resources

Q.1: What is a resource? What are the criteria (requirements) for any substance to become a resource?

Q.2: Name the different types of resources.

Q.3: On the basis of origin classify natural resources.

Q.4: How do we classify natural resources on the basis of their stock?

Q.5: What do you understand by sustainable development? Also mention its basic principles.   

answer.1: All those substances which have some utility or usability areresources for us.

The different criteria required for anything to be resource for us are -

      (i) utility or usability.

      (ii) economic value or any other value.

      (iii) time and technology inherent, which can make the substance important for present or future requirements        

      of the people. For example, invention of fire, wheel etc.

Answer.2: In general there are three types of resources: Natural, Human - made, and Human.

Natural Resources

Resources that are drawn from nature and used without much modification are called Natural Resources. For example, air, water in well, rivers and lakes, soil, minerals etc. Natural resources are further divided into various types such as Actual, Potential, Abiotic, Biotic, Renewable, Non-renewable, Ubiquitous and Localized resources.

Human - Made Resources

Such resources which have been changed from their original form by human effort are called as Human - Made Resources. For example, buildings, roads, bridges etc. Technology is also an important example of Human - MadeResources.

Human Resources

Since people can make the best use of nature to create more resources with the help of their knowledge, skill and technology, so, people are humanresources. Human resources refer to the number and abilities of the people.  

Answer.3: On the basis of origin natural resources are classified into Abiotic and Biotic.

Abiotic Resources: These are non-living natural resources like - soils, rocks, minerals etc.

Biotic resources: These are living natural resources like - plants and animals.   

Answer.4: On the basis of stock natural resources are further classified or subdivided into Renewable and Non-renewable types.

Renewable Resources: Such resources are renewed quickly. These are found in abundance and unaffected by human activities. For example, solar and wind energy.

Non-Renewable Resources: Such resources have a limited stock in the nature and may take thousands of years to get renewed. Since this period is much more than human life spans, so, they are called Non-RenewableResources. For example, coal deposits, petroleum deposits etc. 

Answer.5: Balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future is called sustainable development. In other words carefully utilizing resources so that besides meeting the present requirements it also takes care of the need of future generation is known as sustainable development. The basic principles of sustainable development are given below:

1. Respect and care for all forms of life.

2. Improve the quality of human life.

3. Conserve the earth’s vitality and diversity.

4. Minimize the depletion of natural resources.

5. Change personal attitude and practices towards the environment.

6. Enable communities to care for their own environment.