Final answer:
Rubber trees and oil are examples of natural resources in the Malay Archipelago. Malaysia has exploited these for economic gain but faces the challenge of finite reserves and environmental impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rubber trees and oil are examples of natural resources in the Malay Archipelago. Natural resources include both renewable and nonrenewable resources from the Earth, which all have the potential to become finite if not managed sustainably. Historically, in places like the Malay Archipelago, which includes Malaysia, rubber trees have been a significant agricultural product.
Furthermore, the region is known for oil palm plantations and the extraction of petroleum. For example, Malaysia has been a leader in the export of natural resources such as tin, rubber, and palm oil. It has developed its agricultural and extractive industries to generate income, though it is mindful that petroleum reserves are finite and their depletion is a future concern.
The transformation of oil into a valuable resource occurred in the mid-nineteenth century when methods were invented to refine it into kerosene, and subsequently, a multitude of other products like gasoline and plastic. The presence of both rubber trees and oil illustrates how natural resources can provide a basis for economic development through discovery, use innovation, and extraction methods.
However, the intensive use of natural resources for commercial purposes can have negative environmental impacts. For instance, in Borneo, Malaysia, the establishment of oil palm plantations has led to the loss of native forest habitat, adversely affecting biological diversity. As a result, while these resources are key to the economy, their extraction and use must be balanced with environmental conservation.