1. Introduction to Land Resources
MCQs
1. Why is land considered an important resource?
a) It supports natural vegetation and wildlife
b) It facilitates economic activities
c) It is essential for human settlement and transport
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Land is crucial for vegetation, wildlife, human activities, economic development, and transportation.
2. What is the total geographical area of India?
a) 2.5 million sq km
b) 3.28 million sq km
c) 4.1 million sq km
d) 5.2 million sq km
Answer: b) 3.28 million sq km
Explanation: India’s total land area is approximately 3.28 million square kilometers.
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2. Land Use in India
MCQs
3. Which of the following is NOT a major category of land use in India?
a) Forests
b) Agricultural land
c) Industrial land only
d) Barren and wasteland
Answer: c) Industrial land only
Explanation: Land use is classified into forests, agricultural land, barren land, grazing land, and settlements. Industrial land is part of non-agricultural uses but not a separate category.
4. Which Indian states have more than 80% of their land under cultivation?
a) Gujarat and Rajasthan
b) Punjab and Haryana
c) Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
d) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Answer: b) Punjab and Haryana
Explanation: Punjab and Haryana have high agricultural land usage due to fertile plains and irrigation facilities.
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3. Land Degradation and Conservation
MCQs
5. What is the major cause of land degradation in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh?
a) Over-irrigation leading to waterlogging
b) Overgrazing by cattle
c) Deforestation due to mining
d) Industrial waste disposal
Answer: a) Over-irrigation leading to waterlogging
Explanation: Excessive irrigation causes waterlogging, which leads to salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
6. Which human activity has led to severe land degradation in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha?
a) Over-irrigation
b) Overgrazing
c) Deforestation due to mining
d) Urban expansion
Answer: c) Deforestation due to mining
Explanation: Mining operations result in land degradation due to deforestation and the dumping of waste materials.
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4. Land Use Pattern
MCQs
7. According to the National Forest Policy (1952), what percentage of land should be covered by forests?
a) 10%
b) 25%
c) 33%
d) 50%
Answer: c) 33%
Explanation: The National Forest Policy (1952) suggested that one-third of a country’s land should be under forest cover for ecological balance.
8. What is the major reason for the decrease in land under permanent pastures?
a) Increasing urbanization
b) Expansion of agricultural land
c) Climate change
d) Decline in cattle population
Answer: b) Expansion of agricultural land
Explanation: As agriculture expands to meet growing food demands, pasture land is decreasing.
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5. Land Conservation Measures
MCQs
9. Which method is effective in preventing soil erosion in hilly areas?
a) Contour ploughing
b) Over-irrigation
c) Increasing chemical fertilization
d) Deforestation
Answer: a) Contour ploughing
Explanation: Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the natural slope to prevent water runoff and soil erosion.
10. Which of the following is NOT a method of land conservation?
a) Afforestation
b) Overgrazing
c) Crop rotation
d) Shelterbelt plantations
Answer: b) Overgrazing
Explanation: Overgrazing leads to land degradation, while afforestation, crop rotation, and shelterbelts help in land conservation.
