. Find out about the
traditional systems of water harvesting / management in your region.
Solution : The traditional system of water
conservation differs from region to region for example.
(a) Khadin, tanks and
nadis in Rajasthan
(b) Bandharas and tals
in Maharashtra
(c) Ahars and pyenes
in Bihar
(d) kattas in
Karnataka
8. Compare the above
system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or
plateau regions.
Solution : In hilly / mountainous areas mostly in
Himachal Pradesh, kulhs are used to take water to several villages down the
hillside. In largely level terrain, water harvesting structures are mainly
crescent shaped earthen embankments or low straight concrete and rubble check
dams built across seasonally flooded gullies. They are different from pits and
ponds as they store running water.
9. Find out the source
of water in your region/locality. Is water from this source available to all
people living in that area?
Solution : In Delhi, the source of water in Yamuna.
Water from this source is available mostly to all people in Delhi.
10. What changes would
you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?
Solution : Changes that can be undertaken in our
homes to be environment-friendly are listed below :
(i)Switch off the electrical appliances when not in use.
(ii)Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair the leaking taps.
(iii)Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
(iv)Construct composting pits.
(v)Food items such as jam, pickles, etc., come packed in plastic bottles. These
bottles can later be used for storing things in the kitchen.
11. Can you suggest
some changes in your school which would make it environment friendly?
Solution : Some approaches towards the conservation
of forests are as follows :
(a) People should show their participation in saving the forest by protesting
against the cutting of trees. For example, Chipko Andolan
(b) Planting of trees should be increased. Rate of afforestation must be more
than that of deforestation.
(c) Some people cut precious trees such as Chandan to earn money. Government
should take legal steps to catch these wood smugglers.
(d) Habitants of forests must not be bothered by the forest officials.
Otherwise, this would result in the clash between tribal people and the
government officials, thereby enhancing the naxal activities in forests.
12. We saw in this
chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and
wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management
of forest produces? Why do you think so?
Solution : The local people who live in or around
the forest area should have the authority to decide the management of forest
produces. These people know various practices to use the resources in
sustainable manner. These people have been using the forest and wild life
resources since ancient times without harming or causing any damage to the
environment.
13. How can you as an
individual contribute or make a difference to the management of
(a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal and petroleum?
Solution :
As an individual
(a) (i) I will not
allow cutting of trees.
(ii) I shall plant one
tree every year and watch it growing.
(b) (i) I shall use
water judiciously.
(ii) I shall
immediately repair leaky taps
(c) (i) I shall pool
the car for going to office.
(ii) Every Sunday will
be no car Sunday.
14. What can you as an
individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?
Solution : The following measures can be taken :
(a) Save electricity
by switching off unnecessary lights and fan.
(b) Walk or cycle
whenever possible.
(c) Use CFL instead of
bulbs
(d) Do not wastes food
(e) Repair leaky taps
at the earliest instant.
15. List five things
you have done over the last one week to-
(a) Conserve our
natural resources.
(b) Increase the
pressure on our natural resources.
Solution :
(i) not wasted
electricity.
(ii) Planted a tree
(iii) Used cloth bag
for shopping.
(iv) Not used my car
and used public transport.
(b) (i) I forgot to
switch off room light and television set when I was away for two days.
(ii) Water kept
running when I brushed the teeth and when shaved my beard.
(iii) Household
garbage was thrown on the roadside.
(iv) I mixed
biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.
16. On the basis of
the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate in your
lifestyle in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources?
Solution : One should incorporate the following
changes in life-style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources :
(i) Stop cutting trees and practice plantation of trees.
(ii) Stop using plastic and polythene bags for carrying goods.
(iii) Use recycled paper.
(iv) Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
(v) Waste minimum amount of water while using and repair leaking taps.
(vi) Practice rainwater harvesting.
(vi) Avoid using vehicles for short distances. Instead, one can walk or cycle
to cover short distances. To cover long distances, one should take a bus
instead of using personal vehicles.
(vii) Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
(viii) Use fluorescent tubes in place of bulbs to save electricity.
(ix) Take stairs and avoid using lifts.
(x) During winters, wear an extra sweater to avoid using heaters.
Either way the teacher or student will get the solution to the problem within 24 hours.