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Chapter 11. Nature`s Treasures

Chapter Review

Chapter 11. Nature's Treasures

Nature provides everything needed for life on Earth. Clean air, fresh water, sunlight, forests, soil, rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels are precious gifts of nature. These natural treasures support all living organisms and help maintain the balance of the environment. Understanding their importance teaches us how to use them wisely and protect them for future generations.

Chapter Review

This chapter explains the importance of different natural resources and how they support life on Earth. It also introduces renewable and non-renewable resources, conservation of nature, and responsible use of Earth's valuable resources. Students learn that protecting nature is everyone's responsibility.

Introduction

Natural resources are the valuable materials and sources of energy that we receive directly from nature. Human beings, plants, and animals depend on these resources for survival. Air helps us breathe, water supports life, sunlight provides energy, forests protect biodiversity, soil helps plants grow, rocks and minerals provide useful materials, and fossil fuels meet many of our energy needs. Since many natural resources are limited, they should be used carefully and conserved for future generations.

What are Nature's Treasures?

Nature's treasures are all the valuable resources available in nature that make life possible. These include air, water, sunlight, forests, soil, rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels. They provide food, shelter, energy, raw materials, and a healthy environment for all living organisms.

Air

Air is essential for the survival of almost every living organism. It contains different gases, mainly nitrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is required for respiration, while carbon dioxide is used by plants during photosynthesis. Moving air is called wind, which can also be used to generate electricity through windmills.

Composition of Air

The atmosphere is made up of different gases mixed together in fixed proportions.

Gas	Approximate Percentage	Importance
Nitrogen	78%	Maintains balance in the atmosphere and supports plant growth through the nitrogen cycle.
Oxygen	21%	Required for respiration by living organisms.
Argon, Carbon Dioxide and Other Gases	1%	Support different natural processes including photosynthesis.

Water

Water is one of the most essential natural resources. It is needed for drinking, cooking, farming, industries, sanitation, and many daily activities. Although most of Earth's surface is covered with water, only a small amount is available as freshwater for human use. Therefore, water should never be wasted.

Water Conservation

Saving water is necessary because freshwater resources are limited. Rainwater harvesting, repairing leaking taps, avoiding unnecessary use of water, recycling water, and preventing water pollution are some effective methods of water conservation.

Energy from the Sun

The Sun is the ultimate source of energy on Earth. Plants prepare food using sunlight through photosynthesis. Animals and humans receive energy directly or indirectly from plants. Solar energy is also used to generate electricity and heat water using solar panels and solar heaters.

Forests

Forests are rich ecosystems containing a wide variety of plants, animals, birds, insects, and microorganisms. They provide food, oxygen, medicines, timber, rainfall regulation, and habitat for wildlife. Forests also help maintain ecological balance and prevent soil erosion.

Importance of Forest Conservation

Large-scale cutting of trees leads to habitat loss, soil erosion, climate change, reduced rainfall, and loss of biodiversity. Afforestation, Van Mahotsav, the Chipko Movement, and sustainable use of forests help conserve these valuable ecosystems.

Soil

Soil is formed over thousands of years through the weathering of rocks. It contains minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. Healthy soil supports agriculture, forests, and biodiversity by providing nutrients and water to plants.

Rocks and Minerals

Rocks are natural solid materials made up of minerals. They are widely used in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and industries. Important minerals provide metals such as iron, copper, aluminium, and gold that are used in everyday life.

Fossil Fuels

Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are called fossil fuels. They were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. Fossil fuels are important sources of energy but are limited in quantity and cause pollution when burned.

Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials obtained directly from nature. They can be classified as renewable and non-renewable depending on whether they can be replaced naturally within a reasonable period.

Classification of Natural Resources

Renewable Resources	Non-Renewable Resources
Air	Coal
Water	Petroleum
Sunlight	Natural Gas
Forests (if managed properly)	Minerals
Wind Energy	Many Metallic Ores

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are those that can be naturally replenished over a relatively short period. Examples include sunlight, wind, air, and water when used responsibly.

Non-Renewable Resources

Non-renewable resources are available in limited quantities and take millions of years to form. Once exhausted, they cannot be replaced quickly. Therefore, they should be used carefully.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Natural resources should be used wisely to meet present needs without affecting future generations. Conserving resources helps maintain ecological balance, protects biodiversity, reduces pollution, and supports sustainable development.

Important Terms

Term	Meaning
Natural Resource	Anything obtained directly from nature for human use.
Renewable Resource	A resource that can be naturally replaced.
Non-Renewable Resource	A resource that cannot be replaced within a short time.
Rainwater Harvesting	Collection and storage of rainwater for future use.
Photosynthesis	Process by which plants prepare food using sunlight.
Biodiversity	Variety of living organisms in a particular area.
Fossil Fuel	Fuel formed from ancient plants and animals.
Mineral	A naturally occurring substance found in rocks.

Chapter Highlights

• Nature provides all the essential resources required for life.
• Air contains nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.
• Freshwater is limited and should be conserved.
• The Sun is the primary source of energy on Earth.
• Forests protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.
• Soil supports agriculture and plant growth.
• Rocks and minerals are important natural resources.
• Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy.
• Natural resources are classified as renewable and non-renewable.
• Responsible use and conservation of natural resources ensure a sustainable future.

Chapter 11. Nature`s Treasures

NCERT TextBook Questions With Answers

Chapter 11. Nature's Treasures

The following NCERT Solutions are prepared according to the latest NCERT Curiosity Science Grade 6 textbook. The answers are written in simple, student-friendly language to help learners understand concepts clearly and prepare effectively for school examinations.

NCERT Textbook Exercise

These solutions cover all the questions given at the end of the chapter and provide clear explanations wherever required.

Question 1. Name the following.

• (a) A gas essential for breathing
• (b) The process of collecting and storing rainwater
• (c) The main source of energy on Earth
• (d) Fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals
• (e) Resources that can be replenished naturally

Answer:

• (a) Oxygen
• (b) Rainwater harvesting
• (c) The Sun
• (d) Fossil fuels
• (e) Renewable resources

Explanation: These are important scientific terms introduced in the chapter and form the basis for understanding natural resources.

Question 2. Why is air considered an essential natural resource?

Answer:

Air is essential because it contains oxygen required for respiration. Plants also use carbon dioxide from the air to prepare food through photosynthesis. Air supports life, helps in burning, and plays an important role in weather and climate.

Question 3. Why should we conserve water?

Answer:

Only a small portion of Earth's water is available as freshwater for human use. Water is needed for drinking, cooking, farming, industries, and sanitation. Conserving water ensures that enough freshwater remains available for present and future generations.

Question 4. Mention any four methods of saving water.

Answer:

• Turn off taps when not in use.
• Repair leaking taps and pipes.
• Practice rainwater harvesting.
• Reuse water whenever possible.

Question 5. Why is the Sun called the ultimate source of energy?

Answer:

Plants prepare food using sunlight through photosynthesis. Animals depend on plants either directly or indirectly for food. Solar energy is also used to generate electricity and heat. Therefore, almost all life on Earth ultimately depends on the Sun.

Question 6. State any four benefits of forests.

Answer:

• Provide oxygen.
• Offer food and shelter to wildlife.
• Prevent soil erosion.
• Help maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.

Question 7. Why are forests called the natural home of wildlife?

Answer:

Forests provide food, water, shelter, and suitable living conditions for a wide variety of animals, birds, insects, and microorganisms. Therefore, they are considered the natural habitat of wildlife.

Question 8. Explain how soil is formed.

Answer:

Soil forms over thousands of years through the weathering of rocks caused by wind, water, heat, and living organisms. Decayed plants and animals mix with rock particles to make fertile soil.

Question 9. What are minerals?

Answer:

Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in rocks. They provide valuable metals such as iron, copper, aluminium, and gold, which are used to manufacture many useful products.

Question 10. What are fossil fuels?

Answer:

Fossil fuels are natural fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas that were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years.

Question 11. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Answer:

Renewable Resources	Non-Renewable Resources
Can be replenished naturally.	Cannot be replaced within a short period.
Available continuously if used wisely.	Available in limited quantities.
Cause comparatively less environmental damage.	Excessive use leads to depletion.
Examples: Air, Water, Sunlight, Wind.	Examples: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Minerals.

Question 12. Why should fossil fuels be used carefully?

Answer:

Fossil fuels take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly. Their excessive use also causes air pollution and contributes to global warming. Therefore, they should be used wisely and alternative energy sources should be encouraged.

Question 13. Explain the importance of rainwater harvesting.

Answer:

Rainwater harvesting collects and stores rainwater for future use. It helps recharge groundwater, reduces water shortage, prevents wastage of rainwater, and supports sustainable water management.

Question 14. How do forests help in maintaining environmental balance?

Answer:

Forests absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate climate, prevent floods and soil erosion, conserve biodiversity, and maintain the water cycle. Thus, they play a vital role in protecting the environment.

Question 15. Write any five ways by which we can conserve natural resources.

Answer:

• Plant more trees.
• Save electricity.
• Use water carefully.
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle materials.
• Use renewable sources of energy whenever possible.

Question 16. Explain why every citizen should protect nature's treasures.

Answer:

Nature's treasures support all forms of life. If these resources are overused or polluted, future generations may face shortages of food, water, clean air, and energy. Protecting natural resources helps maintain ecological balance and ensures sustainable development.

Chapter 11. Nature`s Treasures

Extra Questions Examination Based

Chapter 11. Nature's Treasures

The following important questions are prepared according to the latest NCERT Curiosity textbook and the latest CBSE competency-based pattern. These questions focus on concepts, applications, environmental awareness, and examination-oriented learning.

Important Questions with Answers

Practice these questions regularly to improve your understanding of natural resources and their conservation.

One Mark Questions

Question 1. What is a natural resource?

Answer: A natural resource is anything obtained directly from nature that is useful to living organisms.

Question 2. Which gas is essential for respiration?

Answer: Oxygen.

Question 3. Name the main source of energy on Earth.

Answer: The Sun.

Question 4. What is rainwater harvesting?

Answer: It is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use.

Question 5. Name one renewable natural resource.

Answer: Wind.

Question 6. Name one non-renewable natural resource.

Answer: Coal.

Question 7. Which natural resource supports plant growth?

Answer: Soil.

Question 8. Name any one fossil fuel.

Answer: Petroleum.

Question 9. Which process helps green plants prepare food?

Answer: Photosynthesis.

Question 10. What is biodiversity?

Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms found in a particular area.

Two Mark Questions

Question 1. Why are natural resources called nature's treasures?

Answer: Natural resources provide food, water, air, energy, and raw materials essential for life. Since they are valuable and support all living organisms, they are called nature's treasures.

Question 2. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Answer:

Renewable Resources	Non-Renewable Resources
Can be naturally replenished.	Cannot be replaced quickly.
Examples: Sunlight, Wind.	Examples: Coal, Petroleum.

Question 3. Write any two uses of forests.

Answer:

• Forests provide oxygen.
• They provide shelter to wildlife.

Question 4. Why should we conserve water?

Answer: Freshwater is limited. Conserving water ensures that enough clean water remains available for present and future generations.

Question 5. Mention any two uses of rocks and minerals.

Answer:

• Construction of buildings and roads.
• Manufacturing machines, vehicles, and household items.

Three Mark Questions

Question 1. Explain the importance of air.

Answer:

Air contains oxygen needed for respiration and carbon dioxide required for photosynthesis. It also helps in burning, supports weather changes, and provides wind energy for generating electricity.

Question 2. Describe any three methods of conserving water.

Answer:

• Practice rainwater harvesting.
• Repair leaking taps and pipelines.
• Reuse water whenever possible.

Question 3. Explain the importance of forests.

Answer:

Forests provide oxygen, conserve biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, regulate rainfall, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide food, medicines, timber, and shelter to many living organisms.

Question 4. Why should fossil fuels be used carefully?

Answer:

Fossil fuels are limited in quantity and take millions of years to form. Their excessive use causes air pollution and contributes to global warming. Therefore, they should be used wisely.

Question 5. Explain how soil is important for living organisms.

Answer:

Soil provides nutrients, water, and support to plants. It is also home to many organisms and forms the foundation of agriculture, which supplies food to humans and animals.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the importance of natural resources in our daily life.

Answer:

Natural resources are essential for human survival and development. Air supports respiration, water is required for drinking and agriculture, sunlight provides energy, forests maintain ecological balance, soil supports crop production, rocks and minerals provide raw materials, and fossil fuels supply energy for transportation and industries. Proper use of these resources ensures sustainable development.

Question 2. Discuss the importance of conserving natural resources.

Answer:

Conservation of natural resources ensures that future generations have access to clean air, water, fertile soil, forests, and energy resources. It reduces pollution, protects biodiversity, prevents resource depletion, and supports sustainable development. Every individual should use resources responsibly and avoid unnecessary wastage.

Question 3. Explain the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources with suitable examples.

Answer:

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally within a relatively short time. Examples include sunlight, wind, and water. Non-renewable resources take millions of years to form and are available in limited quantities. Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and minerals. Renewable resources should be preferred whenever possible to reduce environmental damage.

Question 4. Describe the importance of forests and suggest measures for their conservation.

Answer:

Forests provide oxygen, regulate climate, conserve biodiversity, prevent floods and soil erosion, and supply food, medicines, and timber. Forest conservation can be achieved through afforestation, preventing illegal cutting of trees, controlling forest fires, reducing deforestation, and encouraging community participation in tree plantation programmes.

Question 5. Explain how every citizen can help protect nature's treasures.

Answer:

Every citizen can protect nature by saving water and electricity, planting trees, reducing pollution, recycling materials, avoiding unnecessary use of fossil fuels, protecting wildlife, and spreading awareness about environmental conservation. Small individual efforts together create a significant positive impact on the environment.

Chapter 11. Nature`s Treasures

40 Important MCQs with Answers

Chapter 11. Nature's Treasures

The following multiple-choice questions are prepared according to the latest NCERT Curiosity textbook and the latest CBSE competency-based pattern. These questions cover important concepts, natural resources, conservation, and environmental awareness.

40 Important MCQs with Answer Key

Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Nature's treasures are also known as

(A) Artificial resources (B) Natural resources (C) Industrial products (D) Machines

2. Which gas is essential for respiration?

(A) Nitrogen (B) Oxygen (C) Carbon dioxide (D) Hydrogen

3. Which gas is used by plants during photosynthesis?

(A) Oxygen (B) Carbon dioxide (C) Nitrogen (D) Helium

4. The largest percentage of air is made up of

(A) Oxygen (B) Carbon dioxide (C) Nitrogen (D) Water vapour

5. The main source of energy on Earth is

(A) Wind (B) Water (C) The Sun (D) Coal

6. Which of the following is a renewable resource?

(A) Coal (B) Petroleum (C) Sunlight (D) Natural gas

7. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?

(A) Wind (B) Air (C) Coal (D) Sunlight

8. Rainwater harvesting is mainly done to

(A) Increase pollution (B) Save water (C) Produce electricity (D) Remove minerals

9. Which resource is essential for agriculture?

(A) Plastic (B) Soil (C) Glass (D) Rubber

10. Soil is mainly formed by the weathering of

(A) Wood (B) Rocks (C) Water (D) Air

11. Which natural resource provides habitat for wildlife?

(A) Forests (B) Roads (C) Buildings (D) Factories

12. Forests help in preventing

(A) Photosynthesis (B) Soil erosion (C) Germination (D) Respiration

13. Which of the following is a fossil fuel?

(A) Wind (B) Coal (C) Sunlight (D) Water

14. Petroleum is mainly used as

(A) Fertiliser (B) Fuel (C) Soil (D) Mineral water

15. Which resource is used to generate solar energy?

(A) Coal (B) Wind (C) Sunlight (D) Water

16. Windmills are used to produce

(A) Petrol (B) Electricity (C) Coal (D) Oxygen

17. Which of the following is NOT a natural resource?

(A) Air (B) Water (C) Plastic (D) Forest

18. Minerals are generally obtained from

(A) Clouds (B) Rocks (C) Rivers (D) Trees

19. Which metal is obtained from mineral ores?

(A) Iron (B) Wood (C) Cotton (D) Paper

20. Excessive cutting of trees is called

(A) Afforestation (B) Deforestation (C) Irrigation (D) Germination

21. Planting new trees is known as

(A) Deforestation (B) Mining (C) Afforestation (D) Harvesting

22. Which resource is directly required for drinking?

(A) Water (B) Coal (C) Iron (D) Sand

23. Which resource helps plants prepare food?

(A) Moonlight (B) Sunlight (C) Coal (D) Petroleum

24. Biodiversity refers to

(A) Different kinds of rocks

(B) Variety of living organisms

(C) Different types of fuels

(D) Different minerals

25. Which of the following should be conserved?

(A) Water (B) Forests (C) Minerals (D) All of these

26. Fossil fuels are formed from

(A) Fresh leaves

(B) Ancient plants and animals

(C) Rainwater

(D) Soil only

27. Which practice helps reduce water shortage?

(A) Rainwater harvesting

(B) Cutting forests

(C) Burning coal

(D) Mining

28. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?

(A) Solar energy (B) Coal (C) Diesel (D) Petrol

29. Which natural resource helps maintain ecological balance?

(A) Forests (B) Plastic (C) Cement (D) Glass

30. The excessive use of fossil fuels mainly causes

(A) Air pollution (B) Soil formation (C) Rainfall (D) Germination

31. Which gas makes up about 21% of the atmosphere?

(A) Nitrogen (B) Oxygen (C) Carbon dioxide (D) Helium

32. Which natural resource is essential for all living organisms?

(A) Water (B) Gold (C) Coal (D) Marble

33. Which of the following is an example of conservation?

(A) Wasting water

(B) Planting trees

(C) Burning forests

(D) Polluting rivers

34. Which natural resource is mainly used for making buildings?

(A) Rocks (B) Clouds (C) Wind (D) Air

35. Which resource takes millions of years to form?

(A) Coal (B) Wind (C) Sunlight (D) Air

36. Which of the following is the best way to save electricity?

(A) Keep lights on all day

(B) Switch off appliances when not in use

(C) Waste energy

(D) Burn more fossil fuels

37. Which practice helps protect biodiversity?

(A) Deforestation

(B) Wildlife conservation

(C) Water pollution

(D) Excessive mining

38. Which statement is correct?

(A) Natural resources are unlimited.

(B) Natural resources should be used wisely.

(C) Fossil fuels are renewable.

(D) Water is never exhausted.

39. Which natural resource is most suitable for producing clean energy?

(A) Solar energy

(B) Coal

(C) Petroleum

(D) Natural gas

40. The main aim of conserving natural resources is to

(A) Increase pollution

(B) Protect resources for future generations

(C) Cut more forests

(D) Waste available resources

Answer Key

1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-C, 5-C, 6-C, 7-C, 8-B, 9-B, 10-B,
11-A, 12-B, 13-B, 14-B, 15-C, 16-B, 17-C, 18-B, 19-A, 20-B,
21-C, 22-A, 23-B, 24-B, 25-D, 26-B, 27-A, 28-A, 29-A, 30-A,
31-B, 32-A, 33-B, 34-A, 35-A, 36-B, 37-B, 38-B, 39-A, 40-B.