Natural resources are materials or substances that exist in the environment and are used by people. These resources occur naturally and are essential for the survival and development of human societies. Natural resources can be categorized into renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or replaced relatively quickly. They include:
Water: Essential for drinking, agriculture, and industrial processes.
Solar energy: Provides power through solar panels and is continuously replenished by the sun.
Wind energy: Used to generate electricity through wind turbines.
Timber: Used for construction and paper production, and can be replanted for future use.
Fish and wildlife: Provide food and other products, and can be managed for sustainable use.
Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replaced once they are depleted. They include:
Fossil fuels: Such as coal, oil, and natural gas, used for energy production.
Minerals: Like iron, copper, and gold, used in manufacturing and construction.
Uranium: Used for nuclear power and weapons.
Phosphate and potash: Used in fertilizers for agriculture.
Study Guide
Here are some study questions to help you understand natural resources:
What are natural resources?
Give examples of renewable resources and explain why they are renewable.
What are non-renewable resources? Provide examples and explain their significance.
How can natural resources be managed sustainably for future generations?
Discuss the impact of human activities on natural resources and the environment.
Understanding natural resources is essential for understanding the impact of human activity on the environment and the importance of sustainable resource management.
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Understand that a region is a distinct area defined by one or more cultural or physical features.