CLASS 10 · GEOGRAPHY · CHAPTER 1
Resources and Development Class 10 MCQs with Answers
140 carefully structured multiple-choice questions covering resources, resource planning, land use, land degradation, soil types, soil erosion and conservation, with application-based and map-oriented practice.
How to use this page: Attempt each question before checking the answer. Pay special attention to distinctions such as potential vs developed resources, stock vs reserves, Khadar vs Bangar, and the different soil-conservation methods. Use the companion Hub for revision and the Q&A page for written practice.
01 · Resources
02 · Planning
03 · Land Use
04 · Land Degradation
05 · Soil Basics
06 · Alluvial & Black
07 · Other Soils
08 · Conservation
09 · Application & Map
SECTION 01
Types of Resources
Definitions, classifications, ownership and status of development
20 MCQs
001
Which of the following best defines a resource?
ANSWERA. A material, substance or thing that has utility and can satisfy human needs
002
Which factor is essential for something to become a resource?
ANSWERB. It must be useful, technologically accessible and economically feasible
003
Resources obtained from living organisms are called:
ANSWERC. Biotic resources
004
Which of the following is an abiotic resource?
ANSWERD. Rocks
005
Which is a renewable resource?
ANSWERA. Solar energy
006
Which is a non-renewable resource?
ANSWERB. Coal
007
A resource whose quantity can be renewed or replenished is generally classified as:
ANSWERC. Renewable
008
A resource that is found in a region but has not been utilised fully is called:
ANSWERD. Potential resource
009
Which is an example of a potential resource?
ANSWERA. Wind energy in coastal areas that may be developed in future
010
Resources whose quantity and quality have been surveyed and whose utilisation has been determined are:
ANSWERB. Developed resources
011
A resource available in the environment but whose use is not possible with present technology is called:
ANSWERC. Stock
012
The part of stock that can be used to meet future requirements with existing technology is called:
ANSWERD. Reserve
013
Which classification is based on the status of development?
ANSWERA. Potential, developed, stock and reserves
014
Which classification is based on ownership?
ANSWERB. Individual, community, national and international
015
A resource owned by an individual is an example of:
ANSWERC. Individual resource
016
Village ponds and public parks are generally examples of:
ANSWERD. Community-owned resources
017
Resources belonging to a nation include:
ANSWERA. Roads, canals, railways and minerals within political territory
018
Oceanic resources beyond 200 nautical miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone are generally treated as:
ANSWERB. International resources
019
Which statement about resources is most appropriate?
ANSWERC. Their value can change with technology, time and human needs
020
Why are resources not distributed equally over the earth?
ANSWERD. Their distribution depends on variations in physical and human factors
SECTION 02
Development, Sustainability & Resource Planning
Sustainable development, Rio Earth Summit and planning in India
15 MCQs
021
What is a major consequence of indiscriminate exploitation of resources?
ANSWERA. Global ecological problems and resource depletion
022
Which principle seeks to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs?
ANSWERB. Sustainable development
023
Why is equitable distribution of resources important?
ANSWERC. To support a sustained quality of life and social well-being
024
The Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit was held in:
ANSWERD. 1992
025
Agenda 21 is associated with:
ANSWERA. A global action programme for sustainable development
026
Resource planning is particularly important for India because:
ANSWERB. Resources are unevenly distributed and need judicious use
027
Which is the first step of resource planning?
ANSWERC. Identification and inventory of resources across regions
028
Which is the second major step in resource planning?
ANSWERD. Evolving a planning structure with appropriate technology, skills and institutions
029
The final stage of resource planning involves:
ANSWERA. Matching resource development plans with overall national development plans
030
Which institution is associated with resource planning in India at the national level?
ANSWERB. Planning Commission
031
India has made concerted efforts for resource planning since:
ANSWERC. The First Five Year Plan
032
Why can resource-rich regions still face environmental problems?
ANSWERD. Intensive and unplanned exploitation can degrade the environment
033
Which approach best reflects sustainable resource use?
ANSWERA. Use resources judiciously while conserving them for the future
034
Why is technological development important in resource utilisation?
ANSWERB. It can make previously unusable materials usable
035
Which pair is correctly matched?
ANSWERC. Sustainable development — intergenerational responsibility
SECTION 03
Land Resources & Land Use
Land-use categories, net sown area and factors affecting land use
15 MCQs
036
Why is land considered an important natural resource?
ANSWERD. It supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life and economic activities
037
Which is a land-use category?
ANSWERA. Net sown area
038
Which activity is included under land put to non-agricultural uses?
ANSWERB. Roads, railways, settlements and industries
039
Land left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year is generally called:
ANSWERC. Current fallow
040
Land left uncultivated for more than one agricultural year is included under:
ANSWERD. Fallow lands other than current fallow
041
Which region has a very high proportion of net sown area?
ANSWERA. Punjab and Haryana
042
Why is the proportion of net sown area low in many north-eastern hill states?
ANSWERB. Because relief, forests and other physical conditions limit extensive cultivation
043
The desired forest area mentioned in the National Forest Policy of 1952 was:
ANSWERC. 33 per cent
044
Why has forest area not increased much since 1960–61?
ANSWERD. Land is also required for agriculture, settlements, industries and other uses
045
Which statement about land resources is correct?
ANSWERA. Land is a finite resource
046
Which category includes rocky, arid and desert areas?
ANSWERB. Wasteland
047
What is the main difference between land use and land cover?
ANSWERC. Land use refers to human use of land, while land cover refers to the physical cover on it
048
Which factor can influence land-use pattern?
ANSWERD. Physical factors and human factors
049
Which is NOT a direct land-use category discussed in the chapter?
ANSWERA. Oceanic international waters
050
A rise in urbanisation is most likely to increase land under:
ANSWERB. Non-agricultural uses
SECTION 04
Land Degradation & Conservation
Causes, regional patterns and measures to reduce land degradation
15 MCQs
051
What is land degradation?
ANSWERC. Decline in the quality and productive capacity of land
052
Which human activity is a major cause of land degradation?
ANSWERD. Deforestation
053
Overgrazing is a major cause of land degradation in:
ANSWERA. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
054
Deforestation due to mining has caused severe land degradation in:
ANSWERB. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha
055
Over-irrigation can cause land degradation through:
ANSWERC. Waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity
056
Which states are specifically associated with land degradation from over-irrigation in the chapter?
ANSWERD. Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh
057
Mining sites can degrade land because they may leave:
ANSWERA. Deep scars and over-burdened surfaces
058
Mineral processing can contribute to land degradation through:
ANSWERB. Dust generation that can reduce water infiltration
059
Industrial effluents can become a major source of:
ANSWERC. Land and water pollution
060
Which measure can help reduce land degradation in arid areas?
ANSWERD. Planting shelter belts and stabilising sand dunes
061
Which measure is suitable for mining-related land degradation?
ANSWERA. Proper management and control of mining activities
062
Which action can reduce degradation caused by grazing?
ANSWERB. Proper management of grazing
063
How can industrial land and water degradation be reduced?
ANSWERC. Treating and properly disposing of industrial effluents and wastes
064
Which combination contains only land-degradation control measures?
ANSWERD. Afforestation, controlled grazing and proper waste disposal
065
Why is land degradation a serious problem?
ANSWERA. Land supports food, shelter, clothing and many economic activities
SECTION 05
Soil as a Resource
Soil formation, soil profile, composition and erosion basics
15 MCQs
066
Soil is described in the chapter as:
ANSWERB. The most important renewable natural resource
067
Why is soil considered a living system?
ANSWERC. It supports living organisms and contains organic matter
068
Which is an important factor in soil formation?
ANSWERD. Parent rock
069
Which combination contains factors of soil formation?
ANSWERA. Relief, parent rock, climate, vegetation and time
070
Which natural force contributes to soil formation?
ANSWERB. Running water
071
Which material is an organic component of soil?
ANSWERC. Humus
072
Which material is an inorganic component of soil?
ANSWERD. Mineral particles
073
Why does soil need careful conservation?
ANSWERA. It forms very slowly but can be degraded rapidly
074
The uppermost layer of the soil profile is generally called:
ANSWERB. Topsoil
075
Which layer lies below the topsoil in a typical soil profile?
ANSWERC. Subsoil
076
Which factors are used to classify Indian soils?
ANSWERD. Colour, thickness, texture, age and physical and chemical properties
077
What is soil erosion?
ANSWERA. Removal of soil cover by agents such as water and wind
078
Which is a major agent of soil erosion?
ANSWERB. Running water
079
Which human practice can accelerate soil erosion?
ANSWERC. Ploughing up and down the slope
080
Why does soil conservation matter for agriculture?
ANSWERD. It helps retain fertile topsoil and supports sustained productivity
SECTION 06
Alluvial & Black Soils
Khadar, Bangar, Regur and key characteristics
15 MCQs
081
Which soil is most widespread in India?
ANSWERA. Alluvial soil
082
Alluvial soil is mainly deposited by:
ANSWERB. Rivers
083
Alluvial soil is widely found in:
ANSWERC. The northern plains and river valleys
084
The two subdivisions of alluvial soil are:
ANSWERD. Khadar and Bangar
085
Khadar refers to:
ANSWERA. New alluvial soil
086
Bangar refers to:
ANSWERB. Old alluvial soil
087
Which is generally more fertile?
ANSWERC. Khadar
088
Which contains a higher concentration of kankar nodules?
ANSWERD. Bangar
089
Why is Khadar renewed more frequently?
ANSWERA. It is deposited by floods in low-lying areas
090
Black soil is also known as:
ANSWERB. Regur soil
091
Black soil is especially suitable for:
ANSWERC. Cotton
092
Black soil is largely associated with:
ANSWERD. The Deccan Plateau
093
A major characteristic of black soil is:
ANSWERA. High moisture retention capacity
094
Black soil develops largely from:
ANSWERB. Basaltic lava rocks
095
Which state is strongly associated with black soil?
ANSWERC. Maharashtra
SECTION 07
Red & Yellow, Laterite, Arid & Forest Soils
Major soil groups, formation and distribution
15 MCQs
096
Red and yellow soils are generally associated with:
ANSWERD. Crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall
097
The red colour of red soil is mainly due to:
ANSWERA. Iron compounds
098
Yellow colour in red and yellow soils appears when:
ANSWERB. Iron occurs in hydrated form
099
Red and yellow soils are widely found in parts of:
ANSWERC. Odisha, Chhattisgarh and the southern/eastern plateau regions
100
Laterite soil develops under conditions of:
ANSWERD. High temperature and heavy rainfall with intense leaching
101
The term 'laterite' is derived from a word meaning:
ANSWERA. Brick
102
Laterite soil is commonly found in areas of:
ANSWERB. High rainfall and temperature
103
Which crop can be grown on laterite soil with suitable manuring and fertilisation?
ANSWERC. Tea
104
Arid soils are generally found in:
ANSWERD. Western Rajasthan and adjoining dry regions
105
Arid soils are generally:
ANSWERA. Sandy and often saline
106
Why can arid soils become suitable for cultivation in some areas?
ANSWERB. Irrigation can support cultivation
107
Forest and mountain soils are mainly found in:
ANSWERC. Hilly and mountainous regions
108
Forest soils vary according to:
ANSWERD. Altitude and the environment in which they form
109
Which soil is commonly associated with the Himalayas and other mountainous regions?
ANSWERA. Forest and mountain soil
110
Which pair is correctly matched?
ANSWERB. Laterite — intense leaching
SECTION 08
Soil Erosion & Conservation
Sheet/gully erosion and conservation methods
15 MCQs
111
Sheet erosion occurs when:
ANSWERC. A thin layer of soil is washed away over a large area
112
Gully erosion is associated with:
ANSWERD. Deep channels and ravines formed by running water
113
The Chambal basin is known for:
ANSWERA. Badlands formed by gully erosion
114
Which method is best suited to reduce erosion on slopes by following the natural contour?
ANSWERB. Contour ploughing
115
Terrace cultivation is especially useful in:
ANSWERC. Hilly and mountainous areas
116
How does terrace farming help conserve soil?
ANSWERD. It reduces the speed of water flowing down slopes
117
Strip cropping involves:
ANSWERA. Leaving strips of grass between crops
118
Strip cropping helps reduce:
ANSWERB. The force of wind
119
Shelter belts are:
ANSWERC. Rows of trees planted to reduce wind erosion
120
Shelter belts have helped stabilise:
ANSWERD. Sand dunes in western India
121
Which measure is particularly useful for controlling soil erosion in hilly areas?
ANSWERA. Terrace farming
122
Which practice is harmful to soil conservation?
ANSWERB. Ploughing up and down the slope
123
Afforestation helps conserve soil by:
ANSWERC. Providing vegetation cover that reduces erosion
124
Which conservation method is most directly associated with wind erosion in dry areas?
ANSWERD. Shelter belts
125
Which statement best summarises soil conservation?
ANSWERA. It protects soil from erosion and helps maintain its productive capacity
SECTION 09
NCERT, Map Work & Competency Practice
Application-based, map-oriented and synthesis questions
15 MCQs
126
A farmer on a steep Himalayan slope wants to reduce rapid runoff. Which method is most suitable?
ANSWERB. Terrace cultivation
127
A farmer in a windy dry region wants to reduce wind erosion. Which measure is most suitable?
ANSWERC. Shelter belts
128
A Punjab farmer faces waterlogging and increasing soil salinity because of excessive irrigation. Which problem is indicated?
ANSWERD. Land degradation due to over-irrigation
129
A region has abundant wind energy but lacks the technology to use it economically. It is best described as:
ANSWERA. Potential resource
130
A known mineral deposit can be extracted with existing technology but is kept for future use. It is best classified as:
ANSWERB. Reserve
131
A river deposits fresh sediments on floodplains every year. The resulting soil is likely to be:
ANSWERC. Khadar
132
A soil contains many kankar nodules and is older alluvium. It is:
ANSWERD. Bangar
133
A farmer wants to grow cotton on a soil with high moisture-retaining capacity in the Deccan Plateau. Which soil is most suitable?
ANSWERA. Black soil
134
A red soil sample owes its colour mainly to iron compounds. Which soil group is it?
ANSWERB. Red and yellow soil
135
A soil has developed under heavy rainfall and intense leaching. Which soil is most likely?
ANSWERC. Laterite soil
136
Which state-soil combination is most appropriate for a map-based question?
ANSWERD. Maharashtra — Black soil
137
Which pair of land-degradation cause and region is correctly matched?
ANSWERA. Overgrazing — Gujarat and Rajasthan
138
Which option shows the correct sequence in resource planning?
ANSWERB. Identification and inventory → planning structure → matching with overall national plans
139
A district plans to use resources today while ensuring that future generations can also use them. Which principle should guide the plan?
ANSWERC. Sustainable development
140
Which statement combines the chapter's central ideas most accurately?
ANSWERD. Resources require planning, equitable and judicious use, while land and soil need conservation
CONTINUE YOUR PREPARATION
Official Syllabus & Textbook Basis
This MCQ bank follows the current CBSE Class 10 Social Science Learning Standards for Resources and Development and the NCERT Class X Geography chapter. The CBSE Learning Standards explicitly cover resource types, resource development, resource planning, land resources and land use, land degradation and conservation, soil as a resource, soil classification, soil erosion and soil conservation. citeturn0search16
CBSE Curriculum 2026–27 · CBSE Learning Standards · NCERT Contemporary India–II