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:

The correct option is (a) 1, 3 and 5 only. Explanation Land use is determined by the interplay of two broad categories of factors: Physical Factors (natural attributes of the environment) and Human Factors (anthropogenic influences). Understanding this distinction is fundamental to economic geography and resource management. Statement-wise Analysis: - 1. Topography (Correct): This is a physical factor. The relief, slope, and elevation of the land dictate its suitability for specific uses. For instance, flat plains are conducive to agriculture and infrastructure, while rugged terrain is often restricted to forestry or grazing. - 2. Population (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Population density and pressure determine the demand for land and the intensity of its utilization, but it is not an inherent physical characteristic of the land. - 3. Soil (Correct): This is a physical factor. Soil types, fertility, texture, and depth are natural determinants that influence agricultural productivity and vegetation cover. - 4. Technology (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Technological advancement defines the capacity of a society to exploit land resources, modify the environment (e.g., irrigation, terracing), and overcome physical constraints. - 5. Minerals (Correct): This is a physical factor. The geological presence of mineral deposits determines land use for mining and industrial activities, often taking precedence over agriculture in resource-rich regions. Key Takeaway: Physical factors determining land use include topography, soil, climate, minerals, and water availability. Human factors include population, technology, capital, and government policy.

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

mcqeasy

Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use?

Topography
Population
Soil
Technology
Minerals

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 3 and 5 only
B1, 2, 3 and 5 only
C2 and 4 only
D1, 3, 4 and 5 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1, 3 and 5 only.

Explanation

Land use is determined by the interplay of two broad categories of factors: Physical Factors (natural attributes of the environment) and Human Factors (anthropogenic influences). Understanding this distinction is fundamental to economic geography and resource management.

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Topography (Correct): This is a physical factor. The relief, slope, and elevation of the land dictate its suitability for specific uses. For instance, flat plains are conducive to agriculture and infrastructure, while rugged terrain is often restricted to forestry or grazing.
2. Population (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Population density and pressure determine the demand for land and the intensity of its utilization, but it is not an inherent physical characteristic of the land.
3. Soil (Correct): This is a physical factor. Soil types, fertility, texture, and depth are natural determinants that influence agricultural productivity and vegetation cover.
4. Technology (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Technological advancement defines the capacity of a society to exploit land resources, modify the environment (e.g., irrigation, terracing), and overcome physical constraints.
5. Minerals (Correct): This is a physical factor. The geological presence of mineral deposits determines land use for mining and industrial activities, often taking precedence over agriculture in resource-rich regions.

Key Takeaway:
Physical factors determining land use include topography, soil, climate, minerals, and water availability. Human factors include population, technology, capital, and government policy.

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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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

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:

medium

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?

medium

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The correct option is (a) 1, 3 and 5 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

1. Topography (Correct): This is a physical factor. The relief, slope, and elevation of the land dictate its suitability for specific uses. For instance, flat plains are conducive to agriculture and infrastructure, while rugged terrain is often restricted to forestry or grazing.
2. Population (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Population density and pressure determine the demand for land and the intensity of its utilization, but it is not an inherent physical characteristic of the land.
3. Soil (Correct): This is a physical factor. Soil types, fertility, texture, and depth are natural determinants that influence agricultural productivity and vegetation cover.
4. Technology (Incorrect): This is a human factor. Technological advancement defines the capacity of a society to exploit land resources, modify the environment (e.g., irrigation, terracing), and overcome physical constraints.
5. Minerals (Correct): This is a physical factor. The geological presence of mineral deposits determines land use for mining and industrial activities, often taking precedence over agriculture in resource-rich regions.