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Resources – Detailed Summary
Book: Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science
Term: Term 2
Subject: Geography
Unit: Unit 1
Lesson Name: Resources
About the Lesson
“Resources” is an important Geography lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science book. This lesson explains the meaning, types, uses, and importance of resources.
Human beings use many things from nature to satisfy their needs. These useful things are called resources. Resources may be natural or human-made, renewable or non-renewable, biotic or abiotic, metallic or non-metallic.
Learning Objectives
- To understand the meaning of resources.
- To learn about the importance of natural resources.
- To classify resources based on origin.
- To distinguish biotic and abiotic resources.
- To understand renewable and non-renewable resources.
- To learn about metallic and non-metallic mineral resources.
- To know about solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectricity.
- To understand fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
- To learn the need for conservation of resources.
Detailed Summary of the Lesson
1. Meaning of Resource
A resource is anything that can be used to satisfy human needs. Food, water, air, soil, minerals, forests, animals, sunlight, wind, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are examples of resources.
Resources are very important because they support human life and economic development. Without resources, agriculture, industries, transport, trade, and daily life cannot function properly.
2. Importance of Resources
Natural resources satisfy the basic needs of human beings such as food, clothing, and shelter.
They also help in the economic development of a country. Minerals support industries, forests provide raw materials, water supports agriculture and power generation, and fossil fuels provide energy.
3. Classification of Resources
Resources can be classified in different ways. They can be classified based on origin, renewability, and nature.
- Based on origin – Biotic and Abiotic resources.
- Based on renewability – Renewable and Non-renewable resources.
- Based on nature – Metallic and Non-metallic resources.
- Based on energy – Conventional and Non-conventional energy resources.
4. Biotic Resources
Biotic resources are resources obtained from living and organic materials.
They are found in the biosphere. Plants, trees, animals, birds, fishes, human beings, microorganisms, crops, forests, and fossil fuels are examples of biotic resources.
5. Abiotic Resources
Abiotic resources are resources obtained from non-living and non-organic materials.
Land, water, air, sunlight, soil, temperature, gold, copper, iron, silver, and other minerals are examples of abiotic resources.
6. Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are resources that can be used again and again. They are naturally replaced or renewed.
Solar energy, wind energy, water energy, forests, and soil are examples of renewable resources. These resources should be used carefully so that they remain available for the future.
7. Non-Renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are resources that are available only in limited quantities and cannot be replaced quickly once they are used.
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, and silver are examples of non-renewable resources. These resources take millions of years to form, so they must be conserved.
8. Metallic Resources
Metallic resources are mineral resources that contain metals.
Iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminium, and manganese are examples of metallic resources. They are very important for industries, construction, transport, machinery, and electrical goods.
9. Non-Metallic Resources
Non-metallic resources are minerals that do not contain metals.
Mica, limestone, gypsum, and coal are examples of non-metallic resources. They are used in industries, construction, electrical equipment, and many daily needs.
10. Iron
Iron is one of the most important metallic resources. It is used to make steel.
Steel is used in machinery, automobiles, ships, buildings, bridges, railway tracks, tools, and many engineering works. In Tamil Nadu, iron ore is found at Kanjamalai.
11. Copper
Copper is one of the first metals known and used by human beings.
It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. So it is widely used in electrical wires, electronic goods, utensils, coins, and alloys.
12. Aluminium
Aluminium is produced from bauxite ore.
It is light in weight, strong, and useful in construction, transport, aircraft, utensils, and electrical industries. Duralumin is an important alloy of aluminium.
13. Duralumin
Duralumin is a strong, hard, and lightweight alloy of aluminium.
It is widely used in aircraft construction. It is produced by adding small quantities of other metals to aluminium.
14. Manganese
Manganese is a steel-grey, hard, shiny, and brittle metal.
It is used in making electrical batteries, disinfecting liquids, bleaching powder, fertilizers, and steel. South Africa is one of the important producers of manganese.
15. Mica
Mica is an important non-metallic mineral. It is indispensable in the electrical and electronics industry.
It is used as an insulating material in the electrical industry. It is also used in making lubricating oil and decorative wallpapers.
16. Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock.
It is composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, foraminifera, and molluscs. It is widely used in cement and construction industries.
17. Energy Resources
Energy resources are resources that produce power and energy.
Energy is needed for cooking, lighting, transport, agriculture, industries, machines, and communication. Important energy resources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
18. Solar Energy
Solar energy is energy received from the sun.
It is a renewable and clean source of energy. It is not harmful to the environment. India, China, Japan, Italy, and the United States of America are major users of solar energy.
19. Kamuthi Solar Power Project
Kamuthi in Tamil Nadu is an important textbook point connected with solar energy.
It is mentioned in the textbook-back questions as the answer for the location of the largest solar power project in India.
20. Wind Energy
Wind energy is energy produced by the movement of wind.
Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity. Wind power is called clean energy because wind turbines do not produce emissions.
21. Major Wind Farms in India
India has many important wind farms.
- Muppandal
- Jaisalmer
- Brahmanvel
- Jalgaon
- Damanjodi
22. Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is electricity generated from moving water.
Water flowing with high velocity and falling from a great height is used to rotate turbines and dynamos. Therefore, water is considered a great source of energy.
23. Major Hydroelectric Projects
Some important hydroelectric projects are:
- Tehri Dam
- Srisailam Dam
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Bhakra Nangal Dam
24. China and Hydroelectricity
China is mentioned as the largest producer of hydroelectricity in the textbook-back answers.
The Three Gorges Dam in China is one of the largest hydroelectricity projects in the world.
25. Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals.
They are formed from hydrocarbons over millions of years. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are the main fossil fuel resources.
26. Coal
Coal is the most abundantly found fossil fuel.
It is formed when dead plant matter is converted into peat over a long period. Coal is used as domestic fuel, in iron and steel industries, in steam engines, and to generate electricity.
27. Thermal Power
Electricity produced from coal is called thermal power.
Thermal power stations burn coal to produce heat, which is used to generate electricity.
28. Types of Coal
Coal is classified into four types based on carbon content:
- Anthracite
- Bituminous
- Lignite
- Peat
29. Petroleum
Petroleum is a fossil fuel found between layers of rocks.
It is drilled from oil fields located in offshore and coastal areas. Petroleum gives many useful products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, wax, plastics, and lubricants.
30. Black Gold
Petroleum and its derivatives are called Black Gold.
They are called so because they are very valuable and play an important role in transport, industries, agriculture, and daily life.
31. Petroleum Producing Regions
Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Qatar are important petroleum-producing countries.
In India, Digboi in Assam and Bombay High are important petroleum-producing regions.
32. Natural Gas
Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits.
It is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. Natural gas is used as domestic fuel and industrial fuel.
33. Need for Conservation of Resources
Resources are very useful, but many resources are limited. Non-renewable resources such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, and minerals may be exhausted if we use them carelessly.
So resources must be used carefully. Conservation means using resources wisely and protecting them for future generations.
34. Ways to Conserve Resources
- Use water carefully.
- Reduce wastage of electricity.
- Use public transport whenever possible.
- Use renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
- Plant more trees.
- Recycle metals, paper, and plastic.
- Avoid unnecessary use of fossil fuels.
- Protect soil, forests, water bodies, and wildlife.
Central Idea of the Lesson
The central idea of the lesson is that resources are essential for human life and economic development. Resources may be biotic or abiotic, renewable or non-renewable, metallic or non-metallic. Energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are very important. Since many resources are limited, they must be conserved and used wisely.
Classification of Resources
| Basis of Classification | Types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Based on Origin | Biotic and Abiotic | Plants, animals, water, air, sunlight, minerals. |
| Based on Renewability | Renewable and Non-renewable | Solar energy, wind energy, coal, petroleum, minerals. |
| Based on Nature | Metallic and Non-metallic | Iron, copper, gold, mica, limestone. |
| Based on Energy | Conventional and Non-conventional | Coal, petroleum, solar energy, wind energy. |
Biotic and Abiotic Resources
| Biotic Resources | Abiotic Resources |
|---|---|
| They are obtained from living and organic materials. | They are obtained from non-living and non-organic materials. |
| They are found in the biosphere. | They are found in the physical environment. |
| Examples: Plants, trees, animals, fishes, human beings, crops, forests. | Examples: Land, water, air, sunlight, soil, gold, copper, silver. |
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
| Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources |
|---|---|
| They can be used again and again. | They cannot be replaced quickly once used. |
| They are naturally renewed. | They are available only in limited quantity. |
| They are generally cleaner and less polluting. | Many of them cause pollution when used. |
| Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower. | Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, silver. |
Metallic and Non-Metallic Resources
| Metallic Resources | Non-Metallic Resources |
|---|---|
| They contain metals. | They do not contain metals. |
| They are used in industries, machinery, transport, and construction. | They are used in construction, electrical industry, cement, and other industries. |
| Examples: Iron, copper, gold, aluminium, manganese. | Examples: Mica, limestone, gypsum, coal. |
Important Minerals and Uses
| Mineral | Type | Important Use |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Metallic | Used to make steel, machinery, automobiles, ships, bridges, and buildings. |
| Copper | Metallic | Good conductor of heat and electricity; used in electrical wires and electronics. |
| Aluminium | Metallic | Produced from bauxite; used in aircraft, construction, utensils, and transport. |
| Manganese | Metallic | Used in electrical batteries, fertilizers, bleaching powder, and steel. |
| Mica | Non-metallic | Used as insulating material in electrical and electronics industry. |
| Limestone | Non-metallic | Sedimentary rock used in cement and construction industries. |
Energy Resources
| Energy Resource | Type | Important Point |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Energy | Renewable | Energy from the sun; clean and not harmful to the environment. |
| Wind Energy | Renewable | Wind turbines produce electricity without emissions. |
| Hydroelectricity | Renewable | Generated from moving water with turbines and dynamos. |
| Coal | Fossil Fuel | Used as fuel and to produce thermal power. |
| Petroleum | Fossil Fuel | Called Black Gold; gives petrol, diesel, kerosene, wax, and plastics. |
| Natural Gas | Fossil Fuel | Found with petroleum deposits and used as domestic and industrial fuel. |
Fossil Fuels
| Fossil Fuel | Formation / Source | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | Formed when dead plant matter changes into peat over a long period. | Domestic fuel, iron and steel industry, steam engines, electricity generation. |
| Petroleum | Found between layers of rocks and drilled from oil fields. | Petrol, diesel, kerosene, wax, plastics, lubricants. |
| Natural Gas | Found with petroleum deposits. | Domestic fuel and industrial fuel. |
Types of Coal
| Type of Coal | Important Point |
|---|---|
| Anthracite | Coal with high carbon content. |
| Bituminous | Commonly used coal. |
| Lignite | Brown coal with lower carbon content. |
| Peat | Early stage in coal formation. |
Important Places and Projects
| Place / Project | Importance |
|---|---|
| Kamuthi | Textbook-back answer for largest solar power project in India. |
| Kanjamalai | Iron ore is found here in Tamil Nadu. |
| Muppandal | Important wind farm in India. |
| Tehri Dam | Important hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand. |
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Important hydroelectric project in India. |
| Three Gorges Dam | Important hydroelectricity project in China. |
| Digboi | Petroleum-producing region in Assam. |
| Bombay High | Important offshore petroleum-producing region in India. |
| Kolar Gold Field | One of the deep gold mines in India. |
Important Exam Points from the Lesson
| Topic | Important Point |
|---|---|
| Resource | Anything used to satisfy human needs. |
| Renewable Resource | Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower. |
| Non-renewable Resource | Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, silver. |
| Biotic Resource | Plants, animals, forests, crops, birds, fishes, and human beings. |
| Abiotic Resource | Land, water, air, sunlight, soil, gold, copper, silver. |
| Largest Producer of Hydroelectricity | China. |
| Iron Ore in Tamil Nadu | Kanjamalai. |
| Aluminium Produced From | Bauxite ore. |
| Manganese Used In | Making electrical batteries. |
| Petroleum and Derivatives | Called Black Gold. |
| Copper | One of the first metals known and used by humans. |
| Mica | Indispensable mineral used in electrical and electronics industry. |
| Electricity Produced from Coal | Thermal Power. |
| Wind Power | Clean energy because wind turbines do not produce emissions. |
| Hydroelectricity | Generated from moving water with turbines and dynamos. |
| Coal Types | Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat. |
| Fossil Fuels | Coal, petroleum, and natural gas. |
| Natural Gas | Found with petroleum deposits. |
Vocabulary to Remember
- Resource – anything used to satisfy human needs.
- Natural Resource – resource obtained from nature.
- Biotic Resource – resource obtained from living things.
- Abiotic Resource – resource obtained from non-living things.
- Renewable Resource – resource that can be used again and again.
- Non-Renewable Resource – resource that cannot be replaced quickly once used.
- Metallic Resource – mineral resource containing metal.
- Non-Metallic Resource – mineral resource without metal.
- Solar Energy – energy from the sun.
- Wind Energy – energy produced from wind movement.
- Hydroelectricity – electricity generated from moving water.
- Fossil Fuel – fuel formed from dead plants and animals over millions of years.
- Coal – fossil fuel used for thermal power.
- Petroleum – fossil fuel found between rock layers.
- Black Gold – petroleum and its derivatives.
- Natural Gas – fuel found with petroleum deposits.
- Bauxite – ore from which aluminium is produced.
- Duralumin – strong, hard, lightweight aluminium alloy.
- Mica – mineral used as an insulating material.
- Limestone – sedimentary rock used in cement and construction.
- Conservation – careful and wise use of resources.
TET / Exam Focus Areas
Very Important Focus: These are the most expected textbook-based areas from this lesson.
- Define resource.
- What is the importance of natural resources?
- Classify resources based on origin.
- Differentiate biotic and abiotic resources.
- Differentiate renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Differentiate metallic and non-metallic resources.
- What are the uses of iron?
- Which metal is one of the first metals known and used by man?
- What is aluminium produced from?
- Give a short note on Duralumin.
- Why is wind power called clean energy?
- Why is water considered a great source of energy?
- Name any five hydroelectricity projects.
- Name major wind farms in India.
- Name the types of coal based on carbon content.
- Which is called Black Gold?
- Explain fossil fuel resources.
- What are coal, petroleum, and natural gas?
- Why should resources be conserved?
Short Answer Questions and Answers
1. Define resource.
The things which can be used for satisfying human needs are called resources.
2. What is the importance of resources?
Natural resources satisfy the daily needs of human beings such as food, clothing, and shelter. They also help in the economic development of a country.
3. What are biotic resources?
Biotic resources are resources obtained from living and organic materials. Plants, animals, forests, crops, fishes, birds, and human beings are examples.
4. What are abiotic resources?
Abiotic resources are resources obtained from non-living and non-organic materials. Land, water, air, sunlight, soil, gold, copper, and silver are examples.
5. What are renewable resources?
Renewable resources are resources that can be used again and again. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower are examples.
6. What are non-renewable resources?
Non-renewable resources are resources available only in limited quantities and cannot be replaced quickly once used. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, and silver are examples.
7. What are metallic resources?
Metallic resources are mineral resources that contain metals. Iron, copper, aluminium, gold, silver, and manganese are examples.
8. What are non-metallic resources?
Non-metallic resources are minerals that do not contain metals. Mica, limestone, gypsum, and coal are examples.
9. What are the uses of iron?
Iron is used to make steel. It is used in machinery, machine tools, automobiles, large ships, buildings, bridges, and other engineering works.
10. Which is one of the first metals known and used by man?
Copper is one of the first metals known and used by man.
11. What is aluminium produced from?
Aluminium is produced from bauxite ore.
12. Give a short note on Duralumin.
Duralumin is a strong, hard, and lightweight alloy of aluminium. It is widely used in aircraft construction.
13. Why is mica important?
Mica is important because it is used as an insulating material in the electrical and electronics industry.
14. Why is wind power called clean energy?
Wind power is called clean energy because wind turbines do not produce any emissions.
15. Why is water considered a great source of energy?
Water is considered a great source of energy because moving water with high velocity and great falls can be used to produce hydroelectricity with turbines and dynamos.
16. Name any five hydroelectricity projects.
Tehri Dam, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam are important hydroelectricity projects.
17. Name the types of coal based on carbon content.
Coal is classified into Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat based on carbon content.
18. What is thermal power?
Electricity produced from coal is called thermal power.
19. What is called Black Gold?
Petroleum and its derivatives are called Black Gold because they are very valuable.
20. What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are fuels formed from the remains of dead plants and animals over millions of years. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are examples.
21. Where is petroleum found?
Petroleum is found between the layers of rocks and is drilled from oil fields located in offshore and coastal areas.
22. What is natural gas?
Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It is used as domestic and industrial fuel.
23. Name major wind farms in India.
Muppandal, Jaisalmer, Brahmanvel, Jalgaon, and Damanjodi are major wind farms in India.
24. Why should resources be conserved?
Resources should be conserved because many resources are limited and may be exhausted if used carelessly. Conservation protects resources for future generations.
How to Write This in Exam
For a short answer, write the direct definition first. For example, if the question asks “Define resource,” write “The things which can be used for satisfying human needs are called resources.”
For a long answer, divide the answer into headings such as meaning of resources, classification, biotic and abiotic resources, renewable and non-renewable resources, minerals, energy resources, fossil fuels, and conservation.
Sample Exam Answer
“Resources” is an important Geography lesson in 7th Social Science. Resources are things that can be used for satisfying human needs. Natural resources satisfy the daily needs of human beings such as food, clothing, and shelter. They also help in the economic development of a country.
Resources are classified in different ways. Based on origin, resources are divided into biotic and abiotic resources. Biotic resources are obtained from living and organic materials such as plants, animals, forests, crops, and fishes. Abiotic resources are obtained from non-living things such as land, water, air, sunlight, soil, gold, copper, and silver.
Based on renewability, resources are divided into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources can be used again and again. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower are examples. Non-renewable resources are available only in limited quantities and cannot be replaced quickly once used. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, and silver are examples.
Mineral resources are also important. Iron is used to make steel and is useful in machinery, automobiles, ships, buildings, and bridges. Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Aluminium is produced from bauxite ore. Mica is used in the electrical and electronics industry. Limestone is a sedimentary rock used in construction and cement industries.
Energy resources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Wind power is clean energy because wind turbines do not produce emissions. Water is used to produce hydroelectricity. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are fossil fuels. Petroleum and its derivatives are called Black Gold. Since many resources are limited, they must be used carefully and conserved for future generations.
One Mark Important Points
- Resource – Anything used to satisfy human needs
- Based on Origin – Biotic and Abiotic resources
- Biotic Resources – Plants, animals, forests, crops, fishes
- Abiotic Resources – Land, water, air, sunlight, soil, minerals
- Renewable Resource – Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower
- Non-Renewable Resource – Coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals
- Largest Producer of Hydroelectricity – China
- Iron Ore in Tamil Nadu – Kanjamalai
- Aluminium Produced From – Bauxite ore
- Manganese Used In – Electrical batteries
- Petroleum and Derivatives – Black Gold
- First Metal Known and Used by Man – Copper
- Indispensable Mineral in Electrical Industry – Mica
- Electricity Produced from Coal – Thermal Power
- Wind Power – Clean energy
- Wind Turbines – Do not produce emissions
- Hydroelectricity – Generated from moving water
- Coal Types – Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat
- Fossil Fuels – Coal, petroleum, natural gas
- Natural Gas – Found with petroleum deposits
- Duralumin – Strong, hard, lightweight alloy of aluminium
- Limestone – Sedimentary rock
- Major Wind Farms – Muppandal, Jaisalmer, Brahmanvel, Jalgaon, Damanjodi
- Important Hydroelectric Projects – Tehri, Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sardar Sarovar, Bhakra Nangal
Short Conclusion
“Resources” teaches us about the meaning, importance, types, and conservation of resources. It explains biotic, abiotic, renewable, non-renewable, metallic, and non-metallic resources. It also explains important minerals like iron, copper, aluminium, manganese, mica, and limestone. Energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are also discussed. This lesson is important for exams because many direct questions can be asked from renewable resources, non-renewable resources, biotic and abiotic resources, Black Gold, fossil fuels, coal types, mica, copper, bauxite, manganese, and hydroelectricity.


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