Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (d). Explanation The expansion of agriculture and construction activities exerts significant pressure on land resources, leading to various forms of environmental degradation. These anthropogenic activities modify the natural landscape, often resulting in severe ecological consequences. - 1. Land Degradation (Correct): Intensive agricultural practices (such as excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and over-irrigation leading to salinization) and construction activities (sealing of soil, excavation, and waste dumping) significantly reduce the quality and productivity of the land. - 2. Landslides (Correct): Construction activities, particularly in ecologically fragile hilly terrains (e.g., road widening, dam construction, and mining), destabilize slopes. Similarly, the expansion of agriculture onto steep slopes involves the removal of binding vegetation, increasing the susceptibility of the terrain to landslides. - 3. Soil Erosion (Correct): Both agriculture (through ploughing and deforestation) and construction (through the clearing of vegetation cover) expose the topsoil to agents of denudation such as wind and water. This removal of the fertile top layer is a direct consequence of land-use changes. - 4. Desertification (Correct): Desertification refers to land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It is driven by human activities, including over-cultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation practices associated with agricultural expansion. Key Takeaway: Unscientific agricultural expansion and unplanned infrastructure development are primary anthropogenic drivers responsible for accelerating land degradation, soil erosion, landslides, and desertification.

NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

mcqmedium

Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities?

Land degradation
Landslides
Soil erosion
Desertification

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

The expansion of agriculture and construction activities exerts significant pressure on land resources, leading to various forms of environmental degradation. These anthropogenic activities modify the natural landscape, often resulting in severe ecological consequences.

1. Land Degradation (Correct): Intensive agricultural practices (such as excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and over-irrigation leading to salinization) and construction activities (sealing of soil, excavation, and waste dumping) significantly reduce the quality and productivity of the land.
2. Landslides (Correct): Construction activities, particularly in ecologically fragile hilly terrains (e.g., road widening, dam construction, and mining), destabilize slopes. Similarly, the expansion of agriculture onto steep slopes involves the removal of binding vegetation, increasing the susceptibility of the terrain to landslides.
3. Soil Erosion (Correct): Both agriculture (through ploughing and deforestation) and construction (through the clearing of vegetation cover) expose the topsoil to agents of denudation such as wind and water. This removal of the fertile top layer is a direct consequence of land-use changes.
4. Desertification (Correct): Desertification refers to land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It is driven by human activities, including over-cultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation practices associated with agricultural expansion.

Key Takeaway: Unscientific agricultural expansion and unplanned infrastructure development are primary anthropogenic drivers responsible for accelerating land degradation, soil erosion, landslides, and desertification.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

easy

With reference to landslides, consider the following statements: 1. They are defined as the mass movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. 2. They can occur in conjunction with earthquakes and volcanoes but not floods. 3. Intense blasting has no effect on the stability of slopes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (d).

Explanation

1. Land Degradation (Correct): Intensive agricultural practices (such as excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and over-irrigation leading to salinization) and construction activities (sealing of soil, excavation, and waste dumping) significantly reduce the quality and productivity of the land.
2. Landslides (Correct): Construction activities, particularly in ecologically fragile hilly terrains (e.g., road widening, dam construction, and mining), destabilize slopes. Similarly, the expansion of agriculture onto steep slopes involves the removal of binding vegetation, increasing the susceptibility of the terrain to landslides.
3. Soil Erosion (Correct): Both agriculture (through ploughing and deforestation) and construction (through the clearing of vegetation cover) expose the topsoil to agents of denudation such as wind and water. This removal of the fertile top layer is a direct consequence of land-use changes.
4. Desertification (Correct): Desertification refers to land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It is driven by human activities, including over-cultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation practices associated with agricultural expansion.