Class 8 Geography Chapter 2
Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife – Question Answers
Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife is an important chapter in Class 8 Geography that explains the significance of natural resources and their role in sustaining life on Earth. This chapter helps students understand how landforms, soil types, water resources, forests, and wildlife are interconnected and why their conservation is necessary.
In this post, you will find complete Question–Answer solutions for JKBOSE/NCERT Chapter 2, written in simple language for quick understanding and easy memorization. The content is well-structured, exam-oriented, and ideal for revision. Students can read online or download free quality notes to make learning Geography simple, effective, and meaningful.
1. Answer the following questions
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Two major reasons for land degradation today are:
- Deforestation
- Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Land is considered an important resource because it is used for many purposes such as:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Mining
- Building houses
- Constructing roads
- Setting up industries
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Two important steps taken by the government are:
- Awareness programmes like social forestry and tree plantation (Vanamahotsava).
- Establishing National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves to protect wildlife and forests.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Three ways to conserve water are:
- Increasing forest and vegetation cover to slow surface runoff.
- Rainwater harvesting to store water for future use.
- Using drip irrigation or trickle irrigation to reduce water loss.
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 Following
| 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 lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
4. State whether the statement is True or False
(i) Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
✅ True – Because of fertile alluvial soil, abundant water supply, and flat land suitable for agriculture and settlement.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
✅ True – Due to increasing population, urbanization, industrial pollution, and overuse of water resources.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check wind movement is called intercropping.
❌ False – It is called shelterbelts or windbreaks, which help reduce wind speed and prevent soil erosion.
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
❌ False – Human interference and climate change can disturb or destroy ecosystems.
✅ Revision Tip for Students
Remember these important ideas from the chapter:
- Land, soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife are interconnected natural resources.
- Soil formation depends on climate, organisms, relief, parent rock, and time.
- Conservation of natural resources is necessary for sustainable development.
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