Natural Resources, Forests and Wildlife

A Today you'll learn

Differentiate between renewable (solar, wind, water) and non-renewable resources (coal, petroleum)
Understand the immense importance of forests: oxygen, rainfall, timber, medicinal plants, and soil stability
Learn about wildlife conservation, endangered species, National Parks, and Sanctuaries in India

B Let's understand

Natural resources are gifts provided by nature that satisfy human needs. Renewable resources are naturally replenished over time, such as sunlight, wind energy, water, and forests. Non-renewable resources exist in finite quantities and take millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) and minerals; once exhausted, they cannot be readily replaced. Forests are the green lungs of our planet: they release oxygen, draw monsoon rain, prevent soil erosion, and shelter millions of wildlife species. Due to excessive deforestation and poaching, many animals (like the Royal Bengal Tiger and One-horned Rhinoceros) are endangered. To protect them, India has established protected National Parks (like Corbett, Kaziranga, and Gir) and wildlife sanctuaries.

C See it step by step

Example 1: Why should we switch to solar and wind energy instead of relying solely on coal?

Solar and wind power are infinite renewable resources that will never run out.
Burning coal produces heavy soot, greenhouse gases, and air pollution.
Solar panels and wind turbines produce clean, green energy without smoke.

Example 2: What is the purpose of a National Park like Kaziranga?

Kaziranga in Assam is a legally protected wildlife haven.
Hunting, poaching, and commercial tree-felling are strictly banned.
It preserves the endangered One-horned Rhinoceros in its natural swamp habitat.

D Your turn

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

Look back at "Let's understand" above for a clue.

E Ready to practise?

Key idea 1

Renewable resources naturally replenish; non-renewable resources are finite.

Fossil fuels (coal

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release pollution and will eventually run dry.

Forests prevent soil erosion

Forests prevent soil erosion, regulate climate, and provide timber, fruits, and medicine.

Key idea 4

Endangered species face the threat of extinction if not protected.

National Parks (e

National Parks (e.g., Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Gir) safeguard wildlife habitats.

Warm up

1. What are renewable natural resources? Give two examples.

2. Why is petroleum called a non-renewable resource?

3. Why are forests referred to as the "lungs of the Earth"?

Practise

4. What does the term "endangered species" mean?

5. Name the famous national park in Gujarat dedicated to protecting Asiatic Lions.

6. Which state is Kaziranga National Park located in, and which animal is it famous for?

Challenge

7. What is deforestation, and what harm does it cause?

8. Explain how trees prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

Download worksheet (PDF)

Question 1: What are renewable natural resources? Give two examples.

Answer: Resources that nature replenishes continuously; examples: solar energy, wind, water.

Question 2: Why is petroleum called a non-renewable resource?

Answer: It takes millions of years to form under the earth and cannot be replaced once depleted.

Question 3: Why are forests referred to as the "lungs of the Earth"?

Answer: Because trees absorb carbon dioxide and release abundant oxygen essential for breathing.

Question 4: What does the term "endangered species" mean?

Answer: Species of animals or plants at serious risk of disappearing and becoming extinct.

Question 5: Name the famous national park in Gujarat dedicated to protecting Asiatic Lions.

Answer: Gir National Park.

Question 6: Which state is Kaziranga National Park located in, and which animal is it famous for?

Answer: Assam; famous for the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros.

Question 7: What is deforestation, and what harm does it cause?

Answer: The large-scale cutting down of forests; causes floods, soil erosion, climate change, and habitat loss.

Question 8: Explain how trees prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

Answer: Dense tree roots bind and grip topsoil tightly, preventing rushing rainwater from washing it away.