NCERT Solutions for Class 10th Science
Chapter 16 – MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
(Complete Downloadable Chapter Solution PDF file is at the bottom of the page)
Q.1 What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment friendly?
Ans We should apply the principle of 3 R’s i.e. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse to become more environment friendly.
Reduce: This means we should use our resources judiciously and in an optimal manner.
1) Save electricity by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances like fan etc.
2) Save water by using it properly and getting leaky taps repaired.
3) Do not waste food and practice proper garbage disposal.
4) We should use fuel like petrol, diesel carefully and prefer public transport.
Recycle: This means materials should be recycled and used instead of extracting them fresh.
1) We should use as much as possible recyclable materials and avoid non-biodegradable materials like plastics.
2) Separate bins should be used for Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable materials.
Reuse: This means simply using things again and again. It is better than recycling because the process of recycling uses some energy.
1) Plastic bottles in which various food-items like jam or pickle are bought can be used for storing things in the kitchen.
2) Left over food can be reused in another meal.
Q.2 What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?
Ans Advantages:
1) Fast industrialisation and development
2) Increase in the living standard of people
3) High economic growth
But this will lead to the depletion of resources in a very short period of timea and ecological imbalance and hence the management of natural resources requires a long-term perspective so that these will last for the generations to come and will not merely be exploited to the hilt for short term gains.
Q.3 How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a longterm perspective in managing our resources?
Q.4 Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our resources?
Q.5 Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Ans We should conserve forests and wildlife:
1) To conserve biological diversity or biodiversity (refers to the variety of organisms like plants, animals, microorganisms etc.) and hence maintain balance in the nature.
2) If forests dissapear, there will be global warming and increase of CO2 level in environment.
3) Some tribals depend on forest for their daily requirements like shelter, food, fuel etc.
4) Deforestation leads to soil erosion causing infertility of soil and thereby desertification.
5) To maintain ground water and prevent calamities like drought and floods.
6) They are a source of medicinal plants, timber and many other useful products.
Q.6 Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Q.7 Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region.
Q.8 Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.
Q.9 Find out the source of water in your region/locality. Is water from this source available to all people living in that area?
EXERCISES
Q.1 What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?
Ans We should apply the principle of 3 R’s i.e. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse to become more environment friendly.
Reduce: This means we should use our resources judiciously and in an optimal manner.
1) Save electricity by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances like fan etc.
2) Save water by using it properly and getting leaky taps repaired.
3) Do not waste food and practice proper garbage disposal.
4) We should use fuel like petrol, diesel carefully and prefer public transport.
Recycle: This means materials should be recycled and used instead of extracting them fresh.
1) We should use as much as possible recyclable materials and avoid non-biodegradable materials like plastics.
2) Separate bins should be used for Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable materials.
Reuse: This means simply using things again and again. It is better than recycling because the process of recycling uses some energy.
1) Plastic bottles in which various food-items like jam or pickle are bought can be used for storing things in the kitchen.
2) Left over food can be reused in another meal.
Q.2 Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it environment friendly?
Ans 1) Save electricity by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances like fan etc.
2) Save water by using it properly and getting leaky taps repaired.
3) Separate bins should be used for Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable materials and proper garbage disposal must be practiced.
4) Conducting awareness programs about importance of environment.
Q.3 We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?
Q.4 How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of
(a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal and petroleum?
Q.5 What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?
Q.6 List five things you have done over the last one week to –
(a) conserve our natural resources.
(b) increase the pressure on our natural resources.
Q.7 On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate in your life-style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources?
Ans I will apply the principle of 3 R’s i.e. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse to use our resources in a sustainable manner and become more environment friendly.
1) I will save electricity by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances like fan etc.
2) I will save water by using it properly and getting leaky taps repaired.
3) I will not waste food and reuse it in another meal.
4) I will walk small distances and use public transport for commuting journeys.
5) I will use as much as possible recyclable materials and avoid non-biodegradable materials like plastics.
6) I will use empty jam or pickle bottles for storing things in the kitchen.
7) I will use CFL or LED lamps instead of bulbs to conserve energy.
8) I will plant trees and participate in community awareness programs.