What is Natural Resources?


Natural resources are resources that exist in the environment and are developed without any actions of humankind. This includes air, sunlight, water, vegetation, soil (includes all minerals), animals, and fossil fuels.



On the basis of origin, natural resources are divided into two types:

1. Biotic- These resources are obtained from the biosphere (living and organic material), such as forests and animals. 

Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are examples of these resources because they are formed from decayed organic matter.


2. Abiotic- These resources are those that are obtained from non-living, non-organic material. 

For example- Land, air, water, earth elements including ores, such as iron, gold, silver, copper, etc. 


On the basis of availability, natural resources are divided into two types:

1. Renewable- These types of resources are available in infinite quantity and can be replenished naturally and used repeatedly. 

Example- Sunlight, wind, water, etc.


2. Non-Renewable- These types of resources are limited because either they form slowly, or do not form naturally in the environment due to their non-renewable nature. Their availability may run out in the future.

Examples- Minerals, fossil fuels, etc.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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