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KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Questions

Question 1. Answer the following questions:

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

Answer. Temperature and precipitation are the main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.

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

Answer. There are many factors which lead to degradation of land. Both nature and human factors can lead to degradation of land.

(a) Growing population and their ever growing demand is the main reason of land degradation today.

(b) Deforestation is another main reason of land degradation.

(c) Why is land considered an important resource?

Answer. Land is considered an important resource because:

(a) It is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forest, mining, pastures, etc.

(b) Human beings make their houses and idea on it and it also provides most of the products they need like food, wood, etc.

(c) Human beings set up their industries, build roads and run other commercial activities.

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

Answer. In order to conserve plants and animals, the government has taken the following steps:

(a) Many National Paries, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves have been established to protect and conserve wildlife.

(b) In India, killing of lions, tiger’s, deer, great Indian bustards and peacocks have been banned.

(e) Suggest three ways to conserve water.

Answer. Water is a vital resource for development of economic activities. Water should be conserved in the following ways:

(a) Water pollution should be prevented. Water of ocean and  rivers  and lakes should not be polluted. It should be saved from urban waste and chemicals of industries.

(b) Dams should be built across the rivers and lakes to store water in reservoirs.

(c) Forests and other vegetation cover slows the surface run off and replenishs underground water.

(d) Water harvesting is another method to save surface run off.

Question 2. Tick the correct Answer

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

(a) Time
(b) Soil texture
(c) Organic matter.

Answer. (b) Soil Texture.

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

(a) Shelter belts
(b) Mulchirg
(c) Terrace cultivation.

Answer. (c) Terrace Cultivation.

(c) 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 pol/packs after shopping.

Answer. (c) Dispose pol/packs after shopping.

Class 8 Geography KSEEB Land, Soil, Water Notes 

Question 3. Match the following:

Answer. (i) (c); (b) (d); (c) (a); (d) (b).

Question 4. State whether the given statements are true or false. If true, write the reasons.

(a) Ganga-Brahmaputra plain of India is an ever-populated region.

Answer. It is true.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra plain of India is an over-populated region because this plain is formed by the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra and their tributaries. This plain has fertile soil, which is good for agriculture. It is flat and level. It is very easy to construct roads, build houses and set up industries in this region. So it is thickly populated.

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

Answer. it is true.

India’s population is increasing rapidly, but we cannot change the amount of water available to us. It is constant. Due to increasing population, its demand is also rising.

(c) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas, to check the wind movement, is called inter cropping.

Answer. it is false.

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

Answer. it is false.

KSEEB Class 8 Geography Solutions For Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, And Wildlife 

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Text Questions

Question 1. Observe the land, type of soil and water availability in the region you live. Discuss in your class, how it has influenced the lifestyle of people there.

Answer. Do it as per the instructions given.

Question 2 Talk to some elderly person in your family or neighbour hood and collect information about changes in the land use over years, where you live. Display your findings on a bulletin board in your classroom.

Answer. Do it as per the instructions given.

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Activity

Question 1 . In India, soils could be alluvial, black, red, laterite, desertic and mountain soil. Collect a handful of different types of soil and observe how they are different?

Answer. Do it as per the instructions given.

Question 2. Take two trays A and B of same size. Make six holes in the end of these trays and then fill them with the same amount of soil. Leave the soil in tray A bare while grow grass in tray B. When the grass in tray B has grown few centimetres high, place both the trays in such a way that they are on a slope. Pour one mug of water from the same height into trays. Collect the muddy water that trickles down the holes of both trays in two separate containers and compare how much soil is washed out of each tray?

Answer. Do it as per the instructions given.

Question 3. An average urban Indian uses about 135 litres of water every day

Can you suggest some ways to bring down this use?

Answer. We can save water by reducing its misuse. The following table will help in reducing water usage

Question 4. Study the given table and Answer the following questions:

                                                                                                             Land Use in Selected Countries

(a) Name the countries having the highest percentage of land under cropland, forest, pasture and other uses.
(b) How would you relate the land use patterns of these countries with the probable economic activities?

Answer. (a)

(a) India has the highest percentage of land under cropland.
(b) Japan has the highest percentage of land under forest.
(c) Australia has the highest percentage of land under pasture.
(d) Canada has the highest percentage of land under other uses.

Answer. (b)

(a) India is an agricultural country so it uses maximum land for the crops.
(b) Japan has mountainous land and it is covered with the forests. These forests are used as natural resources.
(c) Australia’s pasture land is very useful for cattle rearing.
(d) Canada uses its resources for Paper and Pulp industry.

Land, Soil, Water, and Natural Vegetation Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Additional Questions (Solved)

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Name the human requirements obtained from land.

Answer. Food, crops, clothing, wood for fuel, construction and housing.

Question 2. What is meant by conservation?

Answer. It means to use the natural resources carefully without wastage.

Question 3. What do you mean by land use?

Answer. The use of land for different purposes like agriculture, roads.

Question 4. Which is the most important resource for human beings?

Answer. Land is the most important resource for human beings.

Question 5. Name the physical factors which influence land use pattern.

Answer. Topography and soil.

Question 6. Name two areas which are densely populated.

Answer. Plains and river valleys are densely populated.

Question 7. Give two reasons for dense population in plains and river valleys.

Answer.

(a) The land is flat and good for agriculture.
(b) Construction of roads is very easy.

Question 8 .What is land use pattern?

Answer. The proportion of land put to different uses is called land use pattern.

Question 9. For which purposes is land used?

Answer. Land is used for following purposes:

(a) Building houses
(b) Construction of roads
(c) Cultivation of crops
(d) Grazing
(f) Manufacturing
(g) Mining.

Question 10. Name three kinds of areas which are normally sparsely populated or uninhabitated.

Answer. The rugged topography, steep slopes of mountains and desert areas are normally sparsely populated.

Question 11. Which physical factors determine land use?

Answer. The use of land is determined by physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water.

Question 12. Which human factors are determinant of lard use pattern?

Answer. Population and technology.

Question 13. On which basis we can divide land?

Answer. We can divide land on the basis of private land and community land.

Question 14 . Which land is also called common property resources?

Answer. Community land is also called common property resources.

Question 15. What is responsible for rapid depletion of all kinds of resources?

Answer. Increasing consumption of resources and population growth.

Explanation Of Land, Soil, Water In KSEEB Class 8 Geography 

Question 16. Give one reason for variation in the level of development in world.

Answer. Highly uneven distribution of resources.

Question 17. What is fallow land?

Answer. A piece of land left uncultivated after two or three years, to restore its fertility.

Question 18. Write any two methods of land conservation.

Answer.

(a) Afforestation;
(b) Checks on over-grazing.

Question 19. What is landslide?

Answer. Landslides are the mass movement of rock, debris or earth down a slope.

Question 20. Name two factors responsible for landslides.

Answer. Earthquakes, floods and volcanoes.

Question 21. Name any two methods of soil conservation

Answer. Afforestation, building of bunds or check dams.

Question 22. Mention two types of soil erosion.

Answer. Wind erosion, gully erosion.

Question 23. Mention three physical factors causing soil erosion.

Answer.

(a) Velocity of wind;
(b) Intensity of rainfall;
(c) Slope.

Question 24. Write four human factors causing soil erosion.

Answer.

(a) Deforestation
(b) Over-grazing
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Poor agriculture practices.

Question 25. What are the elements of soil?

Answer. It consists of Doth organic and inorganic substances.

Question 26.Why the soil must be fertile?

Answer. Because the growth of plants and crops depends on the fertility of the soil.

Question 27. What is meant by land degradation?

Answer. Degradation of land means rendering the land unfrt for cultivation.

Question 28 . Name any two human activities responsible for land degradation.

Answer.

(a) Over-grazing;
(b) Deforestation.

Question 29. Mention two serious problems careless use of land can lead to.

Answer. Soil erosion and shortage of crop land.

Question 30. Name two ways by which soil can be conserved in hilly and mountainous areas.

Answer.

(a) Terrace farming;
(b) Contour farming.

KSEEB notes for Class 8 Geography Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation 

Question 31. How much part of the Earth is covered with water?

Answer. About 71 %.

Question 32. By which method can the complete disinfection of drinking water be done?

Answer. Through chlorination.

Question 33. Name a water saving technique of irrigation.

Answer. Sprinklers or drip irrigation.

Question 34. How can surface water be conserved?

Answer. Surface water can be conserved by rain water harvesting method.

Question 35. What is meant by wildlife?

Answer. It refers to a variety of life forms like birds, animals, insects, fishes which live in a natural habitat

Question 36. Name two factors that influence plant growth.

Answer.

(a) Temperature;
(b) Moisture.

Question 37. What is a biosphere?

Answer. A thin zone of contact between lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Question 38.What is an ecosystem?

Answer .In the biosphere living beings are interrelated and interdependent on each other for survival. This life supporting system is called the Ecosystem.

Question 39.What are the major vegetation types of land in the world?

Answer The major vegetation types of the world are grouped as forests, grasslands, shrubs and tundra.

KSEEB Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Important Questions 

Question 40.What is afforestation?

Answer Planting of trees in new areas is known as afforestation.

Question 41.Mention the two ways by which wildlife is conserved.

Answer Wild life is conserved through National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.

Question 42 .Give full form of CITES.

Answer CITES means the Conservation of International Trade Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora.

Question 43 .Name two awareness programmes relating wildlife.

Answer Social forestry and Vana Mahotasava.

Question 44.Which products are obtained from forests and wildlife?

Answer. Wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel fodder, manures, etc.

Question 45. How much percentage of the total area of earth is covered by land?

Answer. 30%.

Question 46. Name two methods of saving water.

Answer.

(a) Rain water harvesting;
(b) Sprinkle irrigation.

Question 47. Why is the sea water not useful for human beings?

Answer. The sea water is saline. So it is not fit for human consumption.

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Write a note on conservation of forests.

Answer. Forests are the important components of our environment. Rapid destruction of this important resource has been a cause of concern. Hence, we need to conserve this renewable resource. One of the most important measures of forest conservation is to plant trees, i.e., afforestation. Besides, preventing the reckless cutting of trees and creating an awareness about the importance of forests among all communities may help conserve the forests.

Question 2. What are the factors that control soil formation?

Answer.

Soil formation is controlled by five factors. These are:

(a) Nature of parent rock
(b) The topography
(c) The climate
(d) The organism in the soil
(e) Time.

Question 3. What shows the changes in land use pattern!

Answer.
The changing of land use pattern clearly indicates rise in yield of food-grains per hectare o’ land area. The cumulative yield has risen from 552 <g in 1951 to 1697 kg in 2000 which represents more than three times increase. It clearly shows the charge in land use pattern.

Question 4.What is the main cause of changing of land use pattern?

Answer. In some parts, forests are changed into crop lands and agricultural land is converted into buildings, factories, roads and air ports.

Question 5. Loose soil with less vegetation is more exposed to erosion. Why?

Answer. Loose soil with less vegetation is more exposed to erosion because if there is less vegetation, the running water carries the soil down the slopes and also it is carried by high velocity winds.

Detailed Notes On Natural Vegetation and Wildlife KSEEB Geography 

Question 6. What is the difference between private land and community land?

Answer. Land can be divided on the basis of private and community’ land. Private land is that land which is owned by individuals and it is used by them to fulfil their requirements. Whereas, the land owned by a particular community to fulfill their common needs and requirements, it is called Community land. It is used for collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs etc. These community lands are also called common property resources.

Question 7. Give a brief account of Mamba’s family.

Answer. Mamba lives in a small village in Tanzania, Africa. She lives with her family. Her father is a small farmer who works hard in the fields. Her mother is a house lady. Her brothers take care of goats. She helps her family in the work.

Question 8. What do you know about Peter and his family?

Answer. Peter lives in New Zealand. His family runs a wool processing factory. Peter is a student After his school, he helps his uncle. Their sheep yard is situated on a wide grassy plain with hills in the far distance. It is equipped with the latest technology. They also grow vegetables through organic farming.

Question 9. Why does soil lose its fertility?

Answer. The soil loses its fertility when it is continuously used. When crops are grown every year it loses its nutrients, which are necessary for good soil.

Question 10. List four factors responsible for soil erosion.

Answer. The four factors responsible for soil erosion are:

(a) Deforestation or removal of forests.
(b) Over-grazing of land especially by goats and sheep.
(c) Velocity of winds-when winds ta<e the shape of dust storms they lead to soil erosion.
(d) Intensity of rainfall-Torrential rains cause greater erosion.

Question 11. In what way can we check soil erosion from wind action in a dry region?

Answer. We can check soil erosion from wind action in a dry’ region by growing trees in rows. It will check the movement of the w ind and protect the soil cover.

Question 12. What is meant by conservation?

Answer. Conservation means to conserve. It means  to use the natural resources carefully without wastage. They are important to us, so they should be used wisely so that they are not exhausted and we may have to face their scarcity. Conservation allows generations to enjoy the things which the people are enjoying today.

Question 13. What factors control the utilisation of land?

Answer. The physical and human factors control the utilisation of land. These include:

(a) Relief of features;
(b) Climatic conditions;
(c) Soils;
(d) Density of population;
(e) Technical level j of the people;
(f) Land tenure;
(g) Duration of the occupation of the area, etc. The interplay of j physical and human factors has developed many types of land uses.

Question 14. What is soil?

Answer. The upper most layer of the earth’s crust is called soil. It is loose, fragmented and useful for plants.

Question 15. What are alluvial soils?

Answer. These soils are formed by the deposits brought down by the rivers year after year. These are very-fertile soils.

Question 16. What factors control the cultivation of land in India?

Answer. India is the only country in the world having the highest percentage of land (57%) under cropland. Land is needed to produce food camps for human beings and raw materials for industries. All types of land cannot be cultivated. The cultivation of land depends upon:

(a)The fertility of soil;
(b) The relief of the land;
(c) The availability of water,
(d) The need of the people.

Question 17. What is landslide? What are its factors?

Answer. The mass movement of rock, debris or earth down a slope is defined as landslide. It is often caused by earthquakes, floods and volcanoes. A heavy– or long spell of rain can cause heavy landslide. Sometimes, it can block the river flow for quite sometime.

Simplified Notes for KSEEB Class 8 Land, Soil, Water, And Wildlife 

Question 18. What are the reasons of forest fire?

Answer. Forest fire is a major threat to entire region of flora and fauna. There are three main reasons of it are:

(a) Natural fire due to lightning.
(b) Fire due to heat generated in the litter due to carelessness of people.
(c) Purposely caused fire by local inhabitants.

Question 19. List three basic ways through which energy s obtained.

Answer. Energy is the capacity to do work. It car be obtained by:

(a) Direct heating like: fire, sun, etc.
(b) Electricity
(c) Stored energy in the form of a battery-.

Question 20. Discuss the factors influencing the plant and wild life resources.

Answer. There are many factors which influence the pant and wild life resources.

(a) The environment has a great influence or the type of organism living in an area.
(b) The climatic conditions also bring variations in the types of plants and animals which are found in a particular region.
(c) Moisture and temperature affect the plants. The areas with heavy rainfall, have thick forests and as rainfall decreases, the forests also become scarce.

Question 21. What are the different techniques of rain water harvesting?

Answer. The different techniques for rain water harvesting are:
(a)Construction of percolation pits, trenches and fields.
(b) Refilling of dug wells.
(c) Roof rain water harvesting,
(d) Bunds and small dams on small rivulets.
(e) Recharging of hand pumps.

Question 22. What is sheet erosion?

Answer. When heavy rains and storm take away the soil cover with its water, it is called sheet erosion. It turns the land into a waste rendering it useless.

Question 23. What is wind erosion?

Answer. In dry areas, particularly in deserts, winds carry away the top layer of the soil and deposit them in other areas. This is called wind erosion and the fertile land is turned into a waste land.

Question 24. What are the features of black soils?

Answer.

(a) These are very good for cotton.
(b) These are generally shallow in depth.
(c) These are derived from metamorphic rocks.

Question 25. What is terrace farming?

Answer. Terrace farming is the growing of crops on level steps or terraces that have been constructed on hillsides.

Question 26. What is a wildlife sanctuary?

Answer. A wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to protect wild life and conserve forests.

Question 27. What are the effects of deforestation?

Answer. The effects of deforestation are as under:

(a) It affects the ecosystem.
(b) It increases soil erosion.
(c) It affects underground flow of water.
(d) Disappearance of wildlife as well as variety of plants.
(e) Leads to serious deterioration of genetic reserves.

Question 28. What are protected forests?

Answer. These are also forests reserved for timber but grazing is allowed subject to minor restrictions. These are 29.2% of the total forests.

Question 29. What is contour ploughing?

Answer. The technique of ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope rather than up and down the slope, so as to reduce soil erosion.

Question 30. What is strip cropping?

Answer. Strip Cropping is the growing of different crops on parallel narrow strips of ground, usually following the contour patterns.

KSEEB Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

Question 31. What is a shelter belt?

Answer. In dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement for protecting soil cover.
These are called Shelter Belts.

Question 32. State the importance of forests.

Answer. Forests play an important role in human life They provide food, wood and timber to us. Many medicinal plants are found in the forests. They also help in maintaining ecological balance and checking soil erosion. They play an important role in the economy of our country-.

Question 33. Discuss the ways to preserve wildlife.

Answer. Ways to preserve wildlife are:

(a) We should not cut trees thought lessely for our needs so that wildlife may survive and multiply there.
(b) We should not hunt them during the mating season.
(c) There should be a total ban on hunting.
(d) We should grow more trees.
(e) We should co-operate with the government in their efforts to preserve wildlife.

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is the most important feature of land use pattern in India?

Answer.

(a) India has total geographical area of 828 million sq. km. (3280 lakh hectares). The land use data is available for about 93% of the total area, h shows that in 2007-08, 140 million hectares (46%) is net sown area. Thus, India has a very high percentage (47%) of total area under cultivation. No other big country has such a large area under cultivation.

(b) Another satisfying feature is that 8.2% land is fallow’ land which is not cultivated so as to restore the fertility of the land. It is notable that fallow land has risen to 8.2% in 2007-08 from earlier figure of 6.4% in 1970-71. It reflects that care for land resources has become essential.
(c) The area under pastures is also small (3.4% in 2007-08).
(d) The a^ea under cultivable waste is 4.3%. This waste land can be brought under cultivation to increase productivity.
(e) The forest cove-* is low, only 23%. It is desirable to have about one third of the total land area under forests to maintain a healthy environment

Question 2. Explain the factors controlling soil formation.

Answer. Soil formation is controlled by five factors;

(a) Parent Rock: The original rock called parent rock, from which the soil is formed, determines its basic characteristics. For example, shales contribute clays, while sand stones contribute sand grains.
(b) Climate: Temperature and precipitation are the main climatic factors affecting soil formation. Frequent temperature changes and presence of water quicken soil formation through increased weathering.
(c) Topography: Topography affects the drainage of an area. On a steep slope, there is hardly any chance of accumulation of weathered rocks. They are moved down the slope by water and under force of gravity. In plains and areas with gentle slope, soils are accumulated without any hind-ance.
(d) Organisms: Dead plants and animals provide humus to the soil. Organisms like earthworms and ants through their movements create space for air and water in the soil.
(e) Time: Time factor is also important because longer the time for soil formation, more deeper is the soil layer. Besides weathering of rocks, soil is also formed by deposition of materials by moving waters (rivers) and winds in low-lying areas. Alluvial soils of river valleys are very fertile and deep.

Question 3. What are water resources? What are their uses?

Answer. Water is a unique liquid because there is no alternative for it. It is essential for all forms of life. Compared to most other liquids, water has a high capacity to absorb or store heat Water is a major body constituent of several plant and animal species. Seventy per cent of the human body consists of water. Humans use water for various purposes-domestic (drinking, cooking, washing, etc.), agricultural (irrigation), industrial and generation of electricity.

Class 8 Geography KSEEB Land, Soil, Water Notes 

Question 4. Explain the factors influencing land use pattern.

Answer. Factors affecting land use pattern. Land is used for different purposes such as cultivation of crops, grazing of animals, building houses and roads, mining and manufacturing. It is called land use pattern. Several factors influence lard use pattern of a country or a region at a given time.

Physical factors: Topography, soil, climate, availability of water and mineral resources determine the probable use of land.
Example:
(a) Fertile plains—They are used as croplands.
(b) Mining—Occurrence of mineral deposits favour mining.
(c) Economic factors Area having low-grade ores may not develop mining owing to its high cost.
(d) Human factors—In densely populated areas, encroachment on forest and croplands may be more for meeting other human requirements like buildings, houses, roads and rails etc.

Question 5. Suggest measures for land conservation.

Answer. Land resources must be conserved to provide food for huge population. The following methods are used:

(a) Terrace Farming: Crops are grown on terraces or level steps on hill sides. It controls shifting cultivation.
(b) Contour Ploughing: Land is ploughed parallel to the contours of hill-slopes, ft avoids soil erosion.
(c) Strip Cropping: It me Answer growing of different crops on parallel narrow’ strips. It reduces gully erosion.
(d) Shelter Belts: In dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check wind action and soil erosion.

Question 6. Describe the characteristics of different types of forests.

Answer. The types of forests are:

A.  Evergreen Forests: Trees in these forests do not shed their leaves simultaneously during any season of the year. These forests may also be grouped into
(a) tropical,
(b) mid-latitude evergreen forests,
(c) mediterranean,
(d) coniferous forests.
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests: Rainfall is very heavy in the equatorial as well as tropical coastal regions. Hot and humid conditions favour luxuriant growth of a variety of vegetation. Trees have broad leaves. There is a very dense growth of vegetation. Canopy of the forest always looks green. These forests have hard wood trees such as mahogany, ebony and rosewood. Their trunks and branches are of dark colour. Cutting of trees for commercial purposes is, therefore, not very easy.

(b) Mid-Latitude Evergreen Forests: These are found on the eastern margins of continents. These forests contain hardw’ood trees with broad leaves. South China, south eastern USA, South Brazil, east coast of South Africa and south eastern Australia have such forests. Oak, eucalyptus, and wattle are some economically important trees of these forests.

(c) Mediterranean Forests: On the western margins of continents in middle latitudes, winter has moderate rainfall and summer is dry. Plants, therefore, have spiny, waxy or small leaves to reduce transpiration. They have deep roots. Barks are also thick so as to prevent loss of moisture. Cork, olde and chestnut are the common trees of these forests.

(d) Coniferous Forests (Taiga Forests): These forests extend as a continuous belt around the North Polar- region and high mountains in Europe, Asia and North America. Trees don’t shed their leaves and hence look evergreen. They are tall and conical in shape. Leaves protect themselves from cold winter. Softwood trees like pine, cedar and fir are found in these forests. They have been in great demand for commercial use.

b. Deciduous Forests: Deciduous forests are those in which trees shed their leaves in a particular season in order to conserve loss of moisture through Aspiration.

(a) Tropical deciduous forests are found in sub-tropical regions with a distinct dry season. Monsoon Asia, parts of Central America, Brazil and Northern Australia have such forests. Trees shed their leaves during summer. Teak, sal and shisham and valuable hardwood trees are of these forests.

(b) Mid-latitude deciduous forests occur in the coastal temperate regions. Western Europe, north¬eastern China, Japan, north-eastern USA, New Zealand and southern Chile have such forests. During winter, temperature in these areas fall below 6°C. Therefore, trees shed their leaves in winter to protect themselves from such cold. Forests cover about 30 per cent of the land area of the world

Question 7. What is soil erosion? What are the causes of soil erosion? Describe the different types of soil erosion.

Answer. The destruction and removal of top soils by running water, wind etc. is known as soil erosion. It has become a major problem in many areas. Soil formation is a very slow process and it takes thousands of years to develop soil but it may be removed in a matter of few years. Soil erosion results from the many causes.
Causes of soil erosion:

(a) Steep Slopes: Steep slopes affect the rapidity of running water. On the steep slopes, intensity of soil erosion increases.
(b) Torrential Rainfall: Heavy rainfall loosens the soil particles and scoops out the soil forming gullies and ravines. This gives rise to a dissected surface called badland as in Chambal Valley of India.
(c) Strong Winds: Winds and dust storm bow away soil in dry areas. This process is known as deflation.
(d) Over-grazing: Due to over-grazing, the vegetation becomes too thin to protect the soil. Rain and wind can easily erode the loose soil.
(e) Over-cropping: Crop rotation maintains soil fertility. But over-cropping and shifting cultivation render soils infertile.
(f) Deforestation: Deforestation means the removal of forest cover and it exposes the area of soil erosion. Reckless cutting of trees has resulted in soil erosion by chos along the Shiwalik hills.

Human misuse of the land through wrong farming practices, deforestation, etc. leads to the removal uf soil cover.

Types of Soil Erosion:

(a) Sheet Erosion: When the soil is washed away in thin layers by water or wind, it is called Sheet Erosion. Fine silt and clay is removed from the top soil.
(b) Gully Erosion. It is done by running water by cutting channels. Gullies and ravines are formed by rapid run off. Bad land is formed over clay soils in the Chambal Valley.

Question 8. Write a short note on conservation of soils.

Answer. Soil is a fundamental natural resource. Soil formation is a slow process, but it is easily lost by soil erosion. In fact, more soil is being lost each year than nature makes. Soil erosion must be checked. Sound farming practices and measures be acopted to conserve, protect, renew and maintain soil fertility. These methods constitute soil conservation.

(a) Afforestation: In some areas, the original vegetation cover has been removed such as :n Shiwalik hills. In such areas; afforestation and reforestation is needed to hold the soil. Advance of deserts can be checked by planting trees along the margins of deserts.
(b) Controlled Grazing: The number of catte to be grazed on slopes should be according to the carrying capacity of the pastures.
(c) Terraced agriculture: Slopes must be cut into a series of terraces (fields) for cultivation so as to slow down tone flow of rain water.
(d) Contour Ploughing: It is done to check soil wash on slopes. Ploughing is done at right angles to the hill slopes.
(e) Crop Rotation: Crop rotation system be applied and the land should be allowed fallow for some time. Soil fertility can be maintained in this way.

KSEEB Class 8 Geography solutions for Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife 

Question 9. Describe the problems of water quality.

Answer. The main problem of water quality is pollution. Water is being polluted by many means, like untreated or partially treated sewage, agricultural chemicals and industrial effluents are the major contaminants, with nitrates, metals and pesticides as the main problems. As a result, many water supplies are being damaged by pollution, with declining water quality. Human and animal wastes introduce pathogens that cause serious diseases, i.e., cholera, infections, dysentery, etc. This accounts for over three- quarters of all diseases in developing countries. Improvements in water supplies and sanitation could reduce child mortality by more than a half

Question 10 .Distinguish between Evergreen Forests and Deciduous Forests.

Answer.

Question  11 .Collect a handful of different types of Indian soils and find out how they are different.

In the following ways, the Indian soils are different:
(a) Alluvial soil: It is laid by rivers. It is fine in nature. It is grey in colour. It is very fertile. The Great no’them plains are formed by this soil.
(b) Black soil: It is formed from volcanic activity. It is made up of lava. It is black in colour. It is fertile and best for cotton cultivation. It is mostly found in the Deccan Plateau.
(c) Red soil: It is red in colour due to high iron content It is developed from old crystalline rock in ‘situ’. These soils are pomus. It is found in Tamil Nadu, Andhara Pradesh,
Oaisha, etc.
(d) Laterice soil: The latehte soil is the result of intense leaching. It is less fertile. The organic matter like nitrogen, phosphate and calcium are low in this soil. It is found in Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, etc.
(e) Desert soils: These are also called arid soils. These are red to brown in colour. These are sandy and alkaline. These are lacking in moisture and humus content is normal. It is found n Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.
(f) Mountain soils: These soils are mostly thin and infertile. These include peat, meadow and forest hill soils. This soil is mostly found in the mountain areas.

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Hots Corner

Question 1. How do landslide prove dangerous?

Answer. Landslides occur due to earthquakes, floods and volcanoes. A long heavy rainfall can cause heavy landslide that can block the flow of river for quite sometime. It can cause havoc to the settlements downstream on its bursting. In the hilly areas, landslides have been a major and widely spread natural disaster that often strike life and property and occupy a position of major concern.

Question 2. What are the role of insects in soil formation?

Answer. Insects play a very important role in soil formation. Without worms and insects, the work of soil formation will Die incomplete. They do it both through physical or mechanical means by speeding up the chemical reactions.

Land Soil Water Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Miscellaneous Question

Question 1. Land covers about percent of total surface area of the Earth.

(a) 26
(b) 27
(c) 28
(d) 29

Answer. (d) 29

Question 2. Water occupies percent of surface area of the earth.

(a) 65
(b) 70
(c) 71
(d) 74

Answer. (c) 71

Question 3. Net sown area in India is about:

(a) 44%
(b) 46%
(c) 48%
(d) 50%

Answer. (b) 46%

Question 4. An average urban Indian uses about litres of water daily.

(a) 130
(b) 132
(c) 134
(d) 135

Answer. (d) 135

Detailed Notes On Natural Vegetation And Wildlife KSEEB Geography 

Question 5. How much percentage of population occupies 30% land?

(a) 70
(b) 80
(0 90
(d) 95

Answer. (c) 90

Question 6. Which is not a sparsely populated area?

(a) Mountain
(b) Desert
(c) Steep slopes
(d) Plains

Answer. (d) Plains

Question 7. Which is not a major threat to environment?

(a) Land degradation
(b) Landslide
(c) Agriculture
(d) Soil erosion

Answer. (c) Agriculture

Question 8. Which is a common method of conservation of land?

(a) Afforestation
(b) Agriculture
(c) Industry
(d) Dry farming

Answer. (a) Afforestation

Question 9. Mass movement of rock down a slope is called

(a) Reclamation
(b) Afforestation
(c) Terraced farming
(d) Landslide

Answer. (d) Landslide

Question 10. Pangi village where landslide occurred is in state of:

(a) Punjab
(b) Haryana
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Himachal Pradesh

Answer. (d) Himachal Pradesh

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources Textbook Questions

Question 1. Answer the following questions:

1 Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?

Answer. Resources are distributed unequally over the Earth as a number of geographical factors like altitude, terrain and climate are responsible for their distribution and these factors vary widely over the surface of the earth.

2 What is resource conservation?

Answer. Resource conservation is the practice of using the resources carefully and giving them time to get renewed. It is planned and careful use of natural resources, so that these resources can be used for a long period of time.

3 Why are human resources important?

Answer. Human resources are very important as more resources can be created when people have the knowledge, skill and technology to aid them in creating so. In order to make people a valuable resource, education and health plays a major role.

4 What is sustainable development?

Answer. Sustainable development means the careful utilisation of resources so that along with meeting the present requirements, the requirements of the future generation are also taken care of.

Question 2. Tick the Correct Answer:

1 Which one of the following does not make substance a resource?

(a) Utility
(b) Value
(c) Quantity

Answer. (c) Quantity

2 Which one of the following is a human-made resource?

(a) Medicines to treat cancer
(b) Spring water
(c) Tropical forests

Answer. (a) Medicines to treat cancer

3 Complete the Statement.

Biotic resources are:
(a) derived from living things
(b) made by human beings
(c) derived from non-living things

Answer. (a) derived from living things.

Question 3 Differentiate between the following:

(a) Potential and actual resources
(b) Ubiquitous and localised resources

Answer.
(a) Potential and actual resources

(b) Ubiquitous and localised resources

Ubiquitous resources: These are those resources which are found everywhere. For example, air, water, etc.
Localised resources: Those resources which are not found everywhere. These are found only in certain places. For example, copper, coal, iron ore, etc.

Question 4 Activity
“Rahiman paani raakhiye, Bin paani sab soon. Paani gaye na ubere Mot}, manus, choon…”
[Says Rahim, keep water, as without water there is nothing. Without water pearl, swan and dough cannot exist.]
These lines were written by the poet Abdur Rahim Khankhana, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. What kind of resource is the poet referring to? Write in 100 words what would happen if this resource disappeared?

Answer: The poet is referring to water resources. Water is the most essential for human life. Man cannot survive without water. If this resource disappears, life will cease to exist on Earth. Earth is called a blue planet due to the presence of water on it It forms the basis of life and is of primary concern to human beings as it is directly related to domestic needs and economic activities. There will not be any plant and wildlife {flora and fauna) on Earth. Seas and oceans will dry up. The beauty of earth will vanish.
For Fun

Question 5.

(a) Pretend that you live in the pre-historic limes on a high windy plateau. What are the uses you and your friends could put the fast winds to? Can you call the wind a resource?
(b) Now imagine that you are living in the same place in the year 2138. Can you put the winds to any use? How? Can you explain why the wind is an important resource now?
Answer.
(a) In pre-historic times, technology was not as developed as today. So we couldn’t use fast winds. At this time, wind is a potential resource.
(b) In 2138, due to the advancement in technology, I can use wind for generating electricity through windmills and also for running machines.
Wind is an important resource now because at this time (2138), there will be a shortage of coal, petrol, diesel and natural gas, i.e., energy- sources. These all are non-renewable resources of energy. To fulfil energy requirements of the world, wind will play an important role.

Question 6. Pick up a stone, a leaf, a paper straw and a twig. Think of how you can use these as resources. See the example given below and get creative.

Class 8 Geography KSEEB Resources Notes 

Resources Text Questions

Question 1. List out five resources you use in your home and five you use in your classroom.

Answer. Resources used in home: Ded, pillow, toothbrjsh, coffee mug, chair Resources used in classroom: black board, school bag, books, note book, lunch box,

Question 2. Think of a few renewable resources and mention how their stock may get affected by overuse.

Answer. Forests and water are a few renewable resources which get affected due to overuse. Large-scale deforestation and unjudicious use and wastage of water affects the stock of forests and water resources respectively.

Question 3. Make a list of five human-made resources that you can observe around you.

Answer. • Chair • Fan • Bed • Wall clock • Computer

Resources Activity

Circle those resources from Amma’s list that have no commercial value as yet.

Resources Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question1 What was Amma doing?

Answer. Amma was cleaning the house.

Question 2. Who were helping Amma in cleaning the house?

Ans. Mona and Raju were helping Amma to clean the house.

Question 3. What is a resource?

Answer. Any thing that can be used is a resource.

Question 4. What is the main purpose of resources?

Answer. To satisfy the basic needs of mankind.

Question 5. Name four articles prepared from raw materials obtained from nature

Answer.
(a) Furniture,
(b) Utensils,
(c) Paper,
(id Vehides

Question 6. Name any two factors on which resource development depends.

Answer.
(a) Technology,
(b) Quality of human resources

Question 7. How does something become a resource?

Answer. Things which have a value become a resource.

Question 8. What gives a thing value?

Answer. A thing’s use or utility gives it value.

Question 9. Name two important factors that can change substances into resources.

Answer. Time and technology are two important factors that can change substance into resource.

KSEEB Class 8 Geography Solutions For Resources 

Question 10 Name three main types of resources.

Answer. Resources are generally classified into three main types:
(a) Natural
(b) Human-made
(c) Human

Question 11. Name three natural resources essential for human life.

Answer.
(a) Air
(b) Water
(c) Plants

Question 12. Name two types of resources on the basis of stage of development and use.

Answer.
(a) Actual resources
(b) Potential resources

Question 13. Classify resources on the basis of their source of origin.

Answer. Based on their origin, resources can be abiotic or biotic. For example plants, animals, rocks, minerals, soils, etc.

Question 14. Mention two types of resources on the basis of renewability.

Answer. On the basis of renewability, resources can be categorised as renewable resources and non-renewable resources.

Question 15. Give five examples of human-made resources.

Answer. Buildings, bridges, roads, machinery and vehicles are a few examples of human-made resources.

Question 16. Name two factors which help in making people a valuable resource.

Answer. Education and health help in making people a valuable resource.

Question 17. What nightmare Mona had?

Answer. She dreamt that all the water on the earth had dried up and all the trees cut down.

Question 18. How can we conserve resources?

Answer. We can conserve resources by reducing consumption, recycling and reusing things.

Question 19 What things were made by Mona, Raju and their friends on that evening?

Answer. They made packets, shopping bags and bas<ets out of old news-papers, discarded clothes and bamboo sticks.

Question 20. What promise did Asha make with her friends?

Answer. Asha promised to make sure that water is no: wasted at home.

Question 21. Name four articles prepared from raw material obtained from nature.

Ans. Paper, vehicles, utensils and furniture.

Question 22. Name three gifts of nature.

Answer. Rocks, minerals and soil are gifts of nature.

Question 23. What is sedentary agriculture?

Answer. Farming of land at a fixed location is sedentary agriculture.

Question 24. What was the main sources of food for early man?

Answer. Gathering fruits, leaves and hunting were the main sources of food for early man.

Question 25. Why is Nagercoil famous? Or What do you find in Nagercoil?

Answer. Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu) is famous for windmills.

Question 26. Name two renewable resources which are continuously available.

Answer. Solar energy and wind energy.

Question 27. Name two non-renewable resources.

Answer. Coal and oil.

Question 28. What are flow resources?

Answer. When the rate of consumption of resources does not exceed the rate of renewal, it is called flow resources.

Question 29. What are recyclable resources?

Ans. Resources like metallic ores can be used again and again after processing. They are called recyclable resources.

Question 30. What is technology?

 Answer. Technology is human-made resource. It is the application of latest knowledge and skill in doing or \ making things.

Question 31. What are human-made resources?

Answer. The techniques used for utilising the physical materials are called human-made resources such as machines, tools, roads, etc.

Question 32. What is economic development?

Answer. Productivity of a nation is known as economic development.

Question 33. What hinders economic development?

Answer. Rapid population growth hinders economic development.

Question 34. What is the harmful effect of rising demand of resources?

Answer. It causes degradation of resources.

KSEEB Notes For Class 8 Geography Resources 

Question 35. What has been the effect of over-use of soil?

Answer. Infertility of soil.

Question 36. On what factor, the future of planet Earth depends?

Answer. To presen/e the life support system.

Question 37. What harmful effect has occurred due to misuse or over-use of resources?

Ans. The quality of air, water and land has degraded.

Question 38. ‘Processed goods become more useful’. Give one example.

Answer. Raw materials are processed to make useful and valuable items. One kg of sugar is more useful than one kg of sugarcane.

Question 39. Name three non-recyclable resources.

Answer. Coal, mineral oil and natural gas.

Question 40. What are abiotic resources?

Answer. The non-living resources are abiotic resources.

Resources Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Question 41. Give two examples of abiotic resources.

Answer. Soil and rocks.

Question 42. What do you mean by patent?

Answer. It means the exclusive right over any idea or invention.

Question 43. Define stock of resource.

Answer. It is the amount of resources available for use

Question 44. What do you mean by economic development?

Answer. It refers to changes in the amount, growth, distribution and consumption of resources.

Resources Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is a resource?

Answer. All the useful elements of environment which satisfy human needs are called resources. Resources are called ‘Gifts of nature’ such as soil, rivers, plants, animals, rocks and minerals. These are valuable for mankind.

Question 2. Why are humans also called a resource?

Answer. They are called a resource because only by developing human skills, the resources can be developed. Resources can only be develoDed by man.

Question 3. What do you mean by a reserve?

Answer. It refers to that portion of resources which can be developed profitably, w ith the ava lable technology. For example: High quality iron is used for steel making but sometimes a low grade iron ore or coal (lignite) is also used for steel making. Lignite coal in Salem (Tamil Nadu) is a reserve resource.

Question 4. What is the use of inexhaustible resources?

Answer. Inexhaustible resources include those resources which are used again and again. All non-conventionaJ resources of energy, water resources and wind energy etc., are used for power as resources.

Question 5. What do you mean by appropriate technology?

Answer. The technology suitable for a particular type of resource or on a particular occasion is called appropriate technology.

Question 6. What is recycling?

Answer. Recycling is a process by which wastes of natural and manufactured substances or goods are broken down and then reconstituted into useful material.

Explanation Of Resources In KSEEB Class 8 Geography 

Question 7. Give two examples of aesthetic values.

Answer.
(a) Lakes and rivers
(b) Mountains These resources have natural scenic beauty.

Question 8. Mention three ways in which natural resources are classified.

Answer.
(a) On the basis of origin
(b) On the basis of renewability
(c) On the basis of utility.

Question 9. On what factors does the utility of resources depend?

Answer.
(a) Human skill
(b) Technology
(c) Stage of human development

Question 10. Which countries use the resources more?

Answer. Developed countries use the resources mo’e than developing countries.

Question 11. Give three examples of human-made resources.

Answer.
(a) Machines
(b) Buildings
(c) Roads
(d) Bridges

Question 12. Distinguish between actual resources and reserve resources.

Answer. Actual resources depend upon physical condrtons of environment. These are surveyed. Their quantity is determined and are actually used. Reserve resources are a part of actual resources. These can be made useful with technology. A grade coal-lignite is a reserved resource in some areas.

Question 13. How can a gift of nature become a resource?

Answer. A gift of nature can become a resource if the people have sufficient knowledge and skill to use it for satisfying their needs.

Question 14. On which factors do human needs depend?

Answer. Human needs are not the same everywhere. They vary not only from region to region, but also from time to time. Human needs actually depend on their natural environment and also on the level of social, cultural and technological development.

Question 15. Discuss the role of technology in the utilisation of resources.

Answer. Technology helps in the development of the means of production. It increases the value of natural resources. Technology depends upon the human skill and technical knowledge. The mechanism helps in the better utilisation of natural resources. A resource is no resource until it is used.

Question 16. ‘India is poor in technology but rich in natural resources.’ Comment.

Answer. It is true that India is poor in technology but has large amounts of natural resources. These are the basis of the Indian economy. Large arable land, long growing season, perennial rivers, huge mineral resources are sufficient resources but these have not been utilised fully. This is due to the fact that India is poor in technology.

Question 17. What is economic development? What factors encourage or hinder it?

Answer. It refers to change in the amount, growth, distribution and consumption of growth. High productivity of a nation produces more services and goods However, human resources are most crucial because the health and education of the population contribute to the growth in productivity. Rapid population growth may prohibit it

KSEEB Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Important Questions 

Question 18. What are four types of values associated with resources?

Answer. There are four types of values associated with resou’xes. These are:
(a) Economic value
(b) Legal value
(c) Ethical value
(d) Aesthetical value

Question 19. What is meant by conservation?

Answer. It means to use the natural resources carefully w ithout wastage. They are mportant to us, so they should be used wisely so that they are not exhausted and we may have to face their scarcity.

Question 20. What are the characteristics of resources?

Answer. The characteristics ox resources are:

(a) Limited quantity’
(b) Utility
(c) Help to create goods
(d) Provide services.

Question 21 How do inventions create resources? Give three examples.

Answer Inventions create resources in the following ways:
(a) The discover)’ of fire led to the practice cf cooking.
(b) Invention of wheel resulted in means of transport.
(c) Technology has created hydro-electricity.

Question 22 What are actual resources? Give three examples.

Answer The resources being used in the present are called actual resources. Such as:
(a) Coal in Ruhr (Germany)
(b) Petroleum in West-Asia
(c) Black soils of Deccan Plateau.

Question 23 What is resource conservation?

Answer Resource conservation is:
(a) To use resources carefully.
(b) Giving resources time to renew.

Question 24 What is sustainable development?

Answer Balancing the need to use resources and conserve these for the future.

Question 25 What are the aims of conservation of resources?

(a) To meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.
(b) Sustainable benefits to the present generation.

Question 26 Distinguish between

(a) Renewable and Non-renewable Resources.
(b) Natural Resources and Human Resources.

Resources Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What are the four types of values associated with resources? Explain.

(a) Black soils of Deccan Plateau.
(b) Legal value: Clean Air Act has legal value. This act is an example of legal value attached to the quality of air as a resource.
(c) Aesthetic value: Natural scenic beauty of forests, mountains, lakes and rivers have aesthetic value.
(d) Ethical value: National Parks to preserve wildlife have ethical value. The responsibility to preserve our national parks for future generation reflects the ethical value attached to such resources.

Question 2. Why consumption of resources is higher in developed nations than developing nations?

Answer. The demand for resources varies from region to region and country to country. The demand is
more in developed countries as compared to developing countries.
Following reasons are responsible for the higher consumption of resources in developed countries:
(a) Developed countries are economically developed. So their demand increases fester.
(b) Developed countries use more resources
(c) The per capita income is high in these countries. As a result, with more wealth, the consumption of the resource is more.

Question 3. What are the ill effects of overuse of resources? What are the measures to make the earth habitate?

Answer. Ill effects of overuse of resources:
Degradation of resources: The rising demand for various resources has caused degradation or deDletion of many valuable resources.
Example:
(a) Overuse of soil has caused infertility in many areas.
(b) Similarly, widespread deforestation and killing of birds arid animals have endangered many plant and animal species.
(c) The quality of air, water arid land resources has also been affected badly due to misuse or overuse of resources.
Measures to make the Earth habitate: Future of our planet and its people, therefore, is linked with our ability’ to maintain and preserve the life support system that nature provides. This makes it our duty to ensure that:
(a) All uses of renewable resources are suitable.
(b) The diversity of life on the earth is conserved and
(c) The damage to natural environmental syr.em is minimised.

Question 4. Explain the functional theory of resources.

Answer. Natural resources help human beings in the following ways:
(a) These provide material, energy for development.
(b) They constitute natural environment.
(c) Air, water and forests are essential for human survival.
Resources become resources only when they are utilised. Coal became a resource only when man used it as a source of energy .

Question 5. In how many ways man uses his environment?

Answer. Environment means a set of surroundings. It provides many resources to get food, shelter and clothing. Man uses land for crops, houses, factories and the construction oi transport network. Man uses minerals for industries and forests for timber, herbs and shrubs. Man gets fish and other benefits from seas and oceans.

Detailed Notes On Resources KSEEB Geography 

Question 6. Classify resources. Describe the main characteristic and example of each.

Answer. Resources are generally classified into three types:
1 Natural
2 Human
3 Human made.

1 Natural Resources: Any matter or energy derived from the envronment that is used by living things and humans is called natural resource. Example: air, water, soil, minerals, fossil fuels, plants and wildlife are called natural resources.
Classification of Natural Resources:
(a) Natural resources are classified in many ways. They may be categorised on the basis of the source of their origin. Accordingly, there are land, soil, water, plant, animal, mineral and energy resources.
Types of Resource
(b) Another method of classification is according to the stage of development of resource.

1.  Potential Resource: Those resources which are found in the region but have not been put to a proper use are called potential resources.
2.  Actual Resources: The resources, which have been surveyed and quantified (quantities determined properly) for actual use are called actual resources.
3.  Reserve Resources: That portico of the actual resource, which can be developed profitably with available technology is termed as a reserve.

(c) Natural resources are also classified on the basis of renewability. The natural resources are categorised into renewable and non-renewable resources.

1. Renewable Resources: Resources which get renewed or replenished fast, are called renewable resources. Some of these resources are always available (continuous) like solar and wind energy. Some resources like crop take a short time for renewal.
2. Non-renewable Resources: Non-renewable Resources have been built-up over a very long geological time. Minerals and fossil fuels are the examples of such resources since their rate of formation is extremely slow. Some of these resources such as metallic ores (rocks containing minerals like gold, silver and iron) are recyclable in nature. It means that the metal content drawn from the ore may be used again and again after necessary¬processing. Fossil fuels such as coal, mineral oil and natural gas get exhausted for ever, once consumed. Hence, they are non-recyclable.

2 Human Resources: Human resources mean the number (quantity) and abilities (mental and physical) of the people. Education anc health help people to acquire competencies required for developing resources.
The utility of a resource depends upon:
(a) Human Skill

(b) Stage of Human Development

(a) Technology.

3 Human-Made Resources: These are the techniques of production which have been created by people to utilise the physical materials of the environment. Thus, machines, tool, houses, and buildings are the examples of such resources.

Question 7 What is sustainable development? What are its basic principles?

By sustainable development, we refer to the careful utilisation of resources so that along with meeting the present requirements, the requirements of the future generation is also taken care of. Some methods of conservation are as follows:
(a) Respect and care for all forms of life (ii) Improving the quality of human life
(b) Conserving the Earth’s vitality and diversity (iv) Minimising the depletion of natural resources
(c) Changing personal attitude and practices towards the environment
(d) Enabling communities to care for their own environment

Question 8. What is our duty to ensure regarding resources?

Answer. It is our duty to ensure that:
(a) The diversity of life on the earth is conserved.
(b) All uses of renewable resources are sustanable.
(c) The damage to natural environmental system is minimised.

Resources Hots Corner

Question 1. All natural resources run in cycles.’ Give examples.

Answer. Cycle is a period of time for the formation of a resource. All natural resources are part of natural cycles, such as hydrological cycle, rock cycle and carbon cycle. But the time taken in completing these cycles varies. While some cycles, like the hydrological cycle may be completed soon, others such as rock cycle may take millions of years. Thus, one of the common ways of classifying natural resources is on the basis of renewability. This refers to the ability of a natural resource to renew or replenish itself within a few generations of human lives. Minerals and fossil fuels are built over a long geological time. Their rate of formation is very slow.

Question 2. ‘Resources are not, they become so.’ Explain.

Answer. Resources are elements of the bio-physical environment. But these become resources only when humans preserve them. Coal was always there, but it became a resource only when man used it as a source of energy. Hence, it has been rightly said that resources are not, they become so.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources 

Question 3. How are development and resources inter-dependent?

Answer. Development is possible through resources. Resources are the foundation of development. These have economic significance for human beings. Land, water and air are the basic requirements for agriculture. We can’t do agriculture without these resources. MineraJs are basic requirement for industries. Industries cannot run without minerals. Thus, development and resources are inter¬dependent.

Question 4. Future of our planet is linked with life support system. Discuss.

Answer. Our Earth is the only planet where life exists. Future of our planet and its people, is linked w ith our ability to maintain and preserve the life support system that nature provides. This makes it our duty to ensure that the natural environment is preserved and properly managed.

Question 5. How does man use his environment?

Answer. Environment means set of surroundings. It provides many resources to get food, shelter and clothing. Man uses land for crops, minerals for industries and forests for timber. Man gets fish from seas and oceans.

Simplified Notes For KSEEB Class 8 Geography Resources 

Resources Miscellaneous Questions A. Multiple Choice Questions
Tick the correct option from the choices provided:

Question 1. Metals have a value:

(a) Economic

(b) Legal

(c) Aesthetic

Answer. (a) Economic

Question 2. Invention of wheel has resulted in the development of:

(a) Transport

(b) Industries

(c) Agriculture

Answer. (a) Transport

Question 3. Which of the following is not a natural resource?

(a) Soil

(b) Air

(c) Water

Answer. (d) Manufactured goods

Question 4. What type of resource is uranium in Ladakh?

(a) Actual

(b) Potential

(c) Biotic

Answer. (b) Potential

Question 5. Which of the following is an abiotic resource?

(a) Forests

(b) Water

(c) Rocks

Answer. (c) Rocks

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 1 Resources 

Question 6. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?

(a) Coal

(b) Solar energy

(c) Water power

Answer. (a) Coal

Question 7. Which of the following is a renewable resource?

(a) Forests

(b) Rock

(c) Minerals

Answer. (a) Forests

Question 8. Which of the following is a man-made resource?

(a) Roads

(b) Forests

(c) Rocks

Answer. (a) Roads

Question 9. Which of the following is not a man-made resource?

(a) Roads

(b) Bridges

(c) Buildings

Answer. (d) Rocks.

B. One Word/Sentence Answers

Resources Answer the following questions in one word Sentence

(a) What is the prime quality of a substance to become a resource?

Answer. Utility

(b) Name of the resources whose quantity is known are called?

Answer. Actual resources

(c) What is also known as manpower resources?

Answer. Human resources

KSEEB Class 8 Geography solutions for Resources

(d) What do we call those resources which get replenished after use?

Answer. Renewable resources

(e) ‘Respect and care for all forms of life.’ What does the sentence refer to?

Answer. Sustainable development

Resources Passage Interpretation

Read the below passage and answer the questions tiat follow:

Time and technology are two important factors required for chang ng substances into resources. For example, soil is necessary for plant growth. It takes hundreds to thousand years to form just one layer of soil. Similarly, fire became an important resource, when man discovered its uses and learnt to make fire. The technology helped him to create more resources.

(a) What is required for a substance to be a resource?

Answer. Time and technology.

(b) Give two examples of substances which become a resource with the realisation of its utility. Ans. Use of soil for agriculture and use of fire are two examples of resources.

Resources Picture Interpretation

Look at the following picture and answer the questions that follow:

(a) What does the picture depict?

Answer. The picture is related to the conservation of resources. The basic principle of conservation is ‘Reduce- Recycle-Reuse’ (3Rs). Conservat or thus, does not prohibit the use of resources but emphasises their efficient use. We need to reduce the consumption of resources and their wastes. The wastes such as those of paper, aluminium, water, etc., can be recycled and then re-used in many forms. Some examples are home-made paper by Khadi Gram Udyog.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Biology Chapter 9 Useful Microorganisms, Animals And Plants Notes

Many living organisms are present in soil, water, and air around us. Some of these organisms are so small that we cannot see them with naked eyes. We need a magnifying instrument called a microscope to see these extremely small organisms. These extremely small organisms are known as microorganisms (micro = extremely small). We can now say that: Those organisms which are too small to be seen without a microscope are called microorganisms. The study of microorganisms is called microbiology.

Useful Microorganisms

Initially it was thought that all the micro-organisms are harmful and cause diseases. Later on scientists discovered that only a handful of microorganisms are harmful and cause diseases. Most of the microorganisms are harmless and some of the microorganisms are even beneficial to us (or useful to us).
Microorganisms play an important role in our lives. We will now describe the beneficial effects and harmful effects of micro-organisms in detail, one by one.

Useful Bacteria

Bacteria are very small, singlc-ccllcd microorganisms which have cell walls but do not have an organised nucleus and other structures. Bacteria are found in large numbers everywhere: in air; soil and water; every surface around us; on our bodies and even inside our bodies.They are invisible to the naked eye and can be only viewed under a microscope. The study of bacteria is bacteriology.

Class 8 Biology KSEEB Useful Microorganisms Animals and Plants Notes 

Food

Some bacteria are useful to us. They can be used to make curd, cheese and vinegar. The milk changes lo curd due lo Lhe presence of a bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus. When a little of pre¬made curd is added to warm milk, then Lactobacilli bacteria present in curd multiply in milk and convert it into curd. This happens as follows: Milk contains a sugar called lactose. Lactobacilli bacteria convert llie lactose sugai into lactic acid. This lactic acid then converts milk into curd. Acetobacter bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid (or vinegar).

Medicines Synthesising The Vitamin

The bacteria found in the human intestine synthesize the vitamin B-complcx which further helps in digestion and absorption of food in the human body.

Antibiotics And Vaccines

A medicine which stops the growth of, or kills the disease-causing microorganisms is called an antibiotic. The source of antibiotic medicines are microorganisms. The antibiotics are manufactured by growing specific microorganisms (and used to cure a number of diseases). These days, a large number of antibiotics are being produced from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.

Some of the common antibiotics which are made from fungi and bacteria are: Penicillin, Streptomycin, Erythromycin and Tetracycline. Antibiotics are, however, not effective against diseases caused by viruses. For example, antibiotics cannot be used to cure diseases like common cold’, ‘flu’, and ‘viral fever* because these are caused by viruses.
Mircoorganisms are also used to make vaccines.

A vaccine is a special kind of preparation (or medicine) which provides immunity (or protection) against a particular disease. Vaccines are given to healthy persons so that they may not get certain diseases throughout their life (even if they are exposed to the pathogens of these diseases later on in life). The diseases which can be prevented by vaccination of children at proper age are: Polio, Smallpox, Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis (TB), Tetanus, Measles, Rabies, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping cough).

Tanning Of Leather

Tanning is the process of treating animal skin to produce leather. Bacteria are also used in tanning process. The bacteria employed in the process of tanning are obtained from cowdung and the excreta of dogs and poultry.

Retting Of Fibres

The action of some bacteria like Clostridium, Pseudomonas, etc., help in fibre retting i.e. separation of stem and leaf fibre of plants from other softer tissue.

KSEEB Class 8 Biology Solutions For Useful Microorganisms

Production Of Biogas

Bacteria, while converting animal dung and other organic wastes to manure, help in production of fuel that is a must in gobar gas plant

Scavenging

Saprophytic bacteria obtain food from organic remains such as animal excreta, fallen leaves, meat etc. They decompose these substances by action of digestive enzymes aerobically or anaerobically (known as fermentation). Thus they help in sanitation of nature, hence, also known as scavengers. An example is Pseudomonas.

Decomposition

Bacteria use the dead and decaying mailer as a source of nutrients, and in turn help in recycling the organic compounds trapped in the dead matter. Through this process, other organisms also get benefited, who can use the simpler forms of organic compounds/nutrients released from the dead matter by various bacteria.

Useful Fungi

Fungi are microorganisms that look like small plants but do not contain chlorophyll and do not photosynthesise. They can be unicellular or multicellular. The body of a fungi consists of many cotton-like threads that are called mycelium, and each of such single thread is called hypha. Fungi grow’ in damp and warm places and are often found on breads, pickles and rotting food items.

Food

Some species of fungi are edible. They are cooked with rice or eaten as vegetables or prepared in soups. Some examples are Morchella (morels), mushrooms, Ramaria, and so on. These are used for preparing mushroom soup, as pasta toppings or to add flavour to an omelette. Fungi are also used to process cheese with different flavours.

Bakery

Yeast is used in the baking industry for making bread. When yeast is mixed in dough for making bread, the yeast reproduces rapidly and gives out carbon dioxide gas during respiration. The bubbles of carbon dioxide gas fill the dough and increase its volume. This makes the bread ‘rise’.

Fermentation

Yeast is also used in breweries to make beverages such as wine and beer. These microorganisms convert the sugar to an acid or alcohol. This process in which microorganisms convert the sugar to alcohol is called fermentation. Wine is prepared by the fermentation of grapes whereas beer is obtained by the fermentation of barley.

Useful Microorganisms Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Manure

The seaweeds are also added as a manure in the agricultural fields which help in improving the soil quality and its fertility.

Medicines

The antibiotic penicillin is obtained from PeniciUium.

Useful Algae

Algae is a large group of simple, plan t-like organisms. They contain chlorophyll and produce food by photosynthesis just like plants. Algae, however differ from plants because they do not have proper roots, stems and leaves. Some of the examples of algae are: Chlamydomonas, Spirogyra, Blue-green algae; Diatoms and Seaweeds.

Algae As A Food

A few red algae are good source of food. In Japan a popular dish is prepared from Laminaria, a brown algae. It contains a large amount of minerals. Algae are also used as food by animals. Many seaweeds make very useful fodder.

Medicines

Seaweeds also yield bromine, acetic acid, formic acid and acetone. An antibiotic called Chlorellin is prepared from Chlorella.

In Industries

Agar (also known as China grass) is obtained from red algae. This product is used in laboratory for various experiments. Diatoms are a kind of algae found in sea. They contain silica which is extensively used in making metal polish, porcelain and toothpaste. Iodine is extracted from Laminaria.

Useful Animals

The animals are useful to us in many ways. A number of domestic animals like cows, goats, ducks, and others provide us with milk, eggs, meat, and so on. This process of rearing of animals for a specific purpose is called domestication. All the domesticated animals which are useful in producing various products are called livestock. The taking care of this livestock such as their food, shelter and breeding along with rearing of animals at a large scale is known as animal husbandry. Animals are reared on the farm for food, milk, and other activities. Livestock can come under different categories. Let us discuss them here:

Milk Yielding (Milching) Animals

Cows, buffaloes, goats, camels and other animals provide us with milk that is nutritious and rich in calcium. Livestock raised as a source of milk are called milk animals. Milk is a good source of vitamins, proteins and minerals. In India, buffaloes are the major source of milk as compared to cows.
There are three types of breeds of dairy cows majorly found in India.

Explanation of Useful Microorganisms KSEEB Class 8 Biology 

Indigenous breeds

These breeds are also known as desi breeds. For example. Red Sindhi, Gir and Sahiwal.

Exotic breeds

These breeds are imported from other countries. For example, Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss and Jersey

Crossbreed

These breeds are developed by mating exotic breeds with indigenous breeds. Their milk-yielding capacity is two to three times more than indigenous ones. For example, Karan Fries, Frieswal and Karan Swiss. The three breeds of buffaloes in India are as follows:

Murrah

The milk yield of this breed is about 12-16 litres of milk on daily basis during lactation time. It is considered as the best breed of buffalo in Haryana and Punjab.

Mehsana

Mehsana breed is commonly found in and around Gujarat. The average milk yield is around 10-12 liters per day.

Surti

The Surti is a breed of water buffalo found in a few districts of Gujarat. They can yield 7-9 liters of milk in a day.

Management of Milch Animals

The management of milk-yielding animals include appropriate shelter and feeding requirements.

Shelter

The animals’ shelter should have the following characteristics:

•  Animals’ shelters should be clean and well-ventilated.
•  Their sheds should be well-covered to protect them from rain, heat and cold.
•  The shelter should be big enough to provide sufficient space to the animal for stay.
•  It should have clear drinking water.
•  The shelter should be protected from predators.

Feeding

The animal food containing essential nutrients needed for the growth and development is called feed.
Cattle feed is of two types:

•  Roughage: Roughage has more fibre content. It includes feed such as hay, straw, fodder, legumes, silage, coco pea and so on.
•  Concentrates: Concentrates have very low fibrous matter. They are rich in nutrients.
  They include grains such as bajra, jowar, rice, barley, gram, chaff, wheat bran, husk, oilseeds, molasses, etc.

Proper breeding

Animals with specific and desired characters are selected for breeding. This is important for propagating only those specific desired species of livestock.

KSEEB Class 8 Biology Chapter 9 Important Questions 

Diseases of Cattle

Like humans, cattle also sutler from diseases by bacteria and viruses. Dairy animals should be vaccinated regularly to be protected from diseases Some of the diseases in cattle are listed in the table shown here

White Revolution

Operation Flood (OF), commonly referred to as ‘white revolution, refers to rapid development in milk production that took place in India from 1970-1996 . This project transformed India from a milk deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer in 1998. The main architect of this successful project was Dr. Verghese Kurien, also known as the ‘Father of White Revolution’. ‘Operation flood’ is a program started by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Operation flood was completed in three phases. During the first phase of its starting (1970-1980), the country’s 18 main milk sheds were connected to the consumers of the four metros, that is, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. During the second phase (1981-1985), the management increased the milk sheds from 18 to 136; 290 urban markets expanded the outlets for milk. By the end of 1985, a self-sustaining system of43,000 village cooperatives with 42.5 lakh milk producers were covered.

In the third and last stage (1986-1996) of white revolution, the dairy cooperatives were enabled to expand and strengthen the infrastructure required to procure and market increasing volumes of milk. Veterinary first aid, health care sendees, feed and artificial insemination sendees for cooperative members were extended, along with intensified member education.

Meat and Egg-yielding Animals

Goat, sheep, hen and other poultry birds provide us with meal. Fish is also a source of food. These animals are reared on a commercial scale for their meat. Hen meat is called chicken. Sheep and goat meat is called mutton.

Poultry farming

Poultry is the rearing of birds like fowl (cock and hen), goose, turkey and duck for their meat and eggs. The eggs from these birds are a rich source of proteins. The chicken used for laying eggs are called layers, and chicken used for rearing meat is called broiler. In India, there arc three types of breeds of chickens: indigenous, exotic and cross-breed.

The most popular indigenous breed is Aseel. Exotic breeds such as White rock. Black Minorcha, Rhode Island Red arc produced outside India. They are excellent egg layer and good meat producers. In India, some cross breeds of chicken such as ILS-82, HH-260, B-77 have been raised. They have high egg laying capacity.

Management of poultry birds

It is very important that the chickens are kept with care in the poultry sheds. The birds should not be kept in the open as there is always a danger of the birds being attacked by other animals. Care should be taken while feeding the birds. Bird food generally include cereals like bajra, maize, wheat, ragi, etc.

Sheep and Goat

Animals such as goat, hen and sheep are reared for their flesh or meat. Sheep provides us mutton, wool and hide (leather). Goat provides us milk, meat, and skin. The process of removal of wool from sheep is called shearing. Wool is produced from the fleece of sheep. Power shears arc used for shearing. The quality of wool varies from breed to breed. For example, Pashmina wool is very soft and warm.

It is obtained from Indian breed called Pashmina, which is found in Kashmir and Himalayan areas. Important breeds of sheep in our country are Nellore, Mandya, Dorset, Marwari, Bikaneri, Rampuri, and Deccani. Important breeds of goat include Gaddi, Jamnapuri, Black Bengal, Assam hill, Decanny, Kashmiri and many more.

Management of sheep and goat

Sheep do not require a well-structured shelter. They live under natural shades of trees and hills. Goats require a clean, dry and safe home. Goals should be protected from heat and cold.

Sheep and goat are given grains, gram chaff, oil cakes, and mineral mixtures along with grass, foliage, herbs, etc.

Detailed Notes On Useful Microorganisms In KSEEB Biology 

Diseases in sheep and goat

Sheep and goat suffer from bacterial and viral diseases. Regular immunisation and proper sanitation help in the prevention of diseases.

Draught Animals

Animals which arc used to carry loads and doing labour in fields such as carting, tilling and ploughing are called draught animals. Animals are being used as a means of transportation since ancient times. We have all seen bullock carts, horse carts and camel carts. Elephants, mules, donkeys and horses also help in carrying load and transporting goods from one place to another.

Bullocks are used extensively by farmers in ploughing and irrigating, hi desert areas, the main form of transportation of human beings and goods is the camel. The camel is hence known as the ship of the desert.

Apiculture

The rearing of bees for honey is called apiculture. The scientific name for honeybee is Apis. In the process of rearing the bees, special wooden boxes are placed in the orchards. At the doors of these boxes, there are pores from which the bees can move in or out. The boxes are used as a hive by the bees and arc called apiaries. Generally, there are thousands of bees in one hive along with one queen bee. Most of the bees are workers or drones. These bees collect nectar from flowers which they turn into honey. Honey is rich in carbohydrates, and is thus, very good for health. Beeswax, also produced from apiculture, is used in the manufacturing of candles, cosmetics items, etc.

Pisciculture

Raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures such as fish ponds, usually for food or business is called fish farming or pisciculture. It is the principal form of aquaculture. The fish may be reared in small and large rivers, lakes, canals, etc. Hatcheries are developed wherein fish seeds or fish eggs are pul. Later, when they grow and are nursed, the young fishes are finally harvested. Culturing fish can be done in various processes and classifying them can be done based on the way they are grown in the ponds.

• Monoculture is a type where a single type of fish is grown in a particular water body.
• Polyculture involves growing more than one type of fishes in a single water body.
• Integrated fish culture is an entirely different type where fishes are grown with agricultural crops/animals.

Pisciculture is done in various types of ponds based on stages of growth of fish. The types of ponds include—breeding ponds, hatchery ponds, nursery ponds, rearing ponds and stocking ponds.

Simplified Notes For KSEEB Class 8 Useful Microorganisms 

Sericulture

Sericulture refers to the process of the breeding and management of silkworms for the production of silk. In the process of sericulture, the eggs of the silkworms are kept together in trays. They are kept there until the eggs hatch. The small larvae called silkworms have a short life cycle, divided into four stages.

Eggs

The time when a female silk moth lays eggs is the beginning stage of the life cycle of silkworm, and they hatch to form worms. To speed up the time of hatching the eggs, they are incubated.

Larva

After about 20 days, the larvae or caterpillars start hatching from these eggs. After hatching, these larvae that come out are known as silkworms or caterpillars. These silkworms eat voraciously.

Pupa

These silkworms feed on fresh mulberry leaves and grow in size. They secrete fine filaments from two glands on their heads, which is made up of protein that hardens to form silk fibres when exposed to air. The silkworm deposits filaments in a number of concentric layers around its body, through the movements of the head, forming a structure, called the cocoon.

Adult

Inside the cocoon, the silkworm enters the next stage of its life called the pupa and then into a moth. It then breaks open the cocoon emerging as an adult and again lays eggs and the cycle continues again. To extract silk from silkworms, the cocoons are put in water to extract the soft silk threads. These threads are then purified and spun into yarns.

USEFUL PLANTS

Plants are the primary producers, all other living organisms directly or indirectly depend on them for food. They fulfill almost all our basic needs for food and also release life sustaining oxygen in atmosphere. We get different products from plants as discussed here:

Food Crops

A food crop is any cultivated plant that is harvested to be consumed by both human beings and animals. They are grown with the primary intention of being consumed and thus, require special care throughout the cultivation period. The plants which are grown to produce crops are known as the crop plants. Main crops include cereals, pulses, etc.

Such crops are a part of our food along with the oils and beverages that are produced through them. The production of food is not limited to cereals and pulses but also extends to vegetables and fruits. Some of the food crops grown in India are discussed here.

Cereals And Pulses

The cereals like corn, wheat and paddy provide us starch, fibre and minerals. They also give us proteins.

Oilseeds

The seeds which are the source of oils are called oilseeds. Important oilseeds are mustard, groundnut, sesame (til j, soya bean, sunflower, and so on. The oil cake is the residue left after the extraction of oil.

Vegetables

The vegetables are soft, seasonal and herbaceous plants. They give us nutrients, and are rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Cash Crops

Cash crops are the ones which are produced in order to further sell the produce rather than consumption. These are exported to foreign countries. These crops are grown on large estates called plantations.

KSEEB Solutions for Class 8 Biology Chapter 9 Useful Microorganisms Notes

Spices

India produces a wide range of spices and spice products, such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon,ginger, turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, clove, saffron,garlic, mustard, and so on.

Rubber

Rubber plantation in India started in 1895 on the hills of Kerala. Rubber is produced from the latex of different plants but majorly, the rubber plant is used to produce it.

Fibre-yielding crops

Fibre-yielding crops are the ones which produce- fibres and are used for manufacturing fibre goods. These crops include jute, hemp, cotton, milkweed, etc.

Medicinal plants

India produces numerous medicinal and herbal plants such as amla, brahmi, ashok, calihari, neem, makoi, sandalwood, tulsi, Aloe vera, and many more.

Keywords

Germs: Microorganisms which cause diseases
Antibiotics: The chemicals carry antibodies to fight against diseases
Vaccines: The injections with antigens to fight against diseases
Animal husbandry: Rearing of animals on a large scale at or in a farm and taking care of their shelter, food, breeding and health
Apiculture: Rearing of bees for production of honey
Sericulture: The process of breeding, rearing and management of silkworms for the production of silk
Pisciculture: Raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures, usually for food or business
Food crop: Any cultivated plant that is harvested to be consumed by both human beings and animals

Summary

•  Bacteria turns the lactose present in the milk and converts it into lactic acid. This acid helps in turning milk into curd.
•  Cash crops are the ones which are produced in order to further sell the produce rather than consumption.
•  All the domesticated animals which are useful in producing various products are called livestock.
•  Poultry is the rearing of birds like fowl (cock and hen), goose, turkey and duck for their meat and eggs.
•  Draught animals are used to carry loads and are used for carting, tilling, ploughing, etc.
•  Rearing of honeybees for commercial purposes and to obtain honey is called apiculture.
•  Rearing of silkworm to obtain silk is called sericulture.
•  A food crop is any cultivated plant that is harvested to be consumed by both human beings and animals.

KSEEB Solutions For Class 8 Biology Chapter 10 Food Production Notes

We obtain food from plants in the form of vegetables, cereals, pulses, fruits, etc., which are grown in fields by farmers. Farming is the primary occupation of a large number of people around the world especially in India. It is primarily the source of food and then the source of income for most of the people.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a broad term used for of all the farm related activities such as cultivation of plants, producing food and cash crops, domestication of animals, fisheries, horticulture and much more. It is the prime factor of India’s growth and provides employment to a large number of people. In fact, agriculture is the primary source of living for the people living in rural areas of India.

Agriculture is not only important for growing food but also other products such as fuels, fibres and other raw materials such as wool, silk, resins, biofuels, bamboos, etc.
When the same kind of plants are grown in the fields on a large scale to obtain foods like cereals (wheat, rice, maize), pulses, vegetables and fruits, etc., it is called a crop. Crops are grown in the fields by farmers (kissan). Some of the examples of crops are given below:

•  Cereal crops: Wheat, Paddy (Rice), Maize, Millet (Bajra, Jawar), Barley (Grain crops)
•  Pulses: Gram (Cham), Peas, Beans
•  Oil seeds: Mustard, Groundnut, Sunflower
•  Vegetables: Tomato, Cabbage, Spinach
•  Fruits: Banana, Grapes, Guava, Mango, Orange, Apple

Crops Based On Growing Season

Based on the seasons (in which they grow well), all the crops are categorised into two main groups: Kharif crops, and Rabi crops.

Kharif Crops

The crops which arc sown in the rainy season are called kharif crops. The sowing for kharif crops starts in June-July at the beginning of southwest monsoon because these crops (particularly paddy) need substantial amount of water. The kharif crops are harvested at the end of monsoon season during September (or October). Some of the examples of kharif crops are: paddy, maize, millet, soyabean, groundnut and cotton. The kharif crops are sometimes also called ‘summer crops’.

Rabi Crops

The crops grown in the winter season arc called rabi crops. The time period of rabi crops is generally from October to March. The sowing for rabi crops begins at the beginning of winter (October-November) and the crops are harvested by March (or April). Some of the examples of rabi crops are: wheat, gram (chana), peas, mustard, and linseed.

Crops On The Basis Of Their Lifespan

On the basis of lifespan, the crops can be categorised as—annual crops, biennial crops and perennial crops.

Annual Crops

Annual crops are the ones which complete their lifecycle in one year or in one growing season. In other words, if an annual crop is sown at a particular period of time, then it grows and is harvested within a span of one year. The vegetative and reproductive stages of annual crops get completed on an annual basis.

This means that the year in which they are grown, they produce fruits in the same year only. Some of the examples of annual crops are rice, millet, maize, cotton and groundnut.

Class 8 Biology KSEEB Food Production Notes 

Biennial Crops

Biennial crops are those crops which complete their lifecycle in two years or in two growing seasons. In other words, if a biennial crop is sown at a particular period of time, then it grows and is harvested within a span of two years. That is, they are grown in the first year in which the roots and leaves are produced, then in the second year they produce flower, fruits and seeds. Some of the examples of biennial crops are carrot, ginger, cabbage, etc.

Perennial Crops

Perennial crops are the crops that can survive without replanting for several years, which means they can be harvested several times before replanting is needed. If a perennial crop is sown at a particular period of time, then it re-grows after harvest. Perennial fruit crops are less labour-intensive and have a relatively long lifespan. They produce food for many years after a single planting as compared to annual plants that need to be regrown every year.

Some of the examples of perennial crops are sugar cane, banana, etc. Any crop that survives and grows above the span of three years are called permanent crops such as mango, coconut, etc.

Crops On The Basis Of Purpose Of Cultivation

Crops further have been divided on the basis of purpose of their cultivation into the following two types:

Food Crops

Crops which arc grown for obtaining food are called food crops. Pulses, cereals, fruits and vegetables are some examples of food crops.

Cash Crops

Crops which are grown to earn profit or cash are called cash crops. Cotton, sugar cane, lea, rubber, spices and coffee are some examples of cash crops.

Horticulture

Horticulture is the branch of agriculture which focuses on growing plants, vegetables and decorative flowers and plants. Besides these, horticulture also includes plant conservation, landscape design, garden design and maintenance. Horticulture also helps farmers to make orchards. Orchards are areas where fruits, vegetables and nut-producing trees are grown for obtaining profit or as cash crops. Horticulture crops include:
Vegetables: Such as beans, spinach, tomato, etc.
Fruits: Such as banana, apple, grapes, papaya, cherry, citrus fruits, peach, plums, nuts almonds, pomegranates etc.
Decorative or Ornamental plants: Plants and flowers such as crotons, ferns, rose, jasmine, etc.
Spices: Such as cloves, chilli, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, bay leaf, etc.

KSEEB Class 8 Biology Solutions For Food Production 

Cultivation Of Horticulture Crops

Several artificial methods have been developed to promote vegetative propagation by horticulturists. The artificial methods of vegetative propagation include cutting, layering, grafting and tissue culture.

Cutting

The method of cutting the stem into small pieces and planting the cut end in soil is known as cutting. The piece of stem eventually bears roots and new leaves which grows into an adult plant. Examples of plants where the artificial vegetative propagation is carried out by means of cutting are money plant, rose and China rose.

Layering

In this method, a portion of the aerial stem is made to grow roots while it is still attached to the parent plant and later is detached from it, so that it grows into an independent plant. In this method, a part of the lower branch of the plant is bent down, so that it touches the soil and a layer of bark is removed from the place where it touches the soil. Layering is carried out in plants such as climbing rose, mint and raspberries.

Grafting

In this method, a small part of the stem or a bud is fixed or attached to the stem of another plant of the same species or related species. When a portion of a cut stem is grafted onto another stem, the cut stem is fixed properly and covered with tape, so that it becomes part of the host plant and continues to grow. The stem of the host plant is known as the stock, while the cut stem that is added to it is known as the scion.

Grafting is usually done on a plant that is growing well, is sturdy and free from diseases. The grafted stem is usually added for more flowers and fruits as good qualities of both the plants are combined in the host plant. Grafting is most commonly seen in rose plants.

Organic Farming

Organic farming is a method of farming in which a land is cultivated and crops are grown with an aim to maintain the fertility of the soil by using organic wastes from plants and animals. In this approach of farming, har mful chemicals, such as, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are either not used at all or are used in minimum amounts. The concept was introduced by Sir Albert Howard, who is recognised as the Father of Organic Farming.

Due to the harmful effects of using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides, the farmers and horticulturists are shifting to organic farming, as it is an eco-friendly method of crop cultivation. Farmers use organic manures to raise the crops. Organic wastes (like waste of plants and animals) and biological materials along with beneficial microbes are mixed together to make the manure.

Combination of crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control hand weeding, mixed weeding are some other techniques used by the farmers to improve soil fertility in organic farming.
Organic farming helps in the following ways:

•  It helps in protecting the fertility of soil for a longer period of time by:
•  Maintaining the level of nutrients in the soil
•  Encouraging the biological activity in the soil
•  Making sure that the mechanical intervention is done carefully
•  It helps in maintaining the nitrogen level of the soil by the use of legumes and biological nitrogen fixation and also helps in the recycling of organic materials including crop wastes and livestock manures effectively.
•  It helps in protecting the crops from weeds, pests, and diseases through crop rotations, natural predators, organic manuring, resistant varieties and limited thermal, biological and chemical intervention.
•  It also helps in conserving the environment and natural habitats of wildlife by reducing the negative impact of farming system
  on them.

Food Production Class 8 KSEEB Questions And Answers 

Green Revolution

The green revolution is defined as a period when the productivity of global agriculture increased drastically as a result of new advances. The period of Green Revolution started in India around the year 1967-68 when the agricultural practices were improved by using improved and advanced technology. It mainly took place in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh which later spread to other states.

Eminent Scientists such as Dr Norman Borlaug (America) and M.S. Swaminathan contributed in the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. During this period, fertilizers and pesticides were also developed to sustain the growth of crops and crop yields. The spread and adoption of modern technologies in the agriculture, made India produce more grains. This not only made India a self-sufficient country, but also established it as one of the world’s major agriculture producers.

Agricultural Practices

In order to raise a crop (or cultivate a crop) successfully and profitably for food production, a farmer has to perform a large number of tasks in a sequence (one after the other). The various tasks performed by a farmer to produce a good crop are called agricultural practices. The various agricultural practices which are carried out at various stages of crop production are:

•  Preparing soil
•  Seed selection
•  Sowing
•  Irrigation
•  Manuring and fertilising
•  Crop protection
•  Harvesting
• Storage of grains

Let us understand these activities one by one.

Preparing The Soil

Preparation of soil is the first step in cultivating a crop for food production. The soil is prepared for sowing the seeds of the crop by (/) ploughing, (it) levelling, and (iii) manuring. Each one of these steps has its own significance. This is described below. The process of loosening and turning the soil is called ploughing (or tilling). Ploughing (or tilling) of fields is done by using an implement called plough.

Ploughs are made of wood or iron, and they have an iron tip for easy penetration into the soil. The ploughs are pulled by a pair of bullocks or by a tractor. Actually, the ploughing of small fields is done with the help of animals like bullocks while large fields are ploughed by using tractors. The loosening of soil by ploughing is beneficial because of the following reasons:

1. The loose soil allows the plant roots to penetrate freely and deeper into the soil so that plants are held more firmly to the ground.
2.  The loose soil allows the roots of the plants to breathe easily (even when the roots are deep). This is because loose soil can hold a lot of air in its spaces.
3.  The loose soil helps in the growth of worms and microbes present in the soil who arc friends of the farmer since they help in further turning and loosening the soil. They also add humus to the soil.
4.  Ploughing also uproots and buries the weeds (unwanted plants) standing in the field and thereby suffocates them to death.
5. The loosening and turning of soil during ploughing brings the nutrient rich soil to the top so that the plants can use these nutrients.

The ploughed soil is levelled by pressing it with a wooden leveller (or an iron leveller) so that the top soil is not blown away by wind or drained off by water (and soil erosion is prevented). ‘Manuring’ means ‘adding manure to the soil’. Sometimes, manure is added to the soil before ploughing. Addition of manure to soil before ploughing helps in the proper mixing of manure with the soil.

Manure is first transported to the fields. It is then spread out in the fields. When this field is ploughed, the manure gets mixed in the soil properly. Manure contains many nutrients required for the growth of crop plants. So, manuring is done to increase the fertility of the soil before seeds arc sown into it.

Seed Selection

Before sowing, good quality seeds are selected. Good quality seeds are clean and healthy seeds, free from infection and diseases. Farmers prefer to use seeds which give high yield of food grains.

Explanation Of Food Production In KSEEB Class 8 Biology 

Sowing

Seeds are sown in the soil either by hand or by-seed drill. Thus, there are two methods of sowing the seeds in the soil. These are:

•  Sowing by hand, and
• Sowing with a seed drill.

The sowing of seeds by hand (or manually) is called broadcasting. In the sowing with hand or manually, the seeds are taken in hand and gradually scattered in the entire ploughed field. This method is, however, not very good because there is no proper spacing or proper depth at which the seeds are sown by hand. Moreover, the seeds scattered on the surface of the soil for sowing can be picked up and eaten by the birds. The implement used for sowing is a seed drill.

A seed drill is a long iron tube having a funnel at the top. The seed drill is tied to the back of the plough and seeds are put into the funnel of the seed drill. And as the plough makes furrows in the soil, the seeds from the seed drill are gradually released and sown into the soil furrows made by the plough. Thus, by using a seed drill for sowing, the seeds are sown at the correct depth and correct intervals (or spacings).

The seeds sown with a seed drill are in regular rows. Moreover, when the seeds are sown in furrows by a seed-drill, the seeds get covered by soil. Due to this, these seeds cannot be picked up and eaten by the birds. It is obvious that the sowing with seed-drill is much better than sowing by hand.

Irrigation

The process of supplying water to crop plants in the fields is called irrigation. Just as we cannot survive without water for a long time, in the same way, plants also cannot survive without water for a long time. For example, if we stop watering plants grown in our home for a considerable time, the plants become pale, wilt and ultimately die. Water is absorbed by the roots of the plants. Along with water, minerals and fertilisers are also absorbed by crop plants. Plants contain nearly 90 per cent water. Crops are supplied water for irrigation from different sources like: rivers, canals, wells, tube-wells, dams (reservoirs), ponds and lakes. Even rain is a source of irrigation of crops. The water available in wells, lakes and canals is lifted up by different methods in different regions for taking it to the fields.

Methods Of Irrigation

The various traditional methods of irrigation are: Moat (Pulley system), Chain pump, Dhekli, and Rabat (Lever system).
Moat: In the moat system of irrigation, water is drawn out from a well by using a big container tied to a long rope which moves over a pulley fixed at one edge of the well. The rope tied to the container is usually pulled by animals such as bullock (buffalo or camel). When the rope is pulled at the free end, the container filled with water (tied at the other end of the rope) comes out of the well.
Chain pump: Chain pump is an arrangement to lift water from a source of water like a stream, pond or lake (which is at a lower level than the fields) so as to provide irrigation in the fields.
Dhekli: Dhekli is an arrangement to lift water from shallow wells by using the principle of simple lever (The word ‘dhekli’ means ‘lever- beam of welF). In dhekli, a long wooden beam is supported over a forked vertical support fixed in the ground near the well in such a way that its longer arm is towards the well and shorter arm away from it.
Rabat (lever system): In the rahat system of irrigation, water is drawn out from a well. In this method, there is a large wheel fixed on an axle above the mouth of the well. A long belt with many, many small metal pots is put over the circumference of the big wheel wrhich can move over the wheel when the wheel turns. The lower end of the long belt of pots dips in the water of the well.

When the wheel rotates, the water filled pots come out of the well one after the other, go over the wheel, come downward, pour water in a channel, get emptied and then go down again into the well to bring out more water. The modern methods of irrigation help us to use water economically (by preventing its wastage). The two main modern methods of irrigation are: Sprinkler system, and Drip system. In the sprinkler system of irrigation, a main pipeline is laid in the fields.

Perpendicular pipes having rotating nozzles at the lop are joined to the main pipeline at regular intervals. When water from a tube-well is allowed to flow through the main pipeline under pressure with the help of a pump, it escapes from the rotating nozzles. This water gets sprinkled on the crop plants as if it is raining. In the drip irrigation system, there is a network of narrow pipes (or tubes) with small holes, in ihe fields.

When water flows through the narrow pipes, it falls drop by drop at the position of roots of the plants. This water is absorbed by the soil in the root zone of the plants and utilised by the plants.

Manuring And Fertilisation

‘Manuring’ means ‘adding manure to the soil’. The crop plants need a number of mineral elements for their growth which they get from the soil through their roots. Now, repeated growing of crops in the same field removes a lot of precious mineral elements, organic matter and other materials from the soil.

Due to this the soil becomes infertile after some time, and the crop yield decreases. So, unless the depleted plant nutrients are put back into the soil from time to time, the growth of crop would be poor. The deficiency of plant nutrients and organic matter in the soil is made up by adding manures and fertilisers to the soil.

Free KSEEB Notes For Class 8 Food Production 

Manure

A manure is a natural substance obtained by the decomposition of animal wastes like cow-dung, human wastes, and plant residues, which supplies Manure used essential elements m fields and humus to the soil and makes it more fertile. Manures contain a mixture of various nutrient elements and a lot of organic matter (humus) recycled from bio-mass wastes (animal and plant wastes).

Though manures are not very rich in plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but they are rich in organic chemical nutrients like humus. A manure is, however, very bulky and voluminous due to which it is inconvenient to store and transport. Moreover, a manure is not “nutrient specific”, and hence it is not much helpful when a particular nutrient is required in the soil for a particular crop. A chemical fertiliser, on the other hand, is nutrient specific.

Fertilisers

Fertilizers are natural or synthetic (chemical) substances that are added to the soil. A chemical fertiliser is a salt or an organic compound containing the necessary plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium, to make the soil more fertile. The chemical fertilisers are nutrient specific.

This means that a chemical fertiliser can provide only nitrogen, only phosphorus or only potassium to the soil, as required. The chemical fertilisers have plant nutrients in a concentrated form. So, they provide quick replenishment of plant nutrients in the soil and restore its fertility. The chemical fertilisers can be applied before sowing, during irrigation or sprayed on standing crops. The use of fertilisers has helped the farmers to get better yield of crops such as wheal, paddy (rice) and maize, etc.

Activity-1

Aim: To make compost in the school garden
Procedure: Select an apt area in your school garden where you can make compost. Take a pit and place it at a place where it won’t disturb other people. Spread the litter of farm animals at the base. Prepare a mixture of vegetable scrapings, fruit peelings, seeds, tea bags etc. Fill the pit with the mixture. Cover the pit with mud and leave the set up for 4-5 months.
Observation: On digging the heap, you will find a dark substance rich in manure.
Skills: Environmental awareness, Observation, Interpretation

Activity-2

Aim: Making manure by setting up a vermin-composite in the school garden The process of decomposing organic food waste into a nutrient-rich material with the help of earthworms is called vermicomposting.
Material required: Vegetable and fruit peelings, cowdung, earthworms
Method: Select a suitable area in your school garden. Dig a 2 meter long. 1 metre wide and 1 metre long pit. Lay a mixture of hay, cowdung, vegetable and fruit peelings, etc in it. The materials should be laid in layers one after the other. Moisten each layer by sprinkling some water over it. Introduce some earthworms in the pit after the task of forming layers. Cover the pit with mud. Leave the set-up for a 15-20 days.
Observations: You will find a brown black layer at the bottom of the bin. This material is compost. You can use it to spread in your garden to improve the soil fertility.

Protection Of Crop Plants

We know that plants and crops are exposed to many factors such as birds, insects, rodents, weeds, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to protect and save the plants from getting damaged by these factors through crop protection. Crop protection involves the methods which are used to protect the crops and plants. It includes removing insects, pests and weeds that grow on the plants overtime.

Thus, for saving plants, protection methods such as spraying pesticides, undertaking pest control or bird scarers (scare-crows) are used to keep the insects and other animals or birds away from the crops.

Harvesting

The cutting and gathering of the matured food crop is called harvesting. In harvesting, the crops like wheat or rice are cut close to the ground by hand using a cutting tool called sickle. This is called manual harvesting. In large fields, wheat and paddy crops arc cut by a motorised machine called harvester.

Threshing

After harvesting the crop, the next step is threshing. The process of beati ng out the grains from the harvested crop plants is called threshing.

KSEEB Class 8 Biology Chapter 10 Important Questions 

Winnowing

Though the process of threshing brings out grains from the cut and dried crop plants, but this grain is mixed with chaff (outer inedible covering of grain) and hay, and has to be cleaned by separating from chaff and hay, before it can be used. This is done by the process of winnowing. The process of separating grain from chaff and hay with the help of wind is called winnowing.

These days ‘combines’ (also called combine harvesters) are being used in large farms for harvesting related operations. A combine is a huge machine which cuts the standing cereal crop (like wheat) in the fields, threshes it and separates the chaff from grain in one operation.

Storage Of Grains

The fresh food grains (like wheat) obtained by the harvesting of crops contain more moisture than required for their safe storage. So, the food grains (like wheal) obtained by harvesting the crops are dried in die sunshine before storing, to reduce their moisture. The large scale storage of food grains (like wheat and rice) is done in two ways: in gunny bags, and in grain silos.

Crop Improvement Methods

Hybridization

By using the plant breeding techniques, the plant breeders develop new varieties which are more resistant to diseases and pests and give higher yield with early maturing quality.
The process of cross-breeding of different plants to obtain a new improved variety of crop is called hybridization. The breeding method which uses the variation created by mutagenesis is called mutation breeding.

In this method, gamma rays and X-rays are used as the mutagens which produces the required physical mutation in the plants. On the other hand, ethyl methane sulphonate, ethylene imine and sodium azide are used as the mutagens which produces the required chemical mutation in the plants. JRO 3690 (Jute), Sharbati Sonora, (Wheat), Jagannath (Rice), Co8152 (sugarcane) are some of the varieties produced through mutation breeding in India.

Detailed Notes on Food Production KSEEB Biology 

Genetic Engineering

Introduction and expression of foreign DNA in plants and animals is called genetic engineering. In this process, a gene is introduced in a plant by the technique of recombinant DNA technology and genetic transformation. It helps in improving specific traits of a plant.

Keywords

• Agriculture: Cultivation of animals, plants or any other life forms to derive food, fibre, and other products which are required to sustain life
  Manures: The organic matter and minerals that are added to the soil for its enrichment
• Fertilisers: Natural or synthetic substances that are added to the soil to provide necessary nutrients to it
• Harvesting: The cutting and gathering of the matured food crop
• Irrigation: The process of supplying water to crop plants in the field
  Organic farming: Kind of farming practice in which harmful chemicals (fertilisers, herbicide, and pesticide) are either not used at all or are used in minimum amounts.
  Pest: Any destructive organism which destroy crops
  Annual crops: The crops which complete their life cycle in one year or in one growing season
• Biennial crops: The crops which complete their life cycle in two years or in two growing seasons
• Perennial crops: The crops which complete their life cycle in three years or in three growing seasons

Summary

•  Agriculture is a broad term used for all the farm related activities such as cultivation of plants, producing food and cash crops, domestication cf animals, horticulture and much more.
•  Based on the Indian seasons, the crops are mainly divided into two types—kharif crops and rabi crops
•  On the basis of lifespan, the crops can be categorised as—annuals, biennials and perennials
•  Cash crops are the ones that are basically grown for selling on profits rather than consumption.
•  Tilling or ploughing is the first step while preparing the land or soil for farming purposes.
•  Irrigation is the act of providing water to the seeds or the agricultural land.
•  Harvesting is the act of gathering the ripe and grown crops after reaping or cutting them.
•  Various methods are used for improving the crops and their yields.

KSEEB Solutions For Class 8 Biology Chapter 8 Health And Hygiene First Aid

The term health broadly means that the body is fit and has a general well-being.

According to World Health Organization, (WHO) definition of health is as follows: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity.”

Any condition that interferes with normal body functions due to some reason is called disease. Diseases can either be caused by various microorganisms or due to different biological or environmental factors.

Diseases are generally classified into two types—Communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are diseases that spread from a diseased person to a healthy person. They are caused by some pathogens or germs such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and worms. Germs spread the disease through different modes such as air, water, food and organisms known as vectors.

Direct Contact

Diseases like the common cold, chicken pox, measles, etc., spread through direct contact with the infected person.

Water Bone And Food-Borne Diseases

Diseases like typhoid, diarrhea, etc., are caused by eating contaminated food or drinking dirt)’ water. The reasons forthe  contamination of food and water are:

• Improper handling of food and water such as keeping food in unclean area, eating food with dirty hands, etc.
• Eating food products from diseased animals. For example, milk, cheese, eggs, and meat.
• Many insects like cockroaches and houseflies carry germs on their legs that they pick up from dirty water in drains and sewers. These insects when sit on uncovered food contaminate it

Air-Borne Diseases

Diseases like cough spread through germs present in the air due to sneezing or coughing by an infected person.

Class 8 Biology KSEEB Health And Hygiene First Aid notes 

Vector Borne Diseases

Diseases like malaria, dengue, etc., spread via insects. These insects curry germs that get transmitted from infected person to healthy person. Such insects are called as vector. For example, mosquitoes spread malaria as they are the carriers of protozoan Plasmodium.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases are diseases that cannot be spread from one person to another. They are not caused by any organism. Main causes of non-communicable diseases are either deficiency of one or more nutrients or malfunctioning of any organ. Some of the non- communicable diseases are listed under the following heading:

Deficiency Diseases

Deficiency diseases are caused by insufficient intake or total lack of important nutrients that are essential for the growth and maintenance of the body. Some well-known examples of deficiency diseases are Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

Metabolic Disorders

A metabolic disorder develops when some organ such as liver, pancreas, kidneys, heart, etc., do not function normally. Diabetes, heart disorders and thyroid disorder are some examples of metabolic disorders.

Genetic Disorder

A genetic disorder is a condition caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes. These diseases are present in the cells of the body since conception. Examples of genetic disorders are colour blindness and haemophillia.

Prevention Of Diseases

Some measures to prevent diseases and remain healthy are given here:

•  Articles of daily use such as clothing, handkerchief, towel should be cleaned or disinfected regularly.
•  Be careful always regarding personal cleanliness by taking regular bath with a good soap or shampoo.
•  Food items exposed to flies should not be used.
•  Drinking water should not be left uncovered.
•  Teeth should be brushed after every meal.
•  Before every meal, hands should be washed properly with germicidal soap.
•  Utensils, clothing and food articles of patients should be kept isolated.
•  Keep yuur bathrooms, toilets clean and cover dustbins properly.
•  Never allow water to get collected in pools and ditches around your house. Regularly change water from coolers because this promotes breeding of mosquitoes.
•  Spraying of disinfectants and insecticides should be done in house time to time.
•  In case someone is ill, proper medication should be given to that person for fast recovery.

KSEEB Class 8 Biology Solutions For Health And Hygiene 

Immunity

Immunity refers to body’s defence against diseases. The immune system is the body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and cause disease. Disease causing pathogenic microorganisms enter our body through inspiration, food and water. Our body has some natural mechanisms to stop the foreign body.

For example, hair and mucous membrane of nasal chamber prevent the entry of germs, dust and carbon particles. Tears contain antibacterial substances which kills the bacteria. The microorganisms entering in the stomach arc killed by hydrochloric acid present in gastric secretion. When the infection enters in the blood, white blood corpuscles fight against this infection. The immune system makes antibodies which react with the germs to destroy them and give protection to body against diseases.

After recovering from the diseases, these antibodies stay in the blood for the prevention of recurrence of the disease. There are two types of immunity namely innate and acquired immunity. Innate means inborn immunity. In inborn immunity, certain antibodies come from the parents against the antigens which cause the diseases. The pathogens of these diseases do not flourish in the body of the animals and thus its body is protected from the disease.

For example, human beings have inborn immunity against distemper, a fatal viral disease of dogs even if exposed to its infection. Acquired means the immunity which a person attains after birth when it is infected by a disease causing germ. It is also called life time immunity. Acquired immunity is achieved when antibodies are produced in the blood in the response to the antigens. These antibodies provide immediate protection against further infection.

Vaccination

There are various ways in which spread of the diseases can be prevented. For some diseases, vaccinations arc available that help the body in fighting against the germs. Most of the vaccines are given in the form of injection or orally to the toddlers between the age of two months to six years. Some of these vaccines do not provide immunity for lifelong and are therefore repeated in a few years. These doses are termed as booster doses.

Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, measles and number of other diseases can be controlled by vaccination. The vaccine triggers the immune system inside the body. As a result, antibodies arc produced against the specific disease-causing microbes. The antibodies stay in the blood to fight against a possible attack of pathogen.

Immunisation

Immunisation is the process by which the body becomes immune or resistant to certain diseases. The immunity can be natural or acquired. Usually, people consider that vaccination and immunisation are same, but actually they are different. Immunisation is the ability, that develops after vaccination, in a human body to fight diseases. Whereas, vaccination is the administration of the vaccines through injections.

Unhealthy Habits

It has been observed that often people try smoking or consuming alcohol and other drugs while having fun with friends, but later on it becomes a habit for them. All these as written on their labels also are injurious to health.

Tobacco Addiction

People use tobacco in different forms. Some people chew it others use it in betel leaves known as paan. It is also used as smoke in the form of cigarettes, beedis and, hubble bubble (hookah). Chewing of tobacco can lead to oral and throat cancer. Smoking tobacco also results in high blood pressure, respiratory problems and in some cases lung cancer also.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people of all walks of life. Alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both physical and emotional dependence on alcohoL Some common alcoholic products are

generally consumed by a large group of population. Alcohol retards mental activities and affects the nervous system. People driving under the influence of alcohol have more chances of accident because their judgement becomes poor on road due to less coordination among the body systems.

Drug Addiction

A medicine is a drug which is taken by the people for the treatment and cure of diseases. All medicines are drugs as they cure us against infections. There are many drugs which are not medicines and are very dangerous for our health. These drugs are heroin, smack, marijuana, cocaine and opium.

Consumption of any one of these drugs can lead to addiction showing nausea, nervousness and pain in stomach as symptoms. Apart from health issues, these drugs also cause social and economical problems to their addicts.

Health And Hygiene First Aid Class 8 KSEEB Questions and Answers 

First Aid

First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert or untrained person on a sick or injured person until the required medical treatment or aid arrives. It generally consists of a series of simple and potentially lifesaving techniques that can be performed with minimal equipment.

We should always keep a first aid box at home and school at easy reach so that it can be used whenever a need arises. A first aid box contains necessary medical items such as antiseptic lotion, antiseptic cream, band-aids, a pair of scissors, crepe bandage, some painkillers, etc

First Aid For Cuts

It’s natural to get cut anywhere. If the cut is severe get to a hospital right away or if you must wait for an ambulance, begin following treatment:

•  Rinse the cut or wound with water.
•  If die wound is small, dien apply some direct pressure to the wound by hand. This will help stop bleeding.
•  Raise the injured part to reduce blood flow to the wound.
• Place the person at rest and quickly cover the wound with dressings, and continue keeping the pressure with bandage or clean cloth
• Before applying a bandage to the wound, check for circulation below the injury and then, bandage the injury.
• After bandaging, check circulation below the injury again lo ensure that blood flow has not been restricted by bandaging. If necessary, loosen the bandage enough to improve circulation.
• If the dressings has got blood on it, don’t try to remove and continue the pressure. Removing the dressings frequently may disturb blood clots and expose the wound to further infection.
• For severe bleeding, always seek medical attention.

First Aid For Burns

If your clothes or your friend’s clothes catches fire stay absolutely still and follow the given instructions.

•  Do not try to run. Flames need oxygen to keep them burning.
•  Rolling on the ground will slop them from getting any oxygen and help put them out. Wrap something like a woollen blanket around die person to smoother die flames.
•  Take off any clothes or jewellery around the burned area of die body, before it swells.
•  Use cold running water for 20 minutes to cool the burn but do not use ice.
• Do not break blisters. Exposed blisters can get infectious or septic. If blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an andbiotic ointment.
•  Keep the person warm with extra clothes on the unhurt parts of the body.
•  See a doctor if the bum is severe.

First Aid For Fractures

A fracture is a broken bone. If after an accident, fracture is suspected, then don’t move the person unless it is necessary, to avoid further injury. Take following actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

•  Apply pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding with a sterile bandage or a clean piece of cloth.
•  Don’t try to realign the bone or push a bone that’s sticking out back in. Immobilise the area completely. Padding the area can help relieve the pain.
•  Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain.

First Aid For Poisoning

Poisoning causes injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases.
If the person is drowsy, immediately lake medical help.

•  If the person has swallowed poison, try to take out all of it, if any poisonous substance is still in the person’s mouth.
•  If the person has touched any harmful poison on the skin. Remove it using gloves and rinse the skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
•  If poison has gone in the eye, gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water.
•  If the person has accidently inhaled poison or gas, take the person into open area with fresh air as soon as possible.
•  If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the side to prevent choking. Always consult doctor for medical assistance

First Aid For Object In Eye

Sometimes, foreign particles enter our eye. These may cause damage to the eye if proper care is not taken. If something falls in the eyes accidentally, wash the eyes thoroughly with water. Consult a doctor, if irritation persists and put prescribed eye drops.

First Aid For Stings

Bug bites and stings generally cause uneasiness and extreme pain. However at times, they can lead to infection that necessitates proper treatment.

•  Try to remove the stringer as soon as possible.
•  Wash the area carefully with soap and water.
•  Rub on with an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a cold, wet towel for few minutes.
•  Seek medical care if you notice a large skin rash or swelling around the sting site or if swelling or pain persists for more than three days.
•  Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following signs: wheezing or difficulty in breathing, tightness in throat or chest, swelling of the lips, longue or face, dizziness and nausea or vomiting.

Explanation Of Health And Hygiene in KSEEB Class 8 Biology 

First Aid For Animal Bites

Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can sometimes cause infection. Animal bites of dogs, rats, bats, raccoons and foxes can lead to rabies, a life-threatening disease. Following instructions should be followed.

•  Let the wound bleed, and then wash the wound in running water for three to five minutes to remove the animal saliva.
•  Wash the wound properly with soap and water.
•  If the bleeding has stopped, apply antibiotic ointment.
•  Consult a doctor immediately.

First Aid For Snake Bites

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, immediately call ambulance, especially if the area changes colour, begins to swell or is painful. Many hospitals stock antivenom drugs. In case of snake bite, follow these instructions:

•  Remain calm and move beyond the snakes striking distance. All snakes are not poisonous.
•  Remove jewellery and tight clothing before the area with bite starts to swell.
•  Wrap a bandage or cloth 2-4 inches above the area which has been bitten.
•  Get a doctor s assistance immediately.

First Aid For Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness is a state where a person suddenly docs not respond to any stimuli. It is related to fainting and can occur for short or longer periods of time. Main causes of unconsciousness include severe bleeding, a car accident, a blow on chest or head, etc.
Temporary unconsciousness is seen in people in cases such as low blood sugar, dehydration, straining, etc.
If someone is unconscious, follow these simple steps to make that person conscious:

•  Lay the person on his/her back.
•  Loosen the clothing of the unconscious person such as any restrictive clothing, belts, etc.
•  Check the person’s airway for any obstruction.
•  Check again to sec if the person is breathing, coughing or moving. If these signs are absent, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or mouth to mouth breathing
•  Kneel to the level of the unconscious person’s neck or shoulder.
• Place the heel of your hand at the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand directly on the first hand and interlace your fingers.
•  Push straight down on the persons chest keeping your elbows straight and moving your shoulders above your hands. These are called chest compressions.
•  Repeat this procedure for about 100 times per minute.
  You can also give the person mouth to mouth breathing or rescue breathing in between. Continue the procedure mentioned above until medical help arrives.

Keywords

• Non-communicable disease: Diseases that are not passed-on from one person to another
• Communicable disease: Diseases that are passed-on from one person to another
• First aid: The provision of an initial care for an illness or injury that can save a life
• Genetic disorder: A condition caused by abnormalites in genes or chromosomes
• Hygiene: The maintenance of good health and cleanliness
• Kwashiorkor: A disease in children caused due to deficiency of protein intake
• Marasmus: A disease in children due to deficiency of protein and carbohydrate in diet
• Pathogen: Germs that cause diseases
• Vaccination: Doses given artificially to increase the immunity of body against a particular disease
• First aid: The immediate help given in case of an accident

Summary

• Diseases can be classified into two main types—communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases.
•  Diseases can be caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa mites and worms.
•  Diseases can spread through contact, air, vectors, infected food and water, or bites of animals.
•  Diabetes is caused due to the malfunctioning of pancreas.
•  Vectors are the organisms which carry the disease causing pathogens from the source of infection to the healthy person without getting affected.
•  Hemophilia is a genetic disorder disease which is caused by body’s inability to control blood clotting or coagulation.
•  Kwashiorkor and marasmus are caused due to the deficiency of proteins and carbohydrates in the diet.
•  One must avoid bad habits such as addiction to tobacco, smoking, and taking alcohol and drugs. These habits have harmful effects on our health.
•  The immediate help given to a victim of an accident, burn, bite, or cuts is called first aid.