Final answer:
Among the options provided, timber is the only natural resource that can be depleted over time if not responsibly managed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural resources that are depleted over time can be either renewable or nonrenewable. Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time, such as timber, if managed sustainably. Nonrenewable resources, on the other hand, exist in finite quantities and include fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas as well as minerals like copper, gold, and uranium. Among the options provided, timber is the correct answer because it is a natural resource that can be depleted if not responsibly managed. Economic assets such as cash and physical assets like mining equipment and inventory do not qualify as natural resources.
The assertion that natural resources, which deplete over time, can be either renewable or nonrenewable is accurate. Renewable resources, like timber, have the potential for natural replenishment if managed sustainably. Conversely, nonrenewable resources, including fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, and natural gas) and minerals (copper, gold, uranium), exist in limited quantities and are depleted with extraction. Among the options, timber aligns with this concept as it can be depleted if not responsibly managed. It's crucial to note that economic assets such as cash and physical assets like mining equipment and inventory do not fall under the category of natural resources, emphasizing the distinction between resources that are naturally replenished over time and those finite in nature, shedding light on the importance of sustainable resource management for long-term environmental health.