Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
What is the definition of 'Nature' according to the provided text?
Answer
The totality of life and non-life forms in the environment not created by humans.
Question
At what point do elements of Nature become 'resources'?
Answer
When humans use them for sustenance or create new things from them for consumption.
Question
What three criteria must an entity satisfy to be classified as a resource?
Answer
It must be technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
Question
Why might petroleum deep under the ocean not be considered a resource currently?
Answer
Because humans may lack the technology to access it or the extraction cost is too high.
Question
In the context of resources, what does the term 'exploitation' refer to?
Answer
The extraction, utilisation, and consumption of natural resources.
Question
What are the three categories of natural resources based on their use?
Answer
Resources essential for life, resources for materials, and resources for energy.
Question
Which category of resources includes air, water, and soil?
Answer
Resources essential for life.
Question
Name three diverse natural sources that provide energy for modern living.
Answer
Coal, water, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight, or wind.
Question
What is 'restoration' in the context of Nature's functions?
Answer
The process of returning something to its original healthy state after being degraded or damaged.
Question
How is 'regeneration' defined in relation to environmental recovery?
Answer
The ability of Nature to create new life and the conditions required for thriving.
Question
What characterizes the way Nature works in cycles regarding waste?
Answer
Nature works in cycles where there is no waste, as decomposed matter enriches the soil for new growth.
Question
Under what condition do resources like timber or solar energy remain 'renewable'?
Answer
The natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration must not be disturbed.
Question
What are the implications if timber is harvested faster than a forest can grow trees?
Answer
The forest will eventually be depleted, making the resource non-renewable in practice.
Question
Which two human factors have specifically contributed to the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers?
Answer
Fossil fuel-driven industrialisation and the clearing of forests for agriculture.
Question
What is the traditional purpose of refraining from fishing during the spawning season?
Answer
To allow the fish population to maintain itself through natural regeneration.
Question
How does the decline of the tuna population affect the ocean ecosystem?
Answer
It disrupts the balance because tuna consume smaller fish and shrimps.
Question
Define 'ecosystem functions'.
Answer
Inherent natural processes, such as trees producing oxygen or forests filtering water.
Question
When do 'ecosystem functions' transition into 'ecosystem services'?
Answer
When these natural processes provide direct benefits to humans, such as clean water or pollinated crops.
Question
Approximately how many litres of oxygen does a mature tree produce in one day?
Answer
$275$ litres.
Question
Approximately how many litres of oxygen does an average human being require daily?
Answer
$350$ litres.
Question
What defines a 'non-renewable' resource?
Answer
A resource created over long periods that cannot be replenished at the rate it is consumed.
Question
Give three examples of non-renewable resources mentioned in the text.
Answer
Coal, petroleum, and minerals (such as iron or gold).
Question
How long are India's coal reserves estimated to last at current rates?
Answer
Approximately $50$ years.
Question
How does the uneven distribution of natural resources affect global relations?
Answer
It shapes human settlements, trade patterns, international relations, and can cause wars.
Question
Which specific river water conflict is cited as an example of sharing resources across Indian states?
Answer
The sharing of the Kaveri River among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Question
What is the 'natural resource curse' (or 'paradox of plenty')?
Answer
A phenomenon where regions rich in natural resources experience slower economic growth and development.
Question
How has India generally avoided the 'natural resource curse'?
Answer
By investing in industries that convert raw resources into products of higher value.
Question
What does 'stewardship' of natural resources entail?
Answer
Respecting Nature and using resources in a way that enables restoration and regeneration.
Question
What is the current status of groundwater extraction in most Indian states?
Answer
The extraction rate is greater than the rate at which the water table is replenished.
Question
What has been the primary cause of soil degradation in modern farming?
Answer
The improper and excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Question
Identify two traditional farming practices that help maintain soil health.
Answer
The use of cow dung, mulching, or multi-cropping.
Question
What percentage of the area in Punjab is classified as 'over-exploited' regarding groundwater?
Answer
$80\%$.
Question
What shift in the $1960$s initiated the groundwater crisis in Punjab?
Answer
The shift to high-yielding varieties of wheat and paddy during the Green Revolution.
Question
Why did the Green Revolution seeds lead to over-pumping of groundwater?
Answer
They required significantly more water than traditional seeds.
Question
At what depth has groundwater become inaccessible in large parts of Punjab as of June $2022$?
Answer
Depths of about $30$ metres.
Question
What health hazard is linked to the groundwater in Punjab's fertile plains?
Answer
Dissolved chemicals from pesticides and fertilisers in the drinking water.
Question
How does the cement industry contribute to environmental pollution?
Answer
It releases fine dust that damages lungs and settles on leaves, decreasing crop yields.
Question
Name two sustainable alternative materials being used to replace traditional cement in construction.
Answer
Mud, stone, plant-based materials, or recycled plastic.
Question
Which Rajasthan structure is a famous example of a mud and sandstone structure built in the $12$th century?
Answer
Jaisalmer fort.
Question
What is $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$?
Answer
An ancient Indian botanical science focused on the study and care of plants and trees.
Question
Which $10$th-century text formalised the traditional knowledge of $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$?
Answer
Surapala’s $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$.
Question
According to $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$, how should irrigation techniques be determined?
Answer
They should vary according to plant species, growth stage, and seasonal conditions.
Question
What pest management strategies are recommended in $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$?
Answer
The use of natural repellents and companion planting (growing specific plants together).
Question
What is the benefit of proper soil ploughing according to $V\d{r}ik\d{sh}\bar{a}yurveda$?
Answer
It retains soil moisture and facilitates the growth of beneficial soil organisms like earthworms.
Question
In what year did Sikkim become the world's first $100$ per cent organic state?
Answer
$2016$.
Question
What happened to crop yields in Sikkim during the initial transition to organic farming?
Answer
Yields initially dropped while the soil was recovering from chemical use.
Question
Name two natural ingredients used for pest repellents in Sikkim's organic farming model.
Answer
Neem and garlic.
Question
What was the average increase in farmers' incomes in Sikkim after the organic transition?
Answer
$20$ per cent.
Question
Which coalition of 'sunshine-rich' countries was launched by India and France in $2015$?
Answer
The International Alliance for Solar Energy (or International Solar Alliance).
Question
Which solar park is a symbol of India’s renewable energy ambitions in Rajasthan?
Answer
Bhadla Solar Park.
Question
What percentage of Rajasthan's current electricity needs can be met by its large solar park?
Answer
$15\%$.
Question
What is the core meaning of the Bhagavad G\bar{i}t\bar{a} concept 'lokasangraha'?
Answer
The idea that individuals must transcend personal desires to act for the wellbeing of all.
Question
According to the map of mineral distribution, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj are major sources of which mineral?
Answer
Iron Ore.
Question
In which state is the Digboi oil field located according to the mineral map?
Answer
Assam (indicated by the northeastern location).
Question
Name a major coal-producing region in West Bengal shown on the mineral distribution map.
Answer
Raniganj.
Question
Which mineral is found in the Neyveli region of Tamil Nadu?
Answer
Coal (Lignite).
Question
Mumbai High and Bassein are associated with the extraction of which resource?
Answer
Oil.
Question
Koraput and Bilaspur are identified as major deposits for which mineral?
Answer
Bauxite.
Question
According to the groundwater map of Punjab, which areas show the deepest water levels ($>40$ m bgl)?
Answer
Central districts such as Sangrur, Barnala, and Patiala.
Question
What does the abbreviation 'm bgl' stand for in hydrological maps?
Answer
metres below ground level.