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NCERT Class 10 Social Science Resources and Development: Exercise Solutions

Point-by-point answers for every question of End-of-chapter exercises in NCERT's Class 10 Social Science book, chapter “Resources and Development”, written by Shishya. Each question is in our own short words; open the NCERT chapter for the exact wording and figures.

1. Exercises Q1(i)

   MCQ: the main cause of land degradation in Punjab? (a) intensive cultivation (b) deforestation (c) over irrigation (d) overgrazing

   1. Over irrigation is identified as the main cause of land degradation in Punjab.
   2. This practice causes water logging in the soil.
   3. Water logging leads to an increase in salinity and alkalinity.

   Answer: (c) over irrigation

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2. Exercises Q1(ii)

   MCQ: in which state is terrace cultivation practised? (a) Punjab (b) plains of Uttar Pradesh (c) Haryana (d) Uttarakhand

   1. Terrace cultivation is a farming method used on slopes to prevent soil erosion.
   2. Terrace farming is well developed on the slopes of the western and central Himalayas, the hilly region where Uttarakhand lies.
   3. Punjab, Haryana and the plains of Uttar Pradesh are flat plains, where terraces are not needed.

   Answer: (d) Uttarakhand

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3. Exercises Q1(iii)

   MCQ: in which state is black soil mainly found? (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Maharashtra (c) Rajasthan (d) Jharkhand

   1. Black soil is described as typical of the Deccan trap region.
   2. The text states this soil covers the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
   3. Among the given options, Maharashtra is the state where this soil is predominantly found.

   Answer: (b) Maharashtra

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4. Exercises Q2(i)

   In about 30 words: name three states with black soil and the main crop grown on it.

   1. Black soil covers the plateaus of Maharashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and extends along the Godavari and Krishna valleys.
   2. It is formed from lava (basalt) rock of the Deccan trap region together with the climate.
   3. It is ideal for growing cotton, which is why it is also called black cotton soil.

   Answer: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have black soil; the main crop grown on it is cotton.

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5. Exercises Q2(ii)

   In about 30 words: which soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three of its main features.

   1. Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast.
   2. It contains adequate potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.
   3. These nutrients make it ideal for growing sugarcane, paddy, and wheat.

   Answer: Alluvial soil is found in eastern river deltas; it is fertile, rich in potash and phosphoric acid, and supports crops like paddy and sugarcane.

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6. Exercises Q2(iii)

   In about 30 words: what can be done to control soil erosion in hilly areas?

   1. Terrace cultivation restricts soil erosion by creating steps on slopes.
   2. Contour ploughing slows water flow down the slopes.
   3. Strip cropping and shelter belts break wind force and stabilize soil.

   Answer: Terrace cultivation, contour ploughing, strip cropping, and shelter belts control soil erosion in hilly areas.

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7. Exercises Q3(i)

   In about 120 words: explain the land use pattern in India, and why the land under forest has not grown much since 1960-61.

   1. How land is used depends on physical factors such as relief, climate and soil, and on human factors such as population density, technology, culture and traditions.
   2. India's total area is 3.28 million sq km, but land use data are available for only about 93 per cent of it.
   3. Net sown area differs widely between states: over 80 per cent of the area in Punjab and Haryana, but under 10 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
   4. Land under permanent pasture has fallen, and part of the land is wasteland or is used for settlements, roads, railways and industry.
   5. Forest area is far below the 33 per cent of the geographical area that the National Forest Policy (1952) said is needed for ecological balance.
   6. Forest land has grown only marginally since 1960-61 because land keeps being needed for farming, settlements, roads and industry, and land used for a long time without conservation has become degraded.

   Answer: Land use in India is uneven from state to state, and forest cover has stayed far below the 33 per cent target since 1960-61 because land is needed for farming and non-farm uses and much of it is degraded.

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8. Exercises Q3(ii)

   In about 120 words: how have technical and economic development led to more use of resources?

   1. Technical progress allows societies to extract and use resources more efficiently than before.
   2. Economic growth increases the demand for goods and services, which requires more raw materials.
   3. Colonial history shows that superior technology helped invaders exploit resources in other regions.
   4. Development is not just about having resources but also having the right technology and skills.
   5. India has used planning and technology to develop resources since independence.
   6. Without matching technological and institutional changes, resource availability alone does not ensure development.

   Answer: Technical and economic development increase resource use by improving extraction methods and raising demand for goods, as seen in historical exploitation and modern planning efforts.

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