MCQs
1. Which of the following is a major cause of land degradation in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha?
a) Overgrazing
b) Deforestation due to mining
c) Over-irrigation
d) Industrial pollution
Answer: b) Deforestation due to mining
Explanation: Mining activities lead to large-scale deforestation, causing severe land degradation in these states.
2. What is the primary reason for land degradation in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh?
a) Overgrazing
b) Urbanization
c) Over-irrigation leading to waterlogging
d) Industrial waste dumping
Answer: c) Over-irrigation leading to waterlogging
Explanation: Excess irrigation results in waterlogging, increasing soil salinity and alkalinity.
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2. Impact of Human Activities on Land Degradation
MCQs
3. Which human activity contributes the most to land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra?
a) Mining
b) Deforestation
c) Overgrazing
d) Chemical fertilization
Answer: c) Overgrazing
Explanation: Overgrazing in these states reduces vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and degradation.
4. How do industrial activities contribute to land degradation?
a) By increasing crop yields
b) By generating dust and toxic waste
c) By improving soil fertility
d) By reducing deforestation
Answer: b) By generating dust and toxic waste
Explanation: Industrial waste, including dust from cement and ceramic industries, affects soil health and prevents water infiltration.
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3. Effects of Land Degradation
MCQs
5. What happens to soil affected by excessive chemical fertilization?
a) It becomes more fertile
b) It loses its productivity due to chemical imbalance
c) It retains more water
d) It supports more biodiversity
Answer: b) It loses its productivity due to chemical imbalance
Explanation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers disrupts soil composition, reducing its fertility over time.
6. Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of land degradation?
a) Desertification
b) Increased agricultural productivity
c) Loss of soil fertility
d) Reduction in groundwater recharge
Answer: b) Increased agricultural productivity
Explanation: Land degradation leads to declining agricultural productivity, not an increase.
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4. Conservation Measures
MCQs
7. Which of the following methods is used to control land degradation in arid areas?
a) Stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes
b) Construction of dams
c) Expansion of urban settlements
d) Use of chemical pesticides
Answer: a) Stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes
Explanation: Thorny bushes help stabilize sand dunes, preventing soil erosion in arid regions.
8. What is the best way to control land degradation caused by deforestation?
a) Increasing industrialization
b) Afforestation and reforestation
c) Expanding mining activities
d) Increasing chemical fertilizer use
Answer: b) Afforestation and reforestation
Explanation: Planting trees and restoring forests help prevent soil erosion and land degradation.
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5. Sustainable Land Management
MCQs
9. Which conservation measure is most effective in controlling overgrazing?
a) Banning livestock farming
b) Proper management of grazing land
c) Increasing deforestation
d) Expanding mining activities
Answer: b) Proper management of grazing land
Explanation: Controlled grazing practices help prevent overgrazing and soil erosion.
10. How can industrial waste contribute to land conservation?
a) By proper treatment and disposal
b) By dumping waste directly into soil
c) By increasing mining activities
d) By reducing forest cover
Answer: a) By proper treatment and disposal
Explanation: Treating and disposing of industrial waste safely helps prevent soil and land pollution.
