Grade 11
Grade 11
Grade 11
SECTION A: RESOURCES
Key Concepts
In this lesson we will focus on summarising what you need to know about:
X-Planation
The Relationship between Resources and Economic Development
Resources
Things people use to help them with their needs.
Economic Development
Development that involves the efficient use of resources to improve the standard of living and the quality
of life of a nation.
Exploitation
Careless use of resources that does not consider the consequences of each action.
Renewable Resources
Resources that can be replaced or regenerated.
Society Environment
Economy
Questions
Question 1
Refer to the map of South-Africa showing the uneven distribution of natural resources.
Question 2
a.) Differentiate (What is the difference) between renewable and non-renewable resources.
(2 x 2) (4)
b.) Why is the management of non-renewable resources so important? (3 x 2) (6)
c.) Write a paragraph (approximately 10 lines) to explain why you think the unequal distribution of
resources in the world affects resource exploitation. (5 x 2) (10)
Question 3
Many people feel that the Earth is running out of resources too quickly and that our time to continue living
on the planet is running out. Suggest in a paragraph (approximately 12 lines) ways in which we in South
Africa can achieve sustainable livings and still ensure a stronger social; environmental and economic
growth.
(6 x 2) (12)
SECTION B: SOILS & SOIL EROSION
Key Concepts
In this lesson we will focus on summarising what you need to know about:
X-Planation
How Soils are Formed
Soil is a thin layer of loose organic and weathered material found on the earths crust.
Soils take a long time to form.
Soil is a non-renewable resource.
Once an area loses its soil, that soil is lost forever.
Soil as a Resource
Soils are important to agricultural and food production.
People generally live close to areas where there is fertile soil. (Ancient civilisations).
In South Africa only 12% - 13% of soil is suitable for crop farming.
The combination of hard parent rock and low rainfall has limited the development of deeper more
fertile areas.
Causes of Soil Erosion: Human, Animal, Physical, Past & Present
Soil Erosion
Is the removal of fertile top-soil by water or wind is a form of soil degradation that occurs naturally on all
landscapes.
The process of soil erosion is slow but can be accelerated by various factors.
Human Causes
Monoculture
Ploughing on marginal land
Lack of crop rotation
Planting crops against the gradient of slopes
Overgrazing
Use of chemicals e.g. pesticides
Deforestation
Animal Causes
Mass migrations e.g. wildebeest
Imbalance and /or overpopulation of one type of species
Physical Causes
Erosion by water
Erosion by wind
Questions
Question 1
The population of South Africa reached over 54 million people (2012), yet according to scientific research,
the farmlands in South Africa can only provide for less than 35 million people. Does this mean more than
15 million people are starving. Explain your answer.
(4 x 2) (8)
Question 2
What political and economic changes could help to control and reduce soil erosion? Explain how these
changes would impact on people and the environment.
(4 x 2) (8)
X-ercise Questions
Question 1
(Adapted from Gr 11 Exemplar 2013, DBE, Paper 1, Question 3.3)
Refer to FIGURE 1 showing causes of soil erosion and answer the questions that follow.
1.2 Briefly explain the process of soil erosion illustrated in the diagram. (2 x 2) (4)
1.3 Discuss any THREE effects of soil erosion on the environment. (3 x 2) (6)
Question 2
(Adapted from Gr 11 Exemplar 2013, DBE, Paper 1, Question 4.4)
2.5 What role does bedrock (R) play in soil formation? (1 x 2) (2)
2.7 Why can one say that the soil profile illustrated in FIGURE 2 is
that of mature soil? (1 x 2) (2)
Solutions to X-ercise Questions
Question 1
(Adapted from Gr 11 Exemplar 2013, DBE, Paper 1, Question 3.3)
Question 2
(Adapted from Gr 11 Exemplar 2013, DBE, Paper 1, Question 4.4)
2.1 Cross-section through soil showing the different layers
2.4 A-horizon