Resources Flashcards
What is a resource?
anything that can be used to satisfy human wants/needs
What makes something a resource
the utility of a product/service
Who adds value to resources and how?
humans add value to a resource, as they identify the use of the resource and transform it using the appropriate technology+skill. resources gain meaning and value only with reference to wants of people.
What are the three types of resources?
natural, human-made and human resources
What are natural resources?
resources derived from nature. eg. air, water, minerals, sunlight, soil etc.
What are the categories of resources based on origin
biotic+abiotic
Define abiotic+biotic resources with examples.
biotic resources include all living organisms on earth (flora and fauna). this also includes humans.
abiotic resources are non living substances used by human beings such as soil, air and sunlight.
What are actual resources? Give examples.
The resources which have already been developed and are presently being used are called actual/developed resources. Quality and quantity of these is known to us. Eg. gold and diamond deposits in south africa, the rich black soils of the deccan plateau and iron ore/coal deposits in Jharkhand.
What are potential resources? Give an example.
Potential resources are the resources that could be of use in the future due to breakthroughs in technology or changing circumstances. Eg. Biofuel made from living matter (crops of sugarcane+rapeseed) was thought to be too expensive (it was a potential resource) but now it is an actual resource because of soaring petroluem prices. High speed wind, solar energy, etc. (wind farms in tamil nadu+gujarat)
What are renewable resources? Give examples
Resources that get replenished quickly are called renewable resources. eg. soil, water, wildlife, forests.
All renewable resources replenish themselves. True or False?
False. Some resources replenish themselves (wildlife+forests) and some can be replenished with the help of physical, chemical and mechanical processes.
The supply of renewable resources will never be affected. True or False?
False. Over exploitation and unscientific use of renewable resources like water, soil and forests can affect the supply. Drying up of rivers, land degradation and deforestation are major issues.
What are non-renewable resources? Give examples.
The resources which cannot be replenished or renewed are called non renewable resources. Eg. metallic minerals.
Is coal a non renewable resource? Give reason.
Resources like coal take thousand of years to get replenished naturally, which is several times more than a human life. If used carelessly, it could run out. Therefore, coal is a non renewable resource.
Can all non renewable resources be recycled?
Some non renewable resources like metals are recyclable but fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) cannot be recycled.
