Man lives in nature and depends on the resources of nature.The progress of mankind depends upon the exploitation of different resources.The utilization of soil,water,coal, electricity,oil,gas and nuclear energy is very important for the development of a Nation.These resources have changed the living standards of man.
The world is facing an ecological crisis and is degrading her natural resources day by day,due to over exploitation.Food, shelter and clothing are the primary requirements of man.Early human society has used natural resources, relatively in much less quantity to cover it’s wants.
Natural resources
The word ‘resource’ means a source of supply or support that is generally held in reserve.The natural resources are the components of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.They include energy,air,water,soil,minerals,plant and animals.For man resources are those materials and sources of energy which are needed for survival and comforts.The nature of resources varies from society to society.
Types of natural resources
Natural resources are classified in different ways.i.e.,on the basis of chemical composition, availability and distribution.
⭐ Natural resources are of three types on the basis of their chemical composition
1) Inorganic resources.eg.air,water and minerals
2) Organic resources.eg.plants, animals, microorganisms and fossil fuels
3) Mixture of inorganic and organic resources.eg.soil
⭐ Natural resources are of two types depending upon their availability and abundance.
1) Inexhaustible resources
They are not likely to be exhausted by man’s use.They are air,clay,sand,tidal energy etc., Although the air is available in exhaustible quantity,it can be degraded,if it’s pollution is not checked.
2) Exhaustible resources
They are likely to be exhausted by human use.They are further of two types-renewable and non-renewable.
a) Renewable resources
They have inherent capacity to reappear or replenish themselves by quick recycling,reproduction and replacement within a reasonable time.Soil and living organisms are the main renewable resources.
b) Non-renewable resources
They lack the ability for recycling and replacement.The substances with a very long recycling time are also regarded as non renewable resources e.g.fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and Natural gas and minerals.
It is important to note that underground water,forests and wild life are regarded renewable resources but become non-renewable,if they are not properly.
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