resource interdependence

In overgrazing, animals consume grasses and other small plants faster than they can regrow. This reduces vegetation cover and leaves the soil vulnerable to erosion by rain and wind. Option B describes the usual benefit of adequate plant cover, not the effect of excessive grazing. Exam tip: link overgrazing with land degradation and soil erosion.

A map can show the locations of mineral, agricultural, or energy resources along with roads, railways, ports, and other transport links. These links show how resource-rich regions supply resources to other regions and receive goods or services in return; this is resource interdependence. Looking at resources in only one state does not show relationships between regions. Exam tip: study transport and trade links along with resource distribution on a map.

Irrigation needs water source and human-made arrangement. Exam tip: treat a project as combined resource use.

Natural resources are only a starting point for development. A region may possess minerals, forests, fertile land, or water, but these resources become useful only when people can identify, process, transport, and sell them. This requires suitable technology, roads and other transport, investment, skilled workers, and institutions that can organize production. Without these supporting conditions, resources may remain unused or bring little benefit.

Option A is correct because it identifies the gap between having a resource and having the capacity to use it. Option B is an extreme and false claim: resources do not always stop development. Option C ignores the essential role of human knowledge and work, while option D wrongly assumes that resources can reach markets without transport or organization. Thus availability alone cannot guarantee development.

Forests provide food, shelter and breeding spaces for diverse plants, animals, birds, insects and microorganisms. Thus, forests are major habitats for biodiversity, while diverse organisms also help maintain the balance of forest ecosystems. Option B is incorrect because forests are not merely sources of timber. Exam tip: remember the link as ‘habitat and ecosystem balance’.

Polluted water can harm aquatic life and fishing. Exam tip: write resource effects of pollution.

Market links resource-based goods with consumers. Exam tip: understand the chain of production market consumption.

Land use determines how much rainwater reaches the ground, flows across the surface, or enters the soil. Vegetation and open soil usually allow more infiltration, while compacted ground, roads and buildings can increase surface runoff and reduce infiltration. Farming, urbanisation, deforestation and changes in drainage channels may therefore alter the speed, direction and volume of water movement. The result depends on local conditions.

Option A is correct because both runoff and infiltration can change when land use changes. Water does not always disappear, rivers do not always close, and rainfall itself does not stop merely because land is used differently. The question tests the link between land cover and drainage, not an absolute prediction for every place or season.

River valley projects can help irrigation power and water management. Exam tip: note the word multipurpose.

Conservation keeps resources available for longer. Exam tip: write the idea of future generations.

Agriculture and industry are closely connected through raw materials and finished products. Cotton is grown by farmers as an agricultural crop. Textile industries use cotton fibre to make yarn, cloth, and many other products. The industry therefore depends on farming for an important input, while farmers may receive demand and income from the industrial market. Processing changes the raw material into a more useful and valuable product, showing how primary activities support secondary activities.

Option A is correct because cotton farming supplies the raw material needed by textile factories. Option B is wrong because cotton is directly related to textiles. Option C is wrong because cotton is a plant-based agricultural product, not a mineral. Option D is wrong because farming does not only produce electricity. The connection between the crop and the factory clearly makes A the correct answer.

Some industries depend on both energy and raw material. Exam tip: understand industrial role of energy resources.

Importance of a resource changes with place and need. Exam tip: treat utility as the identity of a resource.

Educated human resources can plan better. Exam tip: link education with quality of human resource.

A factory produces through a combination of many resources. Exam tip: write the industrial resource chain.

Crops do well in suitable temperature and rainfall. Exam tip: study climate and agriculture together.

Renewable energy can meet energy needs while reducing pressure on limited fuels. Exam tip: remember energy alternatives.

Coastal areas support many economic activities. Exam tip: understand place-based resource use.

Healthy soil helps better production. Exam tip: connect soil conservation with food security.

Transport links resource locations with demand locations. Exam tip: write transport in resource distribution.