Natural Resources Class 9 Science 20 Important Questions with answer

20 important questions with answers on the topic of Natural Resources for Class 9 Science:

1. What are natural resources?

   • Answer: Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain or are essential for human survival. They include air, water, soil, minerals, plants, and animals. Natural resources are broadly categorized into renewable resources (such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass) and non-renewable resources (such as fossil fuels and minerals).

2. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

   • Answer: Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over time and are sustainable if managed properly, such as solar energy, wind energy, and forests. Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished within a human timescale or take millions of years to form, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

3. Why is water considered a vital natural resource?

   • Answer: Water is essential for all forms of life. It is necessary for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, industry, and maintaining natural ecosystems. Its availability and quality directly impact health, food security, and economic development.

4. Explain the concept of sustainable development.

   • Answer: Sustainable development refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure long-term health and viability of both human societies and natural ecosystems.

5. What are the major causes of water pollution?

   • Answer: Major causes of water pollution include industrial discharge, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, untreated sewage, plastic waste, and oil spills. These pollutants can harm aquatic life, contaminate drinking water, and disrupt ecosystems.

6. How can we conserve natural resources?

   • Answer: Conservation of natural resources can be achieved through various methods including reducing consumption, recycling, using energy-efficient appliances, protecting natural habitats, and promoting sustainable practices like organic farming and renewable energy use.

7. What is the impact of deforestation on the environment?

   • Answer: Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, soil erosion, and contributes to climate change by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. It also affects indigenous communities and wildlife that depend on forests for their habitat.

8. Describe the process of soil formation.

   • Answer: Soil formation is a slow process involving the weathering of rocks and the accumulation of organic material. It begins with the breakdown of parent rock into smaller particles by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Organic matter from decayed plants and animals mixes with these particles to form soil.

9. What are fossil fuels and why are they important?

   • Answer: Fossil fuels are energy resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of sediment and rock. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. They are important because they provide a significant portion of the world’s energy for electricity, heating, and transportation, but their extraction and use contribute to environmental issues like pollution and climate change.

10. What is the role of forests in maintaining ecological balance?

    • Answer: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating climate, controlling water cycles, preventing soil erosion, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to the global carbon and oxygen cycles. They also offer resources such as timber and medicinal plants.

11. How does air pollution affect human health?

    • Answer: Air pollution can lead to a range of health problems including respiratory issues (such as asthma and bronchitis), cardiovascular diseases, and aggravation of existing health conditions. Long-term exposure can lead to serious conditions such as lung cancer and premature death.

12. What are the benefits of using renewable energy sources?

    • Answer: Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, offer several benefits including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, providing sustainable energy, and often having lower environmental impacts compared to non-renewable sources.

13. What is the significance of the ozone layer?

    • Answer: The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This protection is crucial for preventing skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues, as well as protecting ecosystems and wildlife from UV damage.

14. How do human activities impact natural resources?

    • Answer: Human activities such as industrialization, deforestation, mining, and pollution have significant impacts on natural resources. They can lead to depletion of resources, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, which affect both the environment and human health.

15. What is the concept of ecological footprint?

    • Answer: An ecological footprint measures the amount of biologically productive land and water area required to support a person’s lifestyle, including resource consumption and waste production. It reflects the impact of human activities on the environment and helps in understanding sustainability.

16. How can we manage the depletion of natural resources?

    • Answer: Managing the depletion of natural resources involves implementing conservation strategies, adopting sustainable practices, investing in alternative resources, and enacting policies and regulations to protect and manage resources responsibly.

17. What are the major sources of energy and their environmental impacts?

    • Answer: Major sources of energy include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), nuclear power, and renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro). Fossil fuels and nuclear power have environmental impacts such as pollution and radioactive waste, while renewable sources generally have lower environmental impacts but may still affect local ecosystems.

18. What is the role of biodiversity in natural ecosystems?

    • Answer: Biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems by ensuring various species can fulfill different ecological roles, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. High biodiversity helps ecosystems adapt to changes and recover from disturbances.

19. What are the causes and effects of soil erosion?

    • Answer: Soil erosion is caused by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural activities, and construction. It leads to loss of fertile topsoil, reduced agricultural productivity, increased sediment in waterways, and degradation of land and habitats.

20. How does climate change affect natural resources?

    • Answer: Climate change impacts natural resources by altering weather patterns, affecting water availability, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and influencing the distribution of species. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, reduce resource availability, and exacerbate issues such as droughts and flooding.

These questions and answers should provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts related to natural resources for Class 9 Science.