NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources– This article includes free NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2 to help students of Class 8 learn the solutions and ace their exams.

It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2024-25, and guidelines to help the students of Class 8 create a solid conceptual base for Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources.

The solutions to all the exercises in Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2 of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science.

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 2

NCERT  Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

The solutions for Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources have been listed below, and students can refer to NCERT Solutions Class 8 for other subjects.

Page No- 20

Answer the following questions.

(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?

The two main climatic factors that influence soil formation are temperature and rainfall. These factors affect the rates of chemical, physical, and biological processes that break down rocks and organic matter into soil.

1. Rainfall: Rainfall affects the rate of weathering and erosion, which results in the breakdown of rocks and minerals. It leads to soil formation.
2. Temperature: Temperature influences chemical reactions and biological activities in the process of soil formation, such as the decomposition of organic matter and the rate of weathering.

Together, these factors determine the type, depth, and fertility of soils in a particular region.

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

Land degradation is the reduction or loss of the biological or economic productivity of land. The two main reasons of land degradation includes:

• Deforestation: Widespread clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The loss of vegetation due to deforestation can lead to land degradation.
• Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock reduce vegetation cover, and accelerate erosion. It degrades land quality and reducing its productivity resulting in land degradation.

Land degradation can be controlled by planting trees, restoring forests, implementing soil conservation methods like terracing, contour farming, and cover cropping.

(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?

Answer:

Land is among the most important natural resources. It covers only about thirty per cent of the total area of the earth’s surface. The use of land is determined by physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water. Human factors such as population and technology are also important determinants of land use pattern.

Land is considered an important resource because it is the only place where humans can live. It is used for various purposes, such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries. Land also provides habitation to a variety of flora and fauna.

Land is an important resource that provides us with a variety of benefits. We should use land wisely and sustainably, so that we can continue to enjoy its benefits for generations to come.

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

Answer:

The two steps the government has taken to conserve plants and animals are:

• National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves: These protect natural vegetation and wildlife in their natural habitats. 
• Laws that prohibit animal and bird killing and trade: These laws protect endangered and vulnerable species. For example, the government has banned hunting lions, tigers, deer, great Indian bustards, and peacocks. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 prohibits hunting wild animals and punishes those who violate the law.

Other steps the government has taken to conserve plants and animals include:

• Social Forestry: This helps raise awareness about the importance of plants and animals to the general public.
• Awareness programs: These include “Vanmahotsav” to conserve forests, outreach programs, school programs, and public awareness campaigns.

(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.

Answer:

Three ways to conserve water are:

• Rainwater harvesting: It involves collecting rainwater in storage tanks or reservoirs for later use. It reduces reliance on freshwater sources.
• Lining irrigation canals: Impermeable linings is done in irrigation canals to prevent water seepage. It ensures more efficient water distribution to crops.
• Afforestation: Planting of trees and vegetation helps to slow surface runoff. It allow water to infiltrate the soil and replenish groundwater reserves and contributes to overall water conservation efforts.

2. Tick the correct answer.

(i) Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?

(a) time (b) soil texture (c) organic matter

Answer:

(b) Soil Texture

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

(a) shelter belts (b) mulching (c) terrace cultivation

Answer:

(c) Terrace cultivation

(iii) Which one of the following 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

3. Match the followings

Column A	Column B
Land use	prevent soil erosion
Humus	narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere
Rock Dams	productive use of land
Biosphere	organic matter deposited on top soil
	contour ploughing

Answer:

Column A	Column B
Land use	productive use of land
Humus	organic matter deposited on top soil
Rock Dams	prevent soil erosion
Biosphere	narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

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

(i) Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.

Answer:

Yes, the Ganga-Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region. The reason for this is that the plain has even topography and highly fertile soil. The plain is also home to many rivers, which provide water for irrigation and drinking.

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

Yes, water availability per person in India has been declining for several reasons, including rapid population growth, industrialization, increasing irrigation, misuse of water, and pollution of water resources. Other reasons for the decline include: Rising demands for food and cash crops, Increasing urbanization, and Rising standards of living.

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

The statement “rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping” is false. The process of planting rows of trees in coastal areas to prevent wind movement is called shelter belts. Shelter belts are also known as windbreaks or hedgerows. They are used in dry and coastal areas to protect soil erosion.

Intercropping is the process of growing different crops in alternating rows and at different times to protect the soil from rain wash. It also involves growing two or more types of vegetables on the same land in the same growing season. 

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

The statement “Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem” is false. Human interference affects the whole ecosystem because all living beings are interdependent upon each other for survival. Human interference and climate changes can cause the loss of natural habitats, and hence destroy the ecosystem.

Climate change is warming the climate, which is changing the physical environments that support living systems. In the ocean, water temperatures are rising and becoming more acidic. On land, temperatures are rising as well, and soil health and freshwater quality are declining.

Chapter 2 – Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources Summary

Chapter 2 explores land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife resources. It delves into their significance for human survival and ecosystem health. The chapter highlights threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable management and conservation practices. Understanding these resources is crucial for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring a healthy planet. Efforts to protect and preserve these resources are essential for future generations.

Important Topics Discussed in the Chapter

Important topics discussed in the chapter are:

• Natural Vegetation of India
• Water Resources
• Land Degradation and Conservation
• Natural Resources
• Conservation Of Land Resources
• Conservation of Water
• Wild Life in India
• Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
• Forest and Wildlife Resources

FAQs on NCERT  Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

What are the benefits of referring to the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 2?

The NCERT Solution for Class 10th Chapter 3: Water Resources assists students in comprehending the ideas and principles associated with water resources. It offers straightforward answers, supports exam readiness, and instills confidence in students.

Where can I find the correct NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 on the online platform?

The NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 can be found by the students on the GeeksforGeeks website. The NCERT Solutions are one of the best study materials which are available for students for free and students can rely on them for examination purposes.

What are the main topics covered in Chapter 2 of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography?

• Natural Vegetation of India
• Water Resources
• Land Degradation and Conservation
• Natural Resources
• Conservation Of Land Resources
• Conservation of Water
• Wild Life in India
• Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India
• Forest and Wildlife Resources

What are the two major threats to soil as a resource class 8 geography?

Soil erosion and depletion are the two major threats to soil as a resource. Both natural and human factors can cause soil degradation.

What are the major threats to the environment class 8 geography?

According to class 8 geography, some major threats to the environment include pollution, deforestation, climate change, urbanization, invasive alien species, and overuse of natural resources.