Worksheet – 2

Class: VIII
Subject: Geography Year: 2022-23 Topic: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation
and Wild Life
NAME: ___________________________________ Date: __________________

Q1. What are the possible reasons behind the uneven distribution of population around the
world? State the areas which are sparsely or densely populated.
A: There are two reasons behind uneven population distribution-
1. Physical Factors: Relief of the land, soil, climate, slope of the land, etc.
2. Human Factors: Population density, needs and aspirations of the people, development of
technology, etc.
a. sparsely populated or uninhabited areas - steep slopes of the mountains, low-lying areas
susceptible to water logging, desert areas and thick forested
b. densely populated areas - plains and river valleys

Q2. Why plains are densely populated areas?

A: The plains have even land and highly fertile soil. Hence, it can support a huge population. Eg.
Ganga-Brahmaputra plain
.
Q3. Why land is considered an important resource?
A: Land is an important resource because it provides surface for agriculture, living, forestry,
industries, construction, etc. Most activities take place on land.

Q4. What do you mean by land-use? On what factors the use of land depends? Give the
common forms of land use. Why the planning for land-use is essential? / “Today the vast
changes in the land use pattern also reflect the cultural changes in our society.” Justify.
A: Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses,
roads and setting up of industries. This is commonly termed as Land use.
The land-use pattern depends on the changing needs of ours from time to time. There are major two
factors that determine their use:
1. Physical Factors -
a. Soil
b. Climate
c. Minerals
d. Availability of water
2. Human Factors
a. population
b. technology
c. level of urbanization
d. industrialization
The common land use forms are: (i) Cropland, (ii) Pasture, (iii) Forests (iv) Other uses
Land use planning is essential for optimum utilization of land because land is a limited resource
and growing population has created demand for land for agriculture, housing, roads, etc.

Q5. How is land being degraded? Suggest methods to conserve land resource. What impact
could be there on the environment if land is not utilized properly?
A: Reasons for land degradation are:
 (a) Ever growing demand of the growing population
(b) Deforestation
(c) Running water
(d) Soil Erosion
(e) Wind erosion
(f) Overgrazing
The rate of degradation of land resources can be checked by
1. promoting afforestation,
2. land reclamation,
3. regulated use of chemical pesticide and fertilizers,
4. checking overgrazing.
If the land is not utilized properly then Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification
are the major threats to the environment.

Q6. Define soil.

A: The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth is called soil. It is made up
of organic matter, minerals and weathered rocks found on the earth.

Q7. What is weathering?

A: Weathering is the major process involved in the formation of soil. It is a process of breaking
up and decay of exposed rocks. This breaking up and decay is caused by temperature fluctuations
between too high and too low, frost action, plants, animals and even human activity. It takes
millions of years to form soil by this process.

Q8. What is required to make soil fertile?

A: The right mix of minerals and organic matter is needed to make soil fertile.

Q9. What are the factors responsible for the formation of soil?
A: Factors affecting soil formation are:
(i) nature of the parent rock - Determines colour, texture, chemical properties, mineral content,
water seepage
(ii) topography (relief) - Altitude and slope determine accumulation of soil
(iii) climate - Temperature – Its fluctuations between hot and cold form cracks in the rocks
Rainfall - breaks the rocks by applying pressure.
(iv) flora, fauna and micro organisms - Affect the rate of humus formation
(vi) time - Determines thickness of soil profile
State the impact of climatic factors on the formation of soil.

Q10. What are the factors threatening soil as a resource?

A: Two factors that threaten soil as a resource are soil erosion and soil depletion. They are caused
due to -
1. Natural Factors - rain wash, wind, landslides, uneven rainfall and floods
2. Human Factors - deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of chemical feritilisers or pesticides,
overexploitation of land due to industrialization.
Q11. Describe methods of soil conservation.
A: Some common methods of soil conservation are mentioned below:
 1. Mulching: Mulching is the process of covering the bare ground between plants with a layer
of organic matter like straw. It contributes in retaining soil moisture.
2. Terrace Farming: Terrace farming is the method of farming in which broad flat steps or
terraces are made on the steep slopes so that flat surfaces are available to grow crops. They
reduce run-off and soil erosion.
3. Intercropping: In intercropping, different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at
different times to protect the soil from being washed away by rain.
4. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural
barrier for water to flow down a slope is called contour ploughing.
5. Shelter Belts: Rows of trees that are planted in certain areas to check wind movement are
called shelter belts.
6. Contour Barriers: Stones, grass and soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches
are made in front of the barriers to collect water.
7. Rock Dams: This prevents gullies and further soil loss since rocks are piled up to slow
down the flow of water.

Q12. What method of soil conservation may be used in coastal and dry regions?
A: Shelter belts are used to protect the soil in coastal and dry regions.

Q13. How is water an important resource? / What are the different uses of water ? / “Water
is an indispensible source of life.” Justify.
A: Water is an indispensable resource of life for the following reasons.
1. Firstly water serves the most basic purpose of drinking, without which life is impossible.
2. It is helpful in cleaning our bodies, clothes and utensils.
3. Farmers depend on water for irrigation.
4. Water is also used in cooking food.
5. Water is a source of electricity as well.
6. Plants require water for their growth.
7. Water is required for various industrial purposes in factories.

Q14. Write a note on the distribution of water on planet earth.

A: The earth’s surface has about three- fourths water, so it is called “water planet”.
 The oceans cover two-thirds of the earth’s surface but the water is saline and not fit for
human consumption.
 There is only 2.7 per cent of fresh water and nearly 70 per cent of this occurs as ice sheets
and glaciers.
 Only1 per cent of freshwater is available and fit for human use. It is found as ground water,
as surface water in rivers and lakes and as water vapour in the atmosphere.
In what forms is fresh water found on the earth?

Q15. Why water is called a renewable resource?

A: The Water is called a renewable resource because it gets renewed through the process of the
hydrological cycle called “water cycle”.

Q16. What is water pollution? How water gets polluted? How it can be controlled?
 Contamination of water in water bodies and making it unfit for the use is known as water
pollution.
  It can be caused due to discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage, agricultural chemicals
like pesticides and insecticides and industrial effluents in water bodies.
 Most of these chemicals being non-biodegradable reach human bodies through water.
 Water pollution can be controlled by treating these effluents before releasing them in water
bodies.

Q17. Suggest some ways to conserve water.

Ans. Water can be conserved in following ways :
(a) Rainwater harvesting: It is a method of collecting water while it rains so that it may come
of use in the future. Eg. Construction of dams, digging tanks, etc.
(b) The canals used for irrigation should be properly built so that loss of water does not take place
while the water is transported to the field.
(c) Using sprinklers for irrigation.
(d) In dry regions, drip or trickle irrigation is suggested.
(e) Afforestation -Forest and other vegetation cover slow the surface runoff and replenish
underground water.

Q18. Define : Biosphere and Ecosystem.

Biosphere : The narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere
where vegetation and wild life exist is called biosphere.

Ecosystem : All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent and interrelated to each other
in their physical environment forming an ecosystem.

Q19. Write a short note on wildlife.

 The animal kingdom, which consists of animals, birds, aquatic creatures and insects, is called
wildlife.
 These creatures provide us various important products such as milk, meat, hides and wool.
 Bees give us honey and help in pollination.
 They play the role of decomposers in the environment.
 Birds like the vulture are scavengers and they help in cleansing the environment.
 All forms of wildlife are an integral part of our ecosystem.

Q20. What are the major types of vegetation in the world? Describe vegetation in different
rainfall conditions.
 The major types of vegetation in the world are grouped as forests, grasslands, scrubs and tundra.
 These are classified on the basis of amount of rainfall, humidity soil and temperature.
 In areas of heavy rain, forests with huge trees are there.
 In moderate rainfall areas, stunted trees and grasslands are found.
 In dry areas we find thorny shrubs and scrubs. Plants here have deep roots and leaves have
thorny and waxy surface to reduce loss of moisture.
 The tundra vegetation consists of mosses and lichens.

Q21. How is a bird like vulture important for the ecosystem? Why the population of vulture
in the Indian subcontinent is on decline?
A: A vulture feeds on dead livestock and so it cleanses the environment. Its population in the
Indian subcontinent is on decline as they are dying of kidney failure shortly after scavenging
livestock treated with painkillers.

Q22. What is the Vanamahotsava?

A: The social programme of planting trees, organised at community level is called vanamahotsava.
 It is celebrated in the month of July.

Q23. “Changes of climate and human interferences can cause the loss of natural habitats for
the plants and animals.” Elaborate. / What are the reasons for the depletion of forests?
Ans. Changes in climate human interferences have truly reduced the natural habitats for the plants
and animals.
 Human Factors - Deforestation, increase in population, conversion of forests into agricultural
land, overgrazing, constructional activities and poaching of animals
 Climatic factors - Soil erosion, flood, forest fires, tsunami and landslides

Q24. What do you mean by poaching?

Ans. The killing of animals for collection and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns
as well as feathers is known as poaching.

Q25. What steps have been undertaken for the conservation of natural vegetation and wild
life?
Ans. The following steps have been taken to conserve forest and wildlife:
(i) National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bioreserves have been set up.
(ii) National Forest Policy has been implemented.
(iii) Efforts are being made to control deforestation and overgrazing.
(iv) Hunting of endangered species has been banned.
(v) Awareness programmes like social forestry and Vanamohatasava are encouraged.
(vi) New generation is encouraged for bird watching and visiting nature camps to realise the value
of forests and wildlife.

Q26. Explain CITES.

 The CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora) is an international agreement between governments.
 It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not
threaten their survival.
 Roughly 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected.
 Eg. Bears, dolphins, cacti, corals, orchid, etc.

Q27. Define : National Park and Biosphere Reserves.

National Park : A natural area designated to protect the ecological integrity of one or more
ecosystems for present and future generations is called a national park.
eg. Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, etc.

Biosphere Reserve : Series of protected areas linked through a global network meant to show the
relationship between conservation and development is called a Biosphere Reserve.
Eg. Nandadevi Biosphere Reserve, Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, Sunderbans, etc.

Q28. Differentiate between

A. Terrace Cultivation Contour Ploughing
1. Done by creating steps on steep slopes. Ploughing is done parallel to the contours
of a hill slope.
2. Steps (terraces) hold water on narrow flat Ploughing forms natural barrier to slow
strips. the flow of water down the slope.

B. Evergreen Forest Deciduous Forest

1. These forests do not shed their leaves Forests shed their leaves in a particular
simultaneously in any season of the year. season to conserve loss of moisture
through transpiration.
2. Trees of varied heights are found. Trees or plants of similar heights are
found.
3. Found in areas of heavy rainfall. Found in areas of moderate rainfall.

Q29. How Terrace Farming and Contour Ploughing are similar to each other?
Ans. There are various similarities between Terrace Cultivation and Contour Ploughing -
 Both methods facilitate the cultivation on sloping terrain.
 Both methods help to retain water in the fields.
 Both methods prevent soil erosion.

MCQs
1.Large scale destruction of forests cover and arable land has occured due to the following:
(a) Growing population
(b) Ever growing demand of the population
c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
2.Some important techniques to cope with Land slide are given below. Pick out the one that is not
applicable.
(a) Construction of retention wall to stop land from slipping.
(b) Implementation of the surface drainage control
(c) Decrease in vegetation cover
(d) Hazard mapping locate areas prone to landslides
Answer: (c) Decrease in vegetation cover
3. A few reasons as to why there is uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world
are given below. Pick out the most appropriate reason.
(a) Due to varied characteristics of land and climate
(b) Due to the fact that earth is the only heavenly body in the universe
(c) Due to the fact that water covers only about 70% of the total area
(d) Due to the fact that land covers only about 30% of the total area
(a) Due to varied characteristics of land and climate

4. Which one of the following statements is true with respect to lands

(a) People and their demands are growing because the availability of land is not limited.
(b) Community lands are owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder,
fruits or medicinal herbs
(c) Proper planning of land use with reference to the nature of land and the needs of the
community would provide minimum returns.
(d) Community land belongs to an individual and hence he/she is free to cultivate in that land.

(b) Community lands are owned by the community for common uses like collection of
fodder, fruits or medicinal herbs

5. A few physical factors that determine the use of land are given below. Pick out the one that is
not a physical factor
(a) Availability of capital
(b) Minerals and Availability of Water
(c) Topography and Soil
(d) Climate
(a) Availability of capital
6. Australia uses its largest portion of its area for
(a) pastures
b) crop land
(c) forest
(d) other uses
Answer: (a) pastures
7.Name the term that can be given to Land that is suitable for crop production.
(a) Untilled Land
(b) Pasture Land
(c) Forest Land
(d) Arable Land
Answer: (d) Arable Land
8.) Assertion (A)- in different parts of the world there is uneven distribution of population.
Reason (R)-There is varied characteristics of land, water and climate.

i.) A is correct but R is wrong

ii.) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
iii.) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
iv.) A is wrong but R is correct
Answer :- i. A is correct but R is wrong
9.) Assertion (A)- Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification are the major threats to the
environment
Reason (R)- People started encroaching the common lands to build up commercial areas, housing complexes
in the urban areas and to expand the agricultural land in the rural areas.
i.) A is correct but R is wrong
ii.) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
iii.) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
iv.) A is wrong but R is correct
Answer :- iii. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

10.) Assertion (A)- large scale destruction of forest cover and arable land and has created a fear of losing
this natural resource.
Reason (R)-Growing population and their ever growing demand
i.) A is correct but R is wrong
ii.) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
iii.) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
iv.) Only A is wrong
Answer :- ii. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Case based Questions
1. India is a vast country with varied landforms. What kind of terrain do you live in? If you live in the plains, you are familiar with the vast
stretches of plain land. In contrast, if you live in a hilly region, the rugged terrain with mountains and valleys are
common features. In fact, our country has practically all major physical features of the earth, i.e., mountains, plains,
deserts, plateaus, and islands. Therefore, the land of India displays great physical variation. Moreover, the
Peninsular Plateau constitutes one of the ancient landmasses on the earth’s surface. Whereas, the Himalayas and the
Northern Plains are the most recent landforms.
The whole mountain system of the Himalayas represents a very youthful topography with high peaks, deep valleys,
and fast-flowing rivers. Therefore, the northern plains are made of alluvial deposits. However, the peninsular
plateau is made of igneous and metamorphic rocks (Courtesy – NCERT textbook)
Read the paragraph carefully and answer the following questions:
I) Name the most stable and the most unstable zone of India. 1.
Ans. The Peninsular plateau is the most stable zone of India.
The Himalayan mountains is the most unstable zone of India.
II) How can you say that the Himalayas represents a very youthful topography? 1.
Ans. The Himalayas have high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers. Thus, it proves that the Himalayas
represents a very youthful topography.