MCQs – Class 10 Geography Chapter 1: Resources and Development | CBSE | GPN

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Chapter 1: Resources and Development

Practice these 30 carefully selected MCQs covering all key concepts from the chapter. Includes standard, assertion-reasoning, and case-based questions as per latest CBSE pattern. Perfect for quick revision and self-assessment.

Standard MCQs (1 Mark Each)

Choose the single correct option for questions 1 to 15.

Which one of the following types of resources is iron ore?

(a) Renewable

(b) Biotic

(c) Flow

(d) Non-renewable

Answer: (d) Non-renewable
Explanation: Iron ore is a mineral resource that takes millions of years to form and cannot be replenished quickly.
Under which of the following types of resources can tidal energy be put?

(a) Replenishable

(b) Human-made

(c) Abiotic

(d) Non-recyclable

Answer: (a) Replenishable
Explanation: Tidal energy is derived from ocean tides, which are continuous and inexhaustible, making it a replenishable resource.
Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

(a) Intensive cultivation

(b) Deforestation

(c) Over-irrigation

(d) Overgrazing

Answer: (c) Over-irrigation
Explanation: In Punjab, over-irrigation has led to waterlogging and increased salinity in the soil, causing land degradation.
In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?

(a) Punjab

(b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh

(c) Haryana

(d) Uttarakhand

Answer: (d) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Terrace cultivation is practised in hilly regions like Uttarakhand to reduce soil erosion and allow agriculture on slopes.
In which of the following states is black soil found?

(a) Jammu and Kashmir

(b) Gujarat

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Jharkhand

Answer: (b) Gujarat
Explanation: Black soil (Regur) is typical of the Deccan trap region, covering parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
What percentage of our land should be under forest according to the National Forest Policy (1952)?

(a) 33%

(b) 40%

(c) 50%

(d) 25%

Answer: (a) 33%
Explanation: The National Forest Policy (1952) recommended that 33% of the total geographical area should be under forest cover for ecological balance.
Resources which are surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation are known as:

(a) Potential resources

(b) Stock resources

(c) Developed resources

(d) Reserve resources

Answer: (c) Developed resources
Explanation: Developed resources are those that have been surveyed, quantified, and are currently being used with available technology.
Which one of the following statements is correct about ‘sustainable economic development’?

(a) It means development that should continue forever.

(b) It means development without damaging the environment.

(c) It means development that benefits the present generation only.

(d) It means development that benefits the environment only.

Answer: (b) It means development without damaging the environment.
Explanation: Sustainable development aims to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, which requires environmental conservation.
The first International Earth Summit was held in:

(a) Geneva

(b) Rio de Janeiro

(c) New York

(d) Kyoto

Answer: (b) Rio de Janeiro
Explanation: The first International Earth Summit on environment and development was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
‘Laterite’ soil is very useful for growing which of the following crops?

(a) Tea and Coffee

(b) Cotton and Jute

(c) Wheat and Rice

(d) Sugarcane and Maize

Answer: (a) Tea and Coffee
Explanation: Laterite soil, rich in iron and aluminum, is found in high rainfall areas and is suitable for plantation crops like tea and coffee.
Which of the following is a method of soil conservation?

(a) Deforestation

(b) Overgrazing

(c) Contour ploughing

(d) Mining

Answer: (c) Contour ploughing
Explanation: Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the contour lines of a slope to form a natural barrier for water, reducing soil erosion.
Which of the following is NOT a classification of resources based on origin?

(a) Biotic

(b) Abiotic

(c) Renewable

(d) Natural

Answer: (c) Renewable
Explanation: 'Renewable' is a classification based on exhaustibility (stock). Based on origin, resources are classified as Biotic (living) or Abiotic (non-living).
The red soil appears red due to the presence of:

(a) Iron oxides

(b) Humus

(c) Phosphorus

(d) Potash

Answer: (a) Iron oxides
Explanation: The red color of this soil is due to the diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks under high temperature and low rainfall.
Resources that are found in a region but have not been utilised are called:

(a) Developed Resources

(b) Stock

(c) Reserves

(d) Potential Resources

Answer: (d) Potential Resources
Explanation: Potential resources are those which exist in a region but are not currently being used, due to lack of technology or other constraints.
Which one of the following is an example of a community-owned resource?

(a) Private farmland

(b) A state forest

(c) A village pond

(d) An individual's house

Answer: (c) A village pond
Explanation: Community-owned resources are accessible to all members of a community, like grazing grounds, burial grounds, and village ponds.

Assertion-Reasoning Questions (1 Mark Each)

Directions: For questions 16 to 20, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Alluvial soil is considered the most fertile soil.
Reason (R): Alluvial soil is rich in humus and potash, and is ideal for growing sugarcane and wheat.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Alluvial soil, deposited by rivers, is indeed the most fertile due to its rich mineral content (potash, phosphoric acid, lime) and humus, making it suitable for key crops.
Assertion (A): Land is a resource of utmost importance.
Reason (R): Land supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, and economic activities.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The importance of land stems directly from its role as the foundation for all terrestrial life and human economic systems.
Assertion (A): Arid soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
Reason (R): Arid soil is rich in humus and moisture.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation: Arid soil is generally unsuitable for cultivation due to its sandy texture and low moisture. The reason is false because it is poor in humus and dry.
Assertion (A): Sustainable development is crucial for the future.
Reason (R): It ensures that resource use does not compromise the needs of future generations.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The core principle and necessity of sustainable development is to maintain resource availability for the future, which directly explains its importance.
Assertion (A): Water is considered a renewable resource.
Reason (R): Water is continuously being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Water is renewable because the hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) constantly replenishes freshwater supplies.

Case-Based Questions (1 Mark Each)

For questions 21 to 25, read the case/source carefully and answer.

Case: "India has rich and varied mineral resources, but these are finite and non-renewable. The rate of consumption is increasing due to industrialisation and urbanisation."
What is the primary concern highlighted in this statement?

(a) India lacks mineral diversity

(b) Mineral resources are infinite

(c) Need for sustainable management of minerals

(d) Industrialisation should be stopped

Answer: (c) Need for sustainable management of minerals
Explanation: The case points to the exhaustible nature of minerals and increasing demand, stressing the need for careful, sustainable use.
Case: Study the data on land use in India:

Land Use Category % of Reporting Area (approx.)

Net Sown Area 46%

Forests 22%

Land not available for cultivation 14%

Fallow land 8%

Other uncultivated land 10%

What major challenge for land resources is indicated by this data?

(a) Forest cover is more than the policy target.

(b) A very high proportion of land is already under cultivation.

(c) There is abundant land left for future expansion of agriculture.

(d) Fallow land is the largest category.

Answer: (b) A very high proportion of land is already under cultivation.
Explanation: With Net Sown Area at 46%, there is limited scope to bring more land under cultivation without affecting forests or fallows, indicating pressure on land resources.
Case: "The state of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits. However, these states also face issues of deforestation and displacement of local communities."
What does this situation exemplify?

(a) Benefits of resource extraction with no negative impacts

(b) The need for balanced development that addresses environmental and social costs

(c) That minerals should be left unexploited

(d) That these states are economically backward

Answer: (b) The need for balanced development that addresses environmental and social costs
Explanation: The case highlights the trade-off between resource utilisation for development and its adverse impacts, underscoring the need for a balanced, sustainable approach.
Case: "Contour ploughing, terrace farming, and strip cropping are some agricultural practices."
What is the common objective of these practices?

(a) To increase crop yield using chemicals

(b) To reduce the cost of cultivation

(c) Soil conservation and erosion control

(d) To use more water for irrigation

Answer: (c) Soil conservation and erosion control
Explanation: All these practices are methods of soil conservation designed specifically to reduce soil erosion, especially on slopes.
Case: Read the following excerpt on resource planning:

"Resource planning is a complex process which involves: (i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. (ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing resource development plans. (iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans."
Why is the first step (identification and inventory) considered essential?

(a) To keep resources hidden

(b) To assess the availability and quality of resources before planning

(c) It is the easiest step

(d) To directly start exploitation

Answer: (b) To assess the availability and quality of resources before planning
Explanation: Effective planning cannot occur without first knowing what resources are available, where they are located, and in what quantity and quality.

Land Use Category	% of Reporting Area (approx.)
Net Sown Area	46%
Forests	22%
Land not available for cultivation	14%
Fallow land	8%
Other uncultivated land	10%

📝 How to Use This Section Effectively

First attempt: Try all questions without looking at answers

Check answers: Compare your responses with provided answers

Review mistakes: For wrong answers, revisit the related concept in Smart Notes

Time yourself: Aim to complete 30 MCQs within 20-25 minutes

Revise regularly: Re-attempt questions you found difficult after 2-3 days

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