CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Notes

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources Land

Land is an important natural resource. It covers around 30% of the Earth’s surface, but all the parts of this land are not habitable.

There is uneven population distribution in different parts of the world, mainly due to differences in characteristics of land and climate.

Land with rugged mountains, steep slopes, low-lying flood- prone areas, deserts and dense forests is usually sparsely populated or uninhabited. On the other hand, plains and river valleys are suitable for agriculture and are densely populated.

Land Use and its Conservation

Land is used for various purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, housing, roads and setting up industries. Land use depends on physical factors like terrain, soil, climate, minerals, and water, as well as human factors like population and technology.

Land can be categorised on the basis of ownership as follows

• Private Land It is owned by individuals.
• Community Land It is owned by community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. The community lands are also called common property resources.

Land degradation, landslides’, soil erosion and desertification are major environmental threats that occur due to expansion of agriculture and construction activities.

Afforestation, land reclamation, regulated use of chemical pesticide and fertilisers and checks on overgrazing are some of the common methods used to conserve land resources.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Soil and its Formation

Soil is the thin upper layer of the Earth’s surface. It is composed of organic matter, minerals, and weathered rocks formed through the process of weathering.

Fertility of soil depends on the right mixture of minerals and organic material.

Factors of Soil Formation

Factors affecting soil formation include nature of the parent rock, climate, topography, organic matter and time.

All these factors differ from place to place.

Soil Degradation and Conservation Measures

Soil erosion and depletion are major threats to soil. Both human and natural factors led to degradation of soil. These are

• Deforestation
• Overgrazing
• Overuse of chemical fertilisers or pesticides
• Rain wash
• Landslides
• Floods

Some methods of soil conservation are

• Mulching In this method, the clear ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw to retain soil moisture.
• Contour Barriers In this method, stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches are made in front of the barriers to collect water.
• Rock Dam In this method, rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water, to prevent gullies and further soil loss.
• Terrace Farming In this method, broad flat steps or terraces are made on the steep slopes for growing crops, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion.
• Intercropping In this method, different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to protect the soil from rain wash.
• Contour Ploughing In this method, ploughing is done parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to flow down the slope.
• Shelterbelts In this method, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement and to protect soil cover, in coastal and dry regions.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Water

Earth is called the water planet because three-fourth part of the Earth’s surface is covered with water.

Oceans cover two-third part of the Earth’s surface, however ocean water is saline and not suitable for drinking.

Only 2.7% of water is fresh water out of which only 1% is fit for human use. It is found as groundwater, in rivers and lakes, and as water vapour in the atmosphere.

The total water volume of the Earth remains constant. It remains in continuous motion, cycling through oceans, air, land, and back again, through the processes like evaporation, precipitation and run-off. This is referred to as water cycle.

Problems and Conservation of Water Resources

Growing population, rising demand for food and cash crops, urbanisation, and rising standard of living are the major causes of shortages in the supply of fresh water.

There is water scarcity in many regions of the world like Africa, West Asia, South Asia, parts of the USA, Mexico, South America, Australia and countries located in drought-prone areas.

Discharge of sewage, agricultural, chemicals and industrial waste are major contaminants of water.

Afforestation, adopting effective techniques for irrigation like lining canals, using sprinklers or drip irrigation and promoting rainwater harvesting can be done for conservation of water resources.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Natural Vegetation and WildLife

Natural vegetation and wildlife exist in the biosphere which is a narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

In biosphere, living beings are inter-related and interdependent on each other for their survival. This life supporting system is known as the ecosystem.

Natural vegetation and wildlife are valuable resources.

Plants provide various things and animals are important for maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Distribution of Natural Vegetation

The growth of vegetation depends primarily on temperature and moisture. The major vegetation of the world are categorised as forests, grasslands, scrubs and tundra.

Large trees grow in areas of heavy rainfall. As the amount of moisture decreases, their size and density reduces.

Short trees and grasses grow in areas of moderate rainfall forming the grasslands of the world and thorny bushes and scrubs grow in areas of low rainfall.

Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Changes of climate and human interferences can cause the loss of natural habitats for plants and animals. Deforestation, soil erosion, tsunami, landslide, etc are major causes for extinction of natural vegetation and wildlife.

Poachings is a major concern leading to a decline in animal species, including tigers, lions and elephants. These animals are poached for collection and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, horns, etc.

Some of the methods for conserving natural vegetation and wildlife are

• National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves are made to protect natural vegetation and wildlife.
• Awareness programmes like social forestry and Vanamohatasava should be encouraged at the regional and community level.
• Many countries have passed laws against the trade as well as killing of birds and animals.
• An international convention CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has been established.

Question 1. Observe the land, type of soll and water availability in the region you live. Discuss in your class, how it has influenced the life style of people there.

Answer. I live in XYZ, city where water availability is limited and the region faces water scarcity, especially during the summer months.

This situation has influenced people’s lifestyles by necessitating water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient water usage. It has also led to the dependence on groundwater sources and the need for infrastructure like water tanks and pumps to ensure a regular water supply.

Question 2. Talk to some elderly person in your family or neighbourhood and collect information about changes in the land use over the years, in the place where you live. Display your findings on a bulletin board in your classroom.

Answer. I had talked to my neighbor, who has lived in Delhi for over 60 years. They shared that Delhi has witnessed a significant transformation in land use. Previously, there were more open spaces and farmlands, but over the years, these were changed into a busy area due to the construction of residential areas, commercial spaces, and infrastructure.

Question 3. In India soils could be alluvial, black, red, laterite, desertic and mountain soil. Collect a handful of different types of soil and observe. How are they different?

Answer. In India, various soil types include alluvial, black, red, laterite, desertic and mountain soil. These soils differ in color, texture and composition as follows

• Alluvial soil is typically light brown and has a fine texture.
• Black soil is dark and has a clay-like texture.
• Red soil is reddish due to iron content and is sandy.
• Laterite soil is red and hard when dry, but soft when wet.
• Desertic soil is pale and sandy,
• Mountain soil varies in color and can be stony or loamy.

Question 4. Take two trays A and B of same size. Make six holes at one end of these trays and then fill them with the same amount of soll. Leave the soil in tray A bare while sow wheat or rice grains in tray B. When the grain in tray B has grown a few centimetres high, place both the trays in such a way that they are on a slope. Pour one mug of water from the same height into each tray. Collect the muddy water that trickles down the holes of both trays in two separate containers and compare how much soil is washed out of each tray?

Answer. If we pour one mug of water from the same height into each tray after doing all the activity and collect the muddy water that trickles down the holes of both trays in two separate containers, then tray B, with the growing grains, will have significantly less soil washed out during the water pouring. It is because the roots of the plants hold the soil together, preventing erosion. Tray A, without plants, will experience more soil erosion, leading to a greater amount of soil washed away.

Question 5. An average urban Indian uses about 150 litres of water every day.

Can you suggest some ways to bring down this amount?

Answer. Following are the ways to bring down the average every day water consumption of urban India

Fix any leaky pipes or taps promptly.

Use a bucket instead of a hose for gardening.

Close the taps when water is not in use.

Collect rainwater for various non-drinking purposes.

Educate family members about the importance of conserving water.

Question 6. Answer the following questions.

(1) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soll formation?

Answer. The two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation are temperature and rainfall which influence the rate of weathering and humus formation.

(2) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.

Answer. Reasons for land degradation today include

• Expansion of agriculture Intensive farming practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilisers and deforestation for farmland, lead to soil erosion and degradation.
• Construction activities Urbanisation and infrastructure development can disrupt natural landscapes, leading to soil erosion, compaction and loss of fertile top soil.

(3) Why is land considered an important resource?

Answer. Land is an important resource because it provides surface for agriculture, building houses, cultivation, construction of mining, setting up industries, etc.

(4) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.

Answer. The two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals are as follows

(a) Government has established National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves in different parts of India to protect natural vegetation and wildlife.

(b) Awareness programmes like social forestry and Vanamahotasava have been encouraged at the regional and community levels.

(5) Suggest three ways to conserve water.

Answer. Three ways to conserve water are as follows

• Collect rain water in tanks and use it for various purposes.
• Fix leaky taps and pipes to prevent water wastage.
• Practice responsible irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, to minimise water use in agriculture.

Question 7. Tick the correct answer.

(1) Which one of the following is not a factor of soll formation?

(a) Time

(b) Soil texture

(c) Organic matter

Answer. (b) Soil texture

(2) Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soll erosion on steep slopes?

(a) Shelter belts

(b) Mulching

(c) Terrace cultivation

Answer. (c) Terrace cultivation.

(3) Which one of the following methods is not In favour of the conservation of nature?

(a) Switch off the bulb when not in use.

(b) Close the tap immediately after using.

(c) Dispose polypacks after shopping.

Answer. (c) Dispose polypacks after shopping.

Question 8. Match the following.

Answer. 1. A – 3, B – 4, C – 1, D – 2

Question 9. State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, write the reasons.

(1) Ganga-Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.

Answer. True, as the land is very fertile and suitable for cultivation.

(2) Water availability per person in India is declining.

Answer. True, because of ever growing population, wastage, drying-up of water resources and increasing water pollution.

(3) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping.

Answer. False, it is called shelter-belts, whereas intercroping means growing different crops in alternates rows and sown at different times to protect the soil from rain-wash.

(4) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.

Answer. False, it will deteriorate the ecosystem.

Question 10. Discuss some more reasons which are responsible for changes of land use pattern. Has your place undergone any change in the land use pattern in recent years?

Find out from your parents and elderly people. You can conduct an Interview by asking the following questions.

Based on the table you have just completed, draw a picture of land use patterns that you foresee in your neighbourhood after 20 years. Why do you think that land use patterns change over the years?

Answer.

Some other reasons responsible for change in land use pattern are rise in population and increase in demand for land for agriculture, transport, housing complexes, industries, etc.

Yes, my area has also undergone changes in land use patterns. It has evolved from a primarily green agricultural land and spacious city to a bustling metropolis.

Land use patterns change over the years due to urbanisation, agriculture evolution, technological advances and economic shifts, impacting natural and human environments.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Review Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1. Common property resource is also known as

1. industrial land
2. agricultural land
3. community land
4. private land

Answer. 3. community land

Question 2. 90% of the world population occuples only……% of land area.

1. 30
2. 33
3. 32
4. 27

Answer. 1. 30

Question 3. It takes hundreds of years to make just one centimetre of……….

1. rock
2. soil
3. sand
4. land

Answer. 2. soil

Question 4. The breaking up of rocks is known as……………

1. erosion
2. reclamation
3. degradation
4. weathering

Answer. 4. weathering

Question 5. The total Earth’s surface cover with water is about

1. one-fourth
2. two-third
3. three-fourth
4. one-third

Answer. 3. three-fourth

Question 6. What is the percentage of usable water for human consumption?

1. 97
2. 12
3. 1
4. 10

Answer. 3. 1

Question 7. Which is not an example of ground water?

1. Water flowing in rivers
2. Water through hand pumps
3. Water through submersible pumps
4. Water through wells

Answer. 1. Water flowing in rivers

Question 8. Which of the following factors influences the type and distribution of natural vegetation?

1. Landforms
2. Soil
3. Climate
4. All of these

Answer. 4. All of these

Question 9. The major vegetation types of the world are grouped as forests, grasslands, tundra and

1. shrubs
2. herbs
3. scrubs
4. trees

Answer. 3. scrubs

Question 10. Vanamohatasava is celebrated to create awareness about

1. conservation of forests
2. conservation of minerals
3. recycling of water
4. preserving historical monuments

Answer. 1. Conservation of forests

Question 11. Ravi, a student of class VIII, told his friend Naveen that natural vegetation and wildlife exist only in the narrow zone of contact between lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. What is the from usedfor that?

1. Biosphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Ecosystem
4. Environment

Answer. 1. Biosphere

Question 12. Rahul, a resident of Rajasthan, see a major extinction of natural vegetation and wildlife in his town and nearby area. Which of the following is/are reasons for the changing? Competency Based

1. Deforestation
2. Constructional activities
3. Poaching
4. All of these

Answer. 4. All of these

Question 13. What is a biosphere reserve?

1. Protected area linked through global network
2. Land use for production
3. Farmers land
4. None of the above

Answer. 1. Protected area linked through global network

Question 14. Species of some animals are on the verge of extinction as their population has decreased considerably. Such species are known as

1. Endangered species
2. Extinct species
3. Dying species
4. Dead species

Answer. 1. Endangered species

Question 15. The use of land is determined by factors such as

(1) topography

(2) soil

(3) climate

(4) mineral

Choose the correct option.

1. (1), (2) and (3)
2. (1), (3) and (4)
3. (2), (3) and (4)
4. All are correct.

Answer. 4. All are correct

Question 16. Consider the following statements.

1. Community land is owned by the community for common uses like a collection of fodder, fruits, nuts, or medicinal herbs.

2. The quality of land also differs from place to place.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 both
2. Only 2
3. Only 2
4. None of these

Answer. 1. 1 and 2 both

Question 17. Consider the following statements.

1. The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the Earth is called the biosphere.

2. Only human factors can lead to the degradation of soils.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 both
2. Only 1
3. Only 2
4. None of these

Answer. 4. None of these

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Match the Following

Question 1.

1. A – 3, B – 1, C – 2, D – 4
2. A – 2, B – 4, C – 3, D – 1
3. A – 1, B – 2, C – 4, D – 3
4. A – 4, B – 3, C – 1, D – 2

Answer. 1. A – 3, B – 1, C – 2, D – 4

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Assertion-Reason

Question 1. Assertion (A) Land with rugged mountains and dense forests is usually sparsely populated.

Reason (R) Plains and river valleys are suitable for agriculture and are densely populated.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) A is true, but R is false

(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

Question 2. Assertion (A) The ocean water is saline and not fit for human consumption.

Reason (R) Fresh water accounts for only about 2.7 per cent.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) A is true, but R is false

(d) A is false, but R is true

Answer. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Fill in the Blanks

Question 1. The process responsible for soil formation is called……

Answer. weathering

Question 2. The percentage of freshwater on the Earth is…….

Answer. 2.7

Question 3. The colour, texture, etc of soil is determined by……..

Answer. parent rock

Question 4. Climatic factors influencing rate of weathering include ……..and………….

Answer. rainfall, temperature

Question 5. 70% of fresh water exists as ………

Answer. ice sheets

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources True/False

Question 1. The growing population is not a cause of soil erosion.

Answer. True

Question 2. Forests and other vegetation reduce surface run-off.

Answer. True

Question 3. Most of Africa and entire Australia are facing shortages in fresh water supply.

Answer. True

Question 4. Vegetation and wildlife are valuable resources.

Answer. True

Question 5. It takes hundreds of years to make just one centimetre of soil.

Answer. True

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Picture Based Questions

Question 1. Look at the picture provided below and answer the following question..

Which of the following is one of the factor of landslides?

(a) Evaporation

(b) Rock dam

(c) Mulching

(d) Earthquakes

Answer. (d) Earthquakes

Question 2. The given picture represents a type of farming in which broad flat steps are made on the steep slopes. Which type of farming is this? Competency Based

(a) Contour ploughing

(b) Shift farming

(c) Terrace farming

(d) Intercrop farming

Answer. (c) Terrace farming

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Case Based Question

Question 1. Read the given passage and answer the following questions.

Forests are our wealth. Plants give shelter to the animals and together they maintain the ecosystem. Changes in climate and human interference can. cause the loss of natural habitats for plants and animals. Many species have become vulnerable or endangered and some are on the verge of extinction. The animals are poached for collection and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns as well and feathers.

Some of these animals are tiger, lion, elephant, deer, black buck, crocodile, rhinoceros, snow leopard, ostrich, and peacock. These can be conserved by increasing awareness. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves are made to protect our natural vegetation and wildlife. Conservation of creeks, lakes, and wetlands is necessary to save the precious resource from depletion.

(1) What is the primary reason for the loss of natural habitats for plants and animals?

(a) Earthquake

(b) Human interference

(c) Forest fires

(d) Landslides

(2) What Is/are the primary reason for poaching of animals ?

(a) Scientific research

(b) Food consumption

(c) Collection and illegal trade of various body parts

(d) For their trade

(3) Which among the following is the International convention that prohibits the trade of several specles of animals and birds?

(a) CITES

(b) UNESCO

(c) WWF

(d) IUCN

(4) What is the purpose of national parks, wildlife sanctuarles, and blosphere reserves?

(a) To control population

(b) To encourage tourism

(c) To protect natural vegetation and wildlife

(d) None of the above

Answer. (1) (b) Human interference

(2) (c) Collection and legal trade of various body pails (iii) (a) CITES

(4) (c) To protect natural vegetation and wildlife

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And wildlife Resources Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Define the term land use.

Answer. The term land use means use of land for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses.

Question 2. Which two factors mainly determine the use of land?

Answer. The factors which determine land use are physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water and human factors such as population and technology.

Question 3. What is soil?

Answer. Soil is the thin upper layer of the Earth’s surface.

Question 4. Define water scarcity.

Answer. Water scarcity refers to shortage of water as compared to its demand.

Question 5. What are the threatened species?

Answer. All the species which are listed in endangered, critically endangered and vulnerable group are altogether called threatened species.

Question 6. Name the regions of the world which are facing water scarcity.

Answer. The regions of the world which are facing water scarcity are Africa, West Asia, South Asia, parts of Western USA, North-West Mexico, parts of South America and entire Australia.

Question 7. Why are animals poached?

Answer. The animals are poached for collection and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns as well as feathers.

Question 8. Protected forests too are not completely safe for wild animals. Why? Competency Based

Answer. Protected forests too are not completely safe for wild animals because poachers have found access in these areas and are killing animals.

Question 9. What do you understand by national park?

Answer. National parks are protected areas dessignated by governments for the conservation of natural landscapes and wildlife.

Question 10. What do you understand by Biosphere Reserve?

Answer. Biosphere reserves are a series of protected areas meant for the conservation of plants and animals. They are linked through a global network and aimed to demonstrate relationship between conservation and development.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Comment on the statement, “Land is the most important resource”. Or What is the importance of land as resource?’

Answer. Land is the most important resource because

(1) All agricultural and industrial processes depend on it.

(2) All living beings, animals and plants are found on the surface of land.

(3) Land serves as a links between atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Question 2. Why is there uneven distribution of population? Or What are the reasons for uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world?

Answer. The uneven distribution of population is because of the following reasons

(1) Geographic Features Uneven distribution is influenced by land characteristics like rugged mountains, deserts, and dense forests which tend to be sparsely populated, while plains and river valleys are suitable for habitation.

(2) Climate Harsh climates such as extreme cold or dry regions are not preferred by population, while temperate and fertile areas attract settlements.

(3) Resource Availability Areas with abundant resources like fertile soil and freshwater sources tend to have higher populations, while resource-scarce regions have lower populations.

Question 3. Why is land use pattern changing?

Answer. Land use pattern is changing because of the following reasons

• People started encroaching the common lands to build up commercial areas, housing complexes in the urban areas.
• Changes in agricultural practices, such as mechanisation and crop diversification affect land use pattern.
• Cultural changes which are taking place in our society also changes land use pattern.

Question 4. How is vegetation useful to us?

Answer. Vegetation is useful to us as

• It provide us with timber.
• It give shelter to animals.
• It produce oxygen that we breathe.
• It protect soils so essential for growing crops.
• It act as shelter belts.
• It help in storage of underground water.

Question 5. The Indian subcontinent boasts of serving as the natural habitat of a large and varied wildlife. We can find some of the most magnificent as well as the rarest wildlife species of the world in the country.

(1) What are the major factors that led to the extinction of these wildlife species?

Answer. Cutting of forests, change in climate condition, constructional activities, forest sizes and poaching are some major factors that led to the extinction of wildlife species.

(2) What are some major specles that are on extinction and need to protect?

Answer. Tiger, lion, elephant, black buck, rhinoceros are some major that are on extinction species which need to be protected.

Question 6. Why should we conserve blodiversity?

Answer. We should conserve biodiversity because

(1) Biodiversity ensures resilience, stability and adaptability in ecosystems.

(2) It provides essential resources, such as food, medicine and clean water and supports economic activities like agriculture and tourism.

(3) Biodiversity has intrinsic value, contributing to cultural heritage, scientific knowledge and the appreciation of Earth’s beauty.

Question 7. Why is it important to raise awareness about the conservation of natural vegetation and wildlife and what measures are taken to conserve these resources?

Answer. It is important to raise awareness about natural vegetation and wildlife as they are on the verge of extinction.

To conserve these, following measures are taken by government

• National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves are made to protect our natural vegetation and wildlife.
• Awareness programmes such as social forestry and Vanamohatasava are encouraged, at regional and community level.
• Government policies like Tiger Conserve Act, 1972 and International convention like CITES are made to protect wildlife.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Define the following

(1) Common Property Resource

(2) Biosphere

(3) Ecosystem

Answer. (1) Common Property Resource Community land is owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. These community lands are also called common property resources.

(2) Biosphere It is a narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

(3) Ecosystem In the biosphere, living beings are inter-related and inter-dependent on each other for survival. This life supporting system is known as the ecosystem.

Question 2. What are the factors responsible for soll formation?

Answer. The factors responsible for soil formation are

(1) Parent rock It determines the physical and chemical properties of the soil. It also controls the porosity of the soil.

(2) Relief It determines the layer of accumulation or depth of the soil.

(3) Climate Temperature and rainfall influence the rate of weathering. Weathering accelerates the rate of soil formation.

(4) Flora, Fauna and Microorganism These influence the rate of humus formation.

(5) Time It is a very important factor in determining the depth or thickness of the soil.

Question 3. What are the different methods of soil conservation?

Answer. The different methods of soil conservation are

• Mulching In this method, the clear ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw, to retain soil moisture.
• Contour barriers In this method, stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches are made in front of the barriers to collect water.
• Rock dam In this method, rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water, to prevent gullies and further soil loss.
• Terrace farming In this method, broad flat steps or terraces are made on the steep slopes for growing crops, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion.
• Intercropping In this method, different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to protect the soil from rain wash.
• Contour ploughing In this method, ploughing is done parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to flow down the slope.
• Shelterbelts In this method, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement and to protect soil cover, in coastal and dry regions.

Question 4. What is rainwater harvesting? Give some advantages of rainwater harvesting.

Answer. Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater from rooftops and directing it to an appropriate location, where it is stored for future use.

The advantages of rainwater harvesting are as follows

• It reduces the consumption of groundwater.
• It is free from pollutants as well as salts, minerals and other natural and man-made contaminants.
• It is considered as the purest form of natural water.
• The stored water is a reliable source of water when other sources dried up.

Question 5. How can we reduce excess use of water?

Answer. Following methods can be used to reduce the excess use of water

(1) Promoting afforestation and reforestation, as vegetation cover slow the surface run off and increase the ground water storage.

(2) Water harvesting through root top tanks and bamboo channels.

(3) Promoting canal irrigation for agricultural field.

(4) Use of sprinklers for watering plants.

(5) Drip irrigations can be used in dry regions.

Question 6. What are the factors responsible for distribution of natural vegetation?

Answer. The factors responsible for the distribution of natural vegetation include

• Temperature and Moisture These are primary determinants, with heavy rainfall supporting dense forests, moderate rainfall leading to grasslands, and low rainfall resulting in thorny shrubs and scrubs.
• Climate Change Alterations in climate patterns can disrupt the natural habitats for plants and animals.
• Human Interferences Deforestation, soil erosion and other activities like poaching can lead to changes in natural vegetation distribution.
• Soil erosion, Tsunamis and Landslides Natural disasters and soil erosion also impact the distribution of vegetation.
• Loss of Habitat Human activities and environmental changes can lead to the endangerment and extinction of various species of plants and animals.

Question 7. What are the reasons for the extinction of different species?

Answer. The reasons for the extinction of different species include

• Climate change and Habitat Destruction Alterations in temperature and moisture levels can disrupt ecosystems, making them unsuitable for certain species.
• Human Interference Activities like deforestation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade can directly harm and deplete animal populations.
• Pollution Contamination of natural habitats and water sources can adversely affect species and their habitats.
• Over-exploitation Excessive hunting or fishing for resources like hides, skins, horns and tusks can drive species to extinction.
• Loss of Natural Habitats Factors such as soil erosion, landslides, and human development can lead to the loss of critical habitats for plants and animals, making them vulnerable to extinction.

Question 8. Landslides are simply defined as the mass movement of rock, debris or earth down a slope. Mention some methods to mitigate landslides. Competency Based

Answer. Some methods to mitigate landslides are

• Hazard mapping to locate areas prone to landslides. Hence, such areas can be avoided for building settlements.
• Construction of retention wall to stop land from slipping.
• Increase in the vegetation cover to stop landslide.
• The surface drainage control works can be implemented to control the movement of landslide along with rain water and spring flows.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Picture Based Question

Question 1. Read the given articles carefully and give answer to the following questions.

(1) Read the news item and find out how fire started in California? Could it be avoided?

(2) Write some measures to avoid this kind of hazard.

Answer. (1) The main cause of fire in California was human fault. A child burnt a match stick and threw it carelessly.

(2) This hazard could have been avoided if the match was kept in safe custody of the family.

CBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife Resources Case Based Question

Question 1. Read the passage given below and answer the following questions.

A massive landslide hit Pangi village near Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh and damaged a 200-metre stretch of old Hindustan- Tibet road, National Highway- 22. This landslide was triggered by intense blasting at Pangi village. Due to the blasting, this weak zone of slope collapsed and caused intense damage to the road and nearby villages. The Pangi village was completely vacated to avoid any possible loss of life.

(1) What do you understand by ‘landslide’?

Answer. Landslide is the mass movement of rock, debris or Earth down a slope. They often take place in conjunction with earthquakes, volcanoes and so on.

(2) What are the factors responsible for landslide?

Answer. The factors which are responsible for landslide are

• earthquake
• floods
• volcanoes
• human factors and so on.

(3) What type of topography gives rise to a major and widely spread landslide?

Answer. Hilly terrain with steap slope, unstable geographical conditions and also the weak zones give rise to the major and widely spread landslides.