NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Geography Social Science Chapter 1 Resources and Development

The first chapter of Class 10 Geography, Resources and Development, introduces students to one of the most important topics in Social Science. Resources are the foundation of human life and progress. Everything we use in our daily lives, from food and water to minerals and fuel, is a resource. This chapter explains how resources are classified, why they must be used carefully, and how resource planning helps in the growth of a nation like India. The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 are designed to make these concepts simple and easy for students to understand.

The chapter starts by defining resources and classifying them in different ways. Students learn about renewable and non-renewable resources, biotic and abiotic resources, and also about resources that are individual, community-based, national, or international. This helps in understanding the variety of resources available and the importance of using them wisely.

The solutions also cover how continuous misuse of resources leads to problems like land degradation, deforestation, and soil erosion. To solve these issues, the chapter highlights the importance of sustainable development, which means using resources in such a way that they meet present needs without harming future generations.

Another important part of the lesson is resource planning in India. Since resources are not evenly spread across the country, proper planning ensures fair distribution and balanced growth. Students also study land resources, patterns of land use, and the challenges India faces due to population pressure, over-irrigation, and deforestation. The solutions explain these points with simple examples, making them easier to revise for exams.

The chapter also gives special attention to soil as a vital resource. Different types of soils such as alluvial, black, red, laterite, and arid soils are explained along with the crops they support. Students are also introduced to soil erosion and methods of soil conservation like contour ploughing, terrace farming, and afforestation. These topics are frequently asked in exams, which makes practicing with NCERT Solutions very important.

Class 10 Geography Map Work Chapter 1 Resources and Development

Six different types of soils are found in India. These are Alluvial soil, Red soil, Black soil, Laterite soil, Mountain soil and Desert soil or Arid soil. Soils in India differ in composition and structure. This map shows the major soil types in India.

Question 1. Locate and label the following items on the given map with appropriate symbols.

1. Regions covered under Alluvial soil [CBSE 2016, 10]
2. Regions covered under Laterite Soil
3. Regions covered under Black soil [CBSE 2012, 11]

Answer

Question 2. Features are marked by numbers in the given outline map of India. Identify these features with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines marked in the map.

1. A major soil type [CBSE 2012, 11,10]
2. Soil type that is formed where the rainfall is low [CBSE 2012, 10]
3. Soil type found mainly in hill slopes

Answer

• Desert or Arid soil
• Red and Yellow soil
• Forest and Mountainous soil

Chapter 1 Geography MCQs

(i) Iron ore is an example of which type of resource?

(a) Renewable
(b) Biotic
(c) Flow
(d) Non-renewable

Answer: Non-renewable

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Geography

(ii) Tidal energy cannot be grouped under which of the following?

(a) Replenishable
(b) Human-made
(c) Abiotic
(d) Non-recyclable

Answer: Replenishable

(iii) What is the main reason for land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over-irrigation
(d) Overgrazing

Answer: Over-irrigation

(iv) In which state is terrace farming commonly practiced?

(a) Punjab
(b) Uttar Pradesh plains
(c) Haryana
(d) Uttarakhand

Answer: Uttarakhand

(v) In which state is black soil mainly found?

(a) Jammu and Kashmir
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Jharkhand

Answer: Maharashtra

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Resources and Development Short Questions

(i) Name three states with black soil and the main crop grown there.

Answer: Black soil is found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The main crop grown in this soil is cotton.

(ii) What type of soil is found in river deltas of the eastern coast? Mention three features of this soil.

Answer: Alluvial soil is found in the deltas of the eastern coast.

• It is very fertile and good for farming.
• It contains sand, silt, and clay.
• It has potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, making it suitable for paddy and sugarcane.

(iii) What measures can prevent soil erosion in hilly regions?

Answer:

• Contour ploughing
• Terrace farming
• Planting strips of grass between crops (strip cropping)

(iv) What are biotic and abiotic resources? Give examples.

Answer:

• Biotic resources: Resources from living things, like plants, animals, humans, and fish.
• Abiotic resources: Resources from non-living things, like minerals, water, metals, wind, and sunlight.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Long Questions

(i) Explain the land use pattern in India. Why has forest cover not grown much since 1960–61?

Answer: Land use in India is influenced by both natural factors (like soil, topography, and climate) and human factors (like population, culture, and technology). The net sown area differs widely: more than 80% of land is cultivated in Punjab and Haryana, while in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, it is below 10%.

Forest cover in India is still below the recommended 33% of total land, as suggested in the National Forest Policy (1952). This is mainly because land is also used for housing, industries, roads, and other non-agricultural purposes. Continuous misuse of land without proper care has caused land degradation, making it hard to expand forest areas.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Notes

(ii) How has technical and economic growth increased resource use?

Answer:

• With industrial and large-scale production, resources are used more than ever.
• Modern technology allows faster and deeper exploitation of natural resources.
• Better healthcare and living standards have increased the population, which also raises the demand for resources.

Thus, both technological progress and economic development have led to overconsumption of natural resources.