NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Resources

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What is the primary reason for the uneven distribution of natural resources across the earth's surface?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ADisparities in technological advancement.
BDivergence in government resource policies.
CDifferences in human population density.
DVariations in geological structure, climate, and terrain.

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Solution

The correct option is

Variations in geological structure, climate, and terrain.

Explanation

Natural resources are materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain. Their occurrence is governed by the physical formation processes of the Earth.

Analysis:

Variations in geological structure, climate, and terrain. is Correct: The distribution of natural resources depends primarily on physical factors such as terrain, climate, and altitude (geological structure).
- Geological Structure: Determines the location of mineral deposits (e.g., metallic minerals in igneous rocks, fossil fuels in sedimentary basins).
- Climate: Influences vegetation, soil formation, and water availability.
- Terrain: Affects the accessibility of resources, soil depth, and land use potential (e.g., plains for agriculture vs. mountains for hydro-power).
Since these physical factors differ significantly over the Earth's surface, the distribution of resources is highly uneven.
Options Differences in human population density., Disparities in technological advancement., and Divergence in government resource policies. are Incorrect: Human population density, technological advancement, and government policies are anthropogenic factors. They influence the utilization, extraction, and management of resources, but they do not determine the natural geographical location or abundance of these resources in the Earth's crust.

Key Takeaway: The spatial distribution of natural resources is a function of physical geography, specifically variations in geology, relief features, and climatic conditions.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Resources

With reference to the concept of 'Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Utility or usability is the primary criterion that makes an object a resource. 2. All resources possess economic value at the time of their use. 3. Resources cannot acquire economic value with the passage of time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are primarily responsible for changing substances into resources? 1. Time 2. Technology is unrelated to the transformation of substances into resources. 3. Needs of the people Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the distribution of natural resources, consider the following statements: 1. The distribution is unequal across the earth. 2. It depends solely on the level of technological development of a region. 3. Physical factors like terrain, climate, and altitude play a major role in distribution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Human Resource Development' (HRD): 1. It refers to increasing the population to ensure more workforce. 2. It involves improving the quality of people's skills. 3. Education and health are critical components of HRD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following best defines the concept of 'Sustainable Development'?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: Resources

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The correct option is

Variations in geological structure, climate, and terrain.

Explanation

Analysis:

Variations in geological structure, climate, and terrain. is Correct: The distribution of natural resources depends primarily on physical factors such as terrain, climate, and altitude (geological structure).
- Geological Structure: Determines the location of mineral deposits (e.g., metallic minerals in igneous rocks, fossil fuels in sedimentary basins).
- Climate: Influences vegetation, soil formation, and water availability.
- Terrain: Affects the accessibility of resources, soil depth, and land use potential (e.g., plains for agriculture vs. mountains for hydro-power).
Since these physical factors differ significantly over the Earth's surface, the distribution of resources is highly uneven.
Options Differences in human population density., Disparities in technological advancement., and Divergence in government resource policies. are Incorrect: Human population density, technological advancement, and government policies are anthropogenic factors. They influence the utilization, extraction, and management of resources, but they do not determine the natural geographical location or abundance of these resources in the Earth's crust.

Key Takeaway: The spatial distribution of natural resources is a function of physical geography, specifically variations in geology, relief features, and climatic conditions.