Natural Resources and Their Usage

These flashcards cover essential concepts regarding natural resources, their types, uses, and the importance of resource management.

What are natural resources?

Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and are used by humans to make products.

What are the two main categories of natural resources?

Natural resources are divided into renewable and non-renewable resources.

Give an example of a renewable resource.

Water, sunlight, and wind are examples of renewable resources.

What distinguishes non-renewable resources from renewable resources?

Non-renewable resources cannot be replaced within a human lifespan, while renewable resources can be replenished naturally.

What is an example of a manmade resource?

Plastic, made from crude oil, is an example of a manmade resource.

What role do forests play in the ecosystem?

Forests provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and supply resources like wood and clean air.

What are some common uses of nonmetallic mineral resources?

Nonmetallic mineral resources are used for building materials, fertilizers, and industrial applications.

What are metallic mineral resources primarily used for?

Metallic mineral resources are primarily used in industrial applications and construction, such as steel and electrical wiring.

Why is resource management important?

Resource management is important for reducing global energy poverty, malnutrition, and air and water pollution.

How does the consumption of resources differ among continents?

A person in North America consumes about 90 kg of natural resources/day, while a person in Africa consumes about 10 kg/day.

What is the impact of uneven distribution of natural resources?

Uneven distribution leads to wealth disparity, potential conflict over resource ownership, and manipulation by resource-rich countries.

What are organic renewable resources?

Organic renewable resources are those that come from living things, such as trees and animals.

What are some examples of non-renewable resources?

Examples of non-renewable resources include coal, oil, natural gas, and minerals.

What is meant by manmade resources?

Manmade resources are those that require processing or creation by humans before being used.

Describe the significance of iron ore in industry.

Iron ore is a key ingredient in steel production, with about 98% of it being used in making steel.

What is the common use of lithium?

Lithium is primarily used in rechargeable batteries.