Natural Resources
                     Natural 
Resources
Introduction
Natural resources are naturally occurring 
materials that are useful to man or could 
be useful under conceivable 
technological, economic or social 
circumstances or supplies drawn from 
the earth, supplies such as food, building 
and clothing materials, fertilizers, metals, 
water and geothermal power.
Source: byjus.com
CLASSIFICATION 
OF NATURAL 
RESOURCES
On the basis 
of Origin
• Biotic: Biotic resources come from the 
biosphere (living and organic 
material). Examples – forests and 
animals, and the materials that can 
be obtained from them.
• Abiotic: Abiotic resources come from 
non-living, non-organic material.
Source: www.conserve-energy-future.com
On the basis 
of the Stage 
of 
Development 
• Potential resources: Potential 
resources are those that can be used 
in the future. 
• Actual resources: Resources that have 
been surveyed, quantified and 
qualified and are currently in use. 
• Stock resources: Resources that have 
been surveyed, but due to lack of 
technology, cannot be put to use. 
Source: www.conserve-energy-future.com
On the basis 
of Recovery 
Rate
• Renewable: resources that are 
available in infinite quantity and can 
be used repeatedly are called 
renewable resources. Example: Forest, 
wind, water, etc.
• Non-Renewable: resources that are 
limited in abundance due to their non-
renewable nature and whose 
availability may run out in the future 
are called non-renewable resources.
Source: byjus.com
Important 
Natural 
Resources
• Air: Clean air is important for all the 
plants, animals, humans to survive on 
this planet. So, it is necessary to take 
measures to reduce air pollution.
• Water: 70% of the Earth is covered in 
water and only 2 % of that is freshwater. 
Initiative to educate and regulate the 
use of water should be taken.
Source: byjus.com
Important 
Natural 
Resources 
cont.
• Soil: Soil is composed of various 
particles and nutrients. It helps plants 
grow.
• Iron: It is made from silica and is used to 
build strong weapons, transportation 
and buildings
• Forests: As the population increases, the 
demand for housing and construction 
projects also increases. Forests provide 
clean air and preserve the ecology of 
the world.
Source: byjus.com
Important 
Natural 
Resources 
cont.
• Natural gas : Natural gas reserves are 
doing only slightly better than oil; it is 
estimated that there is enough to last 
for 60 years. Gas is a much cleaner fuel 
source than oil, which has led to an 
increased level of consumption of it as 
an alternative fuel, but it still stands to 
run out quickly.
• Salt: Salt or sodium chloride is an 
essential mineral for the life of humans 
and animals.
Source: www.conserve-energy-future.com
How do 
humans 
depend on 
natural 
resources?
• Living things need the land’s water, air, 
and energy, and they live in places with 
the things they need. For all they do, 
humans use natural resources.
Source: byjus.com
Characteristics 
of natural 
resources
• On Earth, it requires sunshine, air, 
water, land (including all minerals) along 
with all the plants, crops and animal life 
which live naturally on or within the 
characteristics and substances 
previously identified.
Source: byjus.com