Final answer:
Natural resources are materials found in nature used by humans, including renewable resources like sunlight and wind, and nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels. They are essential for life and the production of goods and services. Responsible management is crucial for ensuring their availability in the future. The correct option in option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural resources are materials or substances that are found in nature and can be used by humans to produce goods and services. They are critical for our survival and for the functioning of ecosystems. For example, minerals, fossil fuels, water, and forests are all natural resources. Two main types of natural resources are renewable resources like trees and solar energy, which can be replenished naturally at the same rate they are consumed, and nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels and precious metals, which exist in fixed amounts and can be completely used up over time.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those that can be replaced naturally at the same rate as they are used by humans. Sunlight and wind are classic examples of renewable resources. They are perpetually available and are not in danger of being used up. Other renewable resources include wood, cork, bamboo, and certain crops when they are harvested sustainably.
Nonrenewable Resources
Nonrenewable resources, on the other hand, exist in fixed amounts on Earth and can be depleted. Fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas are examples of nonrenewable resources. These were formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Once used, they are gone forever.
The availability of natural resources can sometimes be improved through the discovery of new resources, new uses for existing resources, or new methods of extraction. However, sustainability dictates that we must manage these resources carefully to ensure their availability for future generations.