Answer the following questions:
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
(i) Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.
(ii) Deforestation and increasing use of chemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) in agricultural land are two factors responsible for land degradation.
(iii) Land provides habitation to a wide variety of plants and animals. It is also being used by human being for agriculture, mining, forest resources and building houses and roads.
That is why, it is considered as an important resource.
(iv) The following two important steps taken by government are
Government set up national park, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves for protecting natural vegetation and wildlife.
- It has banned the killing of lions, tigers, deer, great Indian bustards and peacocks.
- It has prohibited the trade of the species of plants and animals protected under the international agreements CITES.
(v) The suggestions for conserving waters are as follows:
- Rain water harvesting.
- Replenishing ground water by promoting afforestation.
- Reducing the wastage of water, making more aware the people.