NCERT solutions for Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part 1 [English] Class 8 chapter 1 - Natural Resources and Their Use [Latest edition]

How do we categorise natural resources?

What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?

What are the implications of unsustainable use/overexploitation of natural resources?

In many indigenous traditions of the world, Nature is considered sacred. You have read about this. In such traditions, Nature is a nurturer and nourisher.

Do you know of practices that reflect this?

Take a pause. Look at yourself and the things around you. What is the origin of each of them? At some point they all lead to Nature; even the plastic button on your shirt.

What might be the different criteria we can use to categorise natural resources?

Traditionally, communities had a system of regulating (or refraining from) fishing during the spawning season to enable the maintenance of the fish population. However, the commercialisation of fishing resulted in over-fishing. In the case of a type of fish called tuna, for example, the rapid and extensive decline in their population led to some agreements on control of fishing. Nevertheless, this important type of fish that keeps the ocean ecosystem in balance by consuming smaller fish, shrimps, etc., is on a decline.

Do you know of other traditional practices that help the ecosystem to stay in balance?

Identify human actions in your surroundings that result in Nature losing her ability to restore and regenerate.

What types of interventions can be undertaken to restore nature's cycle?

Take up a small research study to assess the types of renewable resources in your region; you may discuss with your teacher the geographical area of your study and sources to access information that you may need. What has been the change in their status over time? Make a small report that identifies the reasons for the change and what may be done.

What are the non-renewable resources that you use daily, directly or indirectly?

What are the possible renewable substitutes?

What are some of the steps we can take to transition to renewables?

Observe the map in Fig. Notice the uneven distribution of important minerals. What types of resources are available in your region? How are they distributed?

Select any two natural resources. Gather information about their availability across different parts of India. Mark them on a map. What do you observe about their distribution? What are the types of economic activities connected with them?

Discuss the implications of extracting the natural resources in those parts for current and future generations. Suggest ways in which we can use Nature’s gifts in responsible ways.

Find out about such a conflict in the international context. Discuss your findings in the class.

What do you think are the different inputs required to enable the use of the natural resources available in different geographical areas?

What can make what is today a renewable resource nonrenewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.

Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans

What are renewable resources?

How are renewable resources different from non-renewable resources?

How can we ensure renewable resources remain available? Give two examples.

Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.

What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?