Chapter 5, Problem 31A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About the resources that are present in limited amounts on Earth.

Introduction:

The biosphere provides the essential needs in the form of natural resources for over six billion people. The need for natural resources to supply the basic needs of the population is growing due to the rise in the human population growth. Developing countries are becoming more developed, and living standards are growing, and the rate of consumption of natural resources is also rising. A long-term strategy for the use and conservation of natural resources is necessary because of the increasing human population growth and an increased rate of natural resource consumption.

Explanation of Solution

Non-renewable resources are the resources present in finite amounts on Earth, or those substituted by natural processes for very long periods of time. Fossil fuels and reserves of minerals such as radioactive uranium are considered as non-renewable resources. Species are known to be renewable resources until the last of a species dies. Once the species is extinct, it is non-renewable because it is lost forever. The species living in the forest have lost their habitat and more than one natural resource become nonrenewable as they might become extinct. Because the species is present only in the forest, if it loses its only home, this species may become extinct.

Conclusion

Resources that are found on Earth in limited amounts or those that are replaced by natural processes over extremely long periods of time are non-renewable resources such as fuel, minerals, etc.