Class 10 Social Science (Contemporary India 2) NCERT MCQs Chapter 1- Resources and Development

NCERT MCQs of Class 10 Social Science(Contemporary India 2) Chapter no 1 Resources and Development

1) What is a resource?
a) A free gift of nature
b) Anything available in nature, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable
c) Only non-renewable materials
d) Items made by humans
Answer: b) Anything available in nature, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable
Explanation: A resource is defined as anything available in nature that can satisfy human needs if it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.

2) Which of the following is an example of a biotic resource?
a) Minerals
b) Water
c) Forests
d) Land
Answer: c) Forests
Explanation: Biotic resources are derived from living things, such as forests and animals.

3) What is an abiotic resource?
a) Resources derived from living organisms
b) Resources made by humans
c) Resources composed of non-living things
d) Renewable resources
Answer: c) Resources composed of non-living things
Explanation: Abiotic resources, such as soil, water, and minerals, are non-living.

4) On what basis are resources classified as renewable and non-renewable?
a) Origin
b) Status of development
c) Exhaustibility
d) Ownership
Answer: c) Exhaustibility
Explanation: Resources are classified as renewable and non-renewable based on their ability to be replenished.

5) Which of the following is a renewable resource?
a) Coal
b) Petroleum
c) Solar energy
d) Natural gas
Answer: c) Solar energy
Explanation: Renewable resources, like solar energy, are replenished naturally and cannot be exhausted.

6) What is Agenda 21?
a) A declaration to combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease globally
b) A law to regulate resource use in India
c) A summit to promote industrialization
d) A national agenda for resource development
Answer: a) A declaration to combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease globally
Explanation: Agenda 21 was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to promote sustainable development worldwide.

7) Which of the following is an example of individual resources?
a) Village ponds
b) Farmland owned by a farmer
c) Forests managed by the government
d) International waters
Answer: b) Farmland owned by a farmer
Explanation: Individual resources are privately owned by individuals, like farmland or houses.

8) What is the main objective of sustainable development?
a) Maximum resource utilization
b) Minimizing economic growth
c) Development without compromising future needs
d) Conservation of all resources
Answer: c) Development without compromising future needs
Explanation: Sustainable development aims to meet current needs without hindering the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

9) What was the main focus of the Rio Earth Summit in 1992?
a) Industrial development
b) Protection of human rights
c) Environmental protection and sustainable development
d) Military cooperation between countries
Answer: c) Environmental protection and sustainable development
Explanation: The Rio Earth Summit addressed global environmental challenges and adopted strategies like Agenda 21 for sustainable development.

10) What does resource planning in India involve?
a) Exporting surplus resources
b) Judicious use of resources
c) Privatizing resource ownership
d) Focus on non-renewable resources only
Answer: b) Judicious use of resources
Explanation: Resource planning ensures resources are used wisely and efficiently to prevent overexploitation.

11) Which of the following regions is rich in coal deposits?
a) Rajasthan
b) Jharkhand
c) Kerala
d) Gujarat
Answer: b) Jharkhand
Explanation: Jharkhand is rich in minerals and coal deposits.

12) What is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
a) Deforestation
b) Overgrazing
c) Over-irrigation
d) Mining
Answer: c) Over-irrigation
Explanation: Over-irrigation in Punjab leads to waterlogging, which increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil.

13) Which type of soil is predominant in the Deccan Plateau?
a) Alluvial soil
b) Black soil
c) Laterite soil
d) Arid soil
Answer: b) Black soil
Explanation: Black soil, also known as regur soil, is typical of the Deccan Plateau and is ideal for cotton cultivation.

14) What is the main characteristic of laterite soil?
a) High fertility
b) Deficient in nutrients due to leaching
c) Rich in humus
d) Found in desert areas
Answer: b) Deficient in nutrients due to leaching
Explanation: Laterite soil develops in areas with heavy rainfall and high temperatures, leading to intense leaching and nutrient loss.

15) What percentage of India’s land area is covered by mountains?
a) 43%
b) 30%
c) 20%
d) 10%
Answer: b) 30%
Explanation: Mountains cover approximately 30% of India’s land area and contribute to tourism, water resources, and ecological balance.

16) What is the geographical area of India?
a) 2.5 million sq km
b) 3.28 million sq km
c) 4.1 million sq km
d) 5 million sq km
Answer: b) 3.28 million sq km
Explanation: India has a total geographical area of 3.28 million square kilometers.

17) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of eastern India?
a) Arid soil
b) Alluvial soil
c) Black soil
d) Laterite soil
Answer: b) Alluvial soil
Explanation: Alluvial soil, deposited by rivers, is found in the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.

18) Which state practices terrace farming?
a) Punjab
b) Rajasthan
c) Uttarakhand
d) Gujarat
Answer: c) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Terrace farming is practiced in hilly areas like Uttarakhand to prevent soil erosion and enhance agricultural productivity.

19) What is the main cause of land degradation in Rajasthan?
a) Over-irrigation
b) Mining
c) Overgrazing
d) Urbanization
Answer: c) Overgrazing
Explanation: Overgrazing in Rajasthan leads to loss of vegetation and soil degradation.

20) Which soil type is also called regur soil?
a) Laterite soil
b) Arid soil
c) Black soil
d) Red soil
Answer: c) Black soil
Explanation: Black soil is also known as regur soil and is ideal for growing cotton due to its moisture-retaining capacity.

21) What is contour ploughing?
a) Ploughing along the contour lines to reduce water runoff
b) Ploughing in straight lines across the slope
c) Planting crops in circular patterns
d) Avoiding ploughing to retain soil moisture
Answer: a) Ploughing along the contour lines to reduce water runoff
Explanation: Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the natural contours of the land to prevent water from flowing down the slopes quickly and causing erosion.

22) Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
a) Solar energy
b) Wind energy
c) Petroleum
d) Freshwater
Answer: c) Petroleum
Explanation: Non-renewable resources, like petroleum, cannot be replenished once exhausted.

23) What is the major reason for land degradation in the Chambal basin?
a) Deforestation
b) Overgrazing
c) Gully erosion
d) Over-irrigation
Answer: c) Gully erosion
Explanation: In the Chambal basin, gully erosion caused by running water has created deep ravines, rendering the land unfit for cultivation.

24) Which term describes planting trees to reduce soil erosion?
a) Terrace farming
b) Shelter belts
c) Contour ploughing
d) Strip cropping
Answer: b) Shelter belts
Explanation: Shelter belts are rows of trees planted to reduce the force of wind and stabilize sand dunes, preventing soil erosion.

25) What is strip cropping?
a) Planting crops in horizontal rows across slopes
b) Planting crops in strips with grass left between them
c) Avoiding cultivation altogether
d) Cultivating a single crop over a large area
Answer: b) Planting crops in strips with grass left between them
Explanation: Strip cropping involves planting crops in strips, with grass strips in between to reduce soil erosion caused by wind or water.

26) Which soil type is formed due to intense leaching?
a) Black soil
b) Arid soil
c) Laterite soil
d) Alluvial soil
Answer: c) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterite soil develops under conditions of high rainfall and intense leaching, resulting in nutrient loss.

27) What is the primary focus of the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987?
a) Promotion of industrial development
b) Resource conservation for sustainable development
c) Expansion of global trade
d) Population control
Answer: b) Resource conservation for sustainable development
Explanation: The Brundtland Commission introduced the concept of sustainable development, emphasizing the conservation of resources for future generations.

28) What percentage of India’s total geographical area is covered by forests?
a) 15%
b) 20%
c) 33%
d) Less than 33%
Answer: d) Less than 33%
Explanation: Forest cover in India is lower than the target of 33% outlined by the National Forest Policy of 1952.

29) Which soil is ideal for cotton cultivation?
a) Red soil
b) Black soil
c) Alluvial soil
d) Laterite soil
Answer: b) Black soil
Explanation: Black soil, also called regur soil, is highly suitable for growing cotton due to its moisture-retaining properties.

30) What is the main cause of land degradation in Gujarat?
a) Overgrazing
b) Deforestation
c) Over-irrigation
d) Urbanization
Answer: a) Overgrazing
Explanation: Overgrazing in Gujarat leads to soil erosion and land degradation.

31) What are the two types of alluvial soils?
a) Sandy and clayey soils
b) Old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar)
c) Fertile and infertile soils
d) Acidic and alkaline soils
Answer: b) Old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar)
Explanation: Alluvial soil is classified into Bangar (older, less fertile) and Khadar (newer, more fertile).

32) What is the significance of soil conservation?
a) To increase urban areas
b) To maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion
c) To promote industrialization
d) To decrease agricultural activities
Answer: b) To maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion
Explanation: Soil conservation techniques help protect soil from degradation, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity.

33) Which method is commonly used in the Western and Central Himalayas to prevent soil erosion?
a) Terrace farming
b) Shelter belts
c) Overgrazing
d) Deforestation
Answer: a) Terrace farming
Explanation: Terrace farming involves cutting steps into slopes, reducing water runoff and preventing soil erosion.

34) What is the primary cause of salinity and alkalinity in the soil in Punjab and Haryana?
a) Over-irrigation
b) Deforestation
c) Mining
d) Industrial waste
Answer: a) Over-irrigation
Explanation: Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging, which increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil.

35) What is the meaning of the term "regur"?
a) Sandy soil
b) Black soil
c) Loamy soil
d) Red soil
Answer: b) Black soil
Explanation: Regur is another name for black soil, known for its moisture-retaining capacity.

36) Which soil is rich in humus and found in forested areas?
a) Black soil
b) Forest soil
c) Laterite soil
d) Arid soil
Answer: b) Forest soil
Explanation: Forest soil, found in mountainous and forested areas, is rich in humus and suitable for diverse vegetation.

37) What is gully erosion?
a) Wind erosion on sandy soils
b) Formation of deep channels due to water runoff
c) Soil erosion caused by glaciers
d) Erosion caused by human activities
Answer: b) Formation of deep channels due to water runoff
Explanation: Gully erosion occurs when running water cuts through clayey soils, creating deep channels called gullies.

38) What causes sheet erosion?
a) Ploughing along contour lines
b) Flow of water over large areas of land
c) Strong winds carrying soil particles
d) Urbanization
Answer: b) Flow of water over large areas of land
Explanation: Sheet erosion occurs when water flows uniformly over a large area, removing the topsoil.

39) Which soil type is found in semi-arid regions and contains high salt content?
a) Laterite soil
b) Arid soil
c) Alluvial soil
d) Black soil
Answer: b) Arid soil
Explanation: Arid soil, found in dry regions, is sandy, lacks moisture, and often has high salt content.

40) Which book by Schumacher highlights the importance of resource conservation?
a) The Earth Summit
b) Our Common Future
c) Small is Beautiful
d) The Club of Rome
Answer: c) Small is Beautiful
Explanation: "Small is Beautiful" by E.F. Schumacher emphasizes resource conservation and sustainable development.

41) Which type of resource is found in a fixed quantity?
a) Renewable resources
b) Non-renewable resources
c) Biotic resources
d) Community resources
Answer: b) Non-renewable resources
Explanation: Non-renewable resources, like coal and petroleum, exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished once exhausted.

42) What does the term "leaching" refer to in soil science?
a) Accumulation of nutrients in the soil
b) Loss of nutrients due to water percolation
c) Conversion of fertile soil into sandy soil
d) Increase in soil salinity
Answer: b) Loss of nutrients due to water percolation
Explanation: Leaching occurs in areas with high rainfall, where nutrients are washed away from the topsoil.

43) Which type of farming prevents soil erosion on hilly terrains?
a) Shifting agriculture
b) Terrace farming
c) Intensive farming
d) Extensive farming
Answer: b) Terrace farming
Explanation: Terrace farming involves creating steps on slopes, reducing water runoff and soil erosion.

44) What percentage of India’s land area is plain?
a) 33%
b) 43%
c) 27%
d) 50%
Answer: b) 43%
Explanation: Plains constitute 43% of India’s land area, making them highly suitable for agriculture and settlement.

45) Which region of India is highly prone to desertification?
a) Western Rajasthan
b) Eastern Uttar Pradesh
c) Northern Punjab
d) Southern Tamil Nadu
Answer: a) Western Rajasthan
Explanation: Western Rajasthan, with its arid climate and overgrazing, is prone to desertification.

46) What are the primary causes of land degradation in mining areas?
a) Over-irrigation
b) Deforestation and excessive excavation
c) Shifting cultivation
d) Urbanization
Answer: b) Deforestation and excessive excavation
Explanation: Mining involves clearing forests and digging, which leads to land degradation and loss of soil cover.

47) What is the scientific term for the breaking up and wearing away of rocks by natural forces?
a) Erosion
b) Weathering
c) Deposition
d) Sedimentation
Answer: b) Weathering
Explanation: Weathering refers to the breaking down of rocks into smaller particles by natural elements like wind, water, and temperature changes.

48) Which type of resource does land belong to?
a) Renewable resource
b) Biotic resource
c) Abiotic resource
d) Both renewable and non-renewable resource
Answer: d) Both renewable and non-renewable resource
Explanation: Land can be renewable (when used sustainably) or non-renewable (if degraded or overused).

49) Which organization in India monitors land degradation?
a) Geological Survey of India
b) Forest Survey of India
c) Ministry of Environment and Forests
d) Central Soil Conservation Board
Answer: d) Central Soil Conservation Board
Explanation: The Central Soil Conservation Board monitors soil erosion and implements conservation strategies.

50) What is the major characteristic of red soil?
a) Rich in organic matter
b) Red color due to iron content
c) High water-retention capacity
d) Found only in desert regions
Answer: b) Red color due to iron content
Explanation: Red soil gets its color from the high iron oxide content and is found in parts of southern and eastern India.

51) Which soil is suitable for growing coffee and cashew nuts?
a) Black soil
b) Alluvial soil
c) Laterite soil
d) Arid soil
Answer: c) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterite soil, found in high rainfall areas, is ideal for growing crops like coffee and cashew nuts.

52) Which region of India is rich in alluvial soil?
a) Northern plains
b) Coastal plains
c) Deccan plateau
d) Thar desert
Answer: a) Northern plains
Explanation: Alluvial soil is extensively found in the northern plains of India, deposited by rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.

53) What does the term "resource conservation" mean?
a) Maximizing resource extraction
b) Using resources responsibly to ensure their sustainability
c) Avoiding resource use entirely
d) Prioritizing non-renewable resources over renewable ones
Answer: b) Using resources responsibly to ensure their sustainability
Explanation: Resource conservation focuses on using resources judiciously to ensure they are available for future generations.

54) What is the primary focus of the National Forest Policy of 1952?
a) Achieving 33% forest cover in India
b) Promoting timber exports
c) Industrial development using forests
d) Expanding mining operations
Answer: a) Achieving 33% forest cover in India
Explanation: The National Forest Policy aims to maintain ecological balance by increasing forest cover to 33%.

55) What causes desertification in arid and semi-arid areas?
a) Terrace farming
b) Over-irrigation and deforestation
c) High rainfall
d) Shelter belts
Answer: b) Over-irrigation and deforestation
Explanation: Over-irrigation leads to salinity, while deforestation causes soil erosion, both contributing to desertification.

56) What does "degraded land" refer to?
a) Land with high fertility
b) Land that has lost its productivity due to misuse
c) Urbanized land
d) Land that is naturally barren
Answer: b) Land that has lost its productivity due to misuse
Explanation: Degraded land is land affected by deforestation, overgrazing, or improper agricultural practices, reducing its fertility.

57) Which state is famous for its black cotton soil?
a) Punjab
b) Maharashtra
c) West Bengal
d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: b) Maharashtra
Explanation: Maharashtra is known for its extensive black cotton soil, ideal for growing cotton.

58) What is a community resource?
a) Resources owned by individuals
b) Resources available to all members of a community
c) Resources reserved for future use
d) Resources owned by private organizations
Answer: b) Resources available to all members of a community
Explanation: Community resources, like village ponds and public parks, are accessible to all members of the community.

59) Which technique is used to prevent the spread of desertification?
a) Overgrazing
b) Shelter belt planting
c) Intensive mining
d) Waterlogging
Answer: b) Shelter belt planting
Explanation: Shelter belts of trees and shrubs prevent wind erosion and stabilize soil in arid areas.

60) Which region is affected by the problem of ravines?
a) Chambal valley
b) Malabar coast
c) Thar desert
d) Sundarbans
Answer: a) Chambal valley
Explanation: The Chambal valley in central India is known for its ravines caused by severe gully erosion.

MCQs from the Exercise part of the chapter

1) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

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

Answer: c) Over-irrigation
Explanation: Over-irrigation in Punjab leads to waterlogging, increasing soil salinity and alkalinity, which degrades the land.

2) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?

a) Punjab
b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh
c) Haryana
d) Uttarakhand

Answer: d) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Terrace cultivation is widely practiced in hilly regions like Uttarakhand to prevent soil erosion and utilize the slopes for agriculture.

3) In which of the following states is black soil predominantly found?

a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Maharashtra
c) Rajasthan
d) Jharkhand

Answer: b) Maharashtra
Explanation: Black soil, also known as regur soil, is predominantly found in Maharashtra, as well as in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It is ideal for cotton cultivation.

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