Natural Resources: Environmental sciences Notes, MCQ, PDF, Books
EVS Notes Unit I Multidisciplinary nature, Natural Resources, Forest resources, Water resources, Mineral resources, Food resources, Energy resources, Land resources, Role of an individual Unit II Introduction structure-function, Forest eco-system; Grassland ecosystem; Desert ecosystem; Aquatic ecosystems Unit III Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil pollution
Natural Resources
Earth’s biosphere is endowed with extremely diverse kinds of environments which provide countless goods and services to humankind. Any component of the natural environment that can be utilized by man to promote his welfare is considered a natural resource. The natural resource can be a substance, an energy unit or a natural process or phenomenon. Land, soil, water, forests, grasslands, etc. are examples of important natural resources. Some of the resources (e.g. soil, water) are important components of the life-supporting system.
Besides being a source of food, fodder and shelter, natural resources also provide recreational opportunities, solace and even inspiration to human being.
Natural resources have been exploited by humans since the beginning of civilization or even before. However, since the resources were abundant then relative to the human population, no significant depletion occurred. During the last millennia, the human population has increased considerably causing serious damage or destruction of natural resources. In this chapter, we will study major kinds of natural resources, the causes of their degradation and their conservation.
Classification of Natural Resources
Natural resources vary greatly in their location, quantity and quality. For instance, a particular forest type may occur only in certain countries. Also, the geographical area covered by forest and wood quality may differ widely in different countries. Some resources can be reused after being used once.
A convenient classification of resources is based upon their exhaustibility and renewability. Basically, resources can be categorized as Inexhaustible and Exhaustible.
Inexhaustible resources
Inexhaustible resources are available in unlimited quantities on the earth. While some inexhaustible resources remain virtually unaffected by human impact, many others may show some changes in their quality though their quantity may remain unchanged. Resources like solar energy, wind power, tide power, rainfall, and even atomic energy, cannot be exhausted significantly at the global level due to human activities. Such resources may sometime be locally affected by human activities; for example,
pollution may change the quality of air.
Exhaustible resources
A large number of natural resources are exhaustible, i.e. they have a finite supply on the earth and can be exhausted if used indiscriminately. Broadly, the exhaustible resources can be either renewable or non-renewable
Renewable resources
Most biotic resources are renewable. The growth and reproduction of such resources can be successfully managed so that these resources are continuously regenerated.
However, if the consumption of these resources continues to exceed their rate of renewal not only their quality becomes affected, they may even get totally exhausted.
Selected examples of ecosystems and their important renewable products are:
(1) Forests, which yield timber and other plant products,
(2) Rangelands, which sustain grazing animals for milk, meat and wool production,
(3) Wildlife, which maintains the food chain,
(4) Agricultural systems, which yield food and fibre, and
(5) Marine and freshwater systems, which yield various foods from plants and animals. Soil and water are other renewable resources.
Non-renewable resources:
Some biotic resources are non-renewable, i.e. they cannot be regained or reconstructed once they are used up. Biological species, which have evolved in nature during the course of millions of years, are considered non-renewable. Once a biological species become extinct from the earth, it cannot be recreated by man.
Many abiotic resources are also non-renewable. For instance, fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and gas) and metals once extracted cannot be regenerated at the place of extraction. After unlimited extraction and use, fossil fuels will certainly get exhausted.
Principal Natural Resources
Amongst the earth`s resources, the following contribute significantly to human welfare:
(i) Forests
(ii) Water
(iii) Minerals
(iv) Food
(v) Energy and
(vi) Land
First Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
Suggested readings:
Recommended readings:
Understanding Sex and Gender: A Complex Tapestry
Endometriosis: A Silent Struggle
Ozempic: A Closer Look at Potential Side Effects
