Question

Define natural exhaustible resources. Mention different types with suitable examples.

Answer 1

The word exhaustible can be defined as the things which are in limited quantity. And natural resources include things like water, fuels, and wood.

Complete step by step answer: The resources which are present in nature in limited quantities and are going to be exhausted or vanish if waste or not used sustainably is called natural exhaustible resources. Natural exhaustible resources are further classified as renewable resources and non-renewable resources. The natural resources which can be renewed by natural reproduction or by some other recurring processes even after its consumption by man are called renewable sources. These resources can be replenished and return back to the physical environment even after being used by man. Solar, geothermal, and wind power are common sources of renewable energy. Water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, plants, and animals are examples of renewable sources. Non - renewable sources are also called finite resources. A natural resource that cannot be replaced by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption by man is called non-renewable sources. Examples of non-renewable sources are fossil fuels which include coal, petroleum and natural gas, earth minerals, metal ores, and groundwater.

Note: The non-renewable resources should be used wisely and not wasted as they cannot be replaced by any other source. Greater use of non-renewable sources today will increase its price tomorrow as its demand will increase and the resources will be in limited quantity. Threats to renewable sources are deforestation and overfishing.