Chapter 7, Problem 5STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction : 

Non-renewable resources are also known as finite resources and are defined as the ones that are not replaced in nature as quickly as they are exhausted in nature. Another type of resource is renewable resources that can be maintained in nature in a stable amount. 

Resources are the living or non-living elements that are used by humans for various purposes.

Answer to Problem 5STP

Correct answer : 

The correct answer is option (d) a type of fish that is caught in the ocean.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (d) a type of fish that is caught in the ocean. Fishes have a natural cycle of reproduction to increase the number of individuals in their population and also some fishes die occasionally and thus a stable population is maintained. Catching fishes for human consumption destroys them to a great extent such that their natural cycle of reproduction cannot replenish it. So, the correct answer is option (d).

Explanation for incorrect answer : 

Option (a) clean water from freshwater sources. Freshwater sources include ponds, bogs, icebergs, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, groundwater, streams, river, and lakes. These resources are abundant in nature and are replenished from time to time. Groundwater can be considered as a non-renewable resource as it is not replenished at the same rate as it is used up but other water resources are renewable resources only. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option (b) energy provided by the sun. Sun is the ultimate source of energy and humans have been able to utilize only approximately 1% of the energy provided by the sun. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (c) an animal species that has become extinct. An animal that has become extinct is no longer a resource for humans. Although an animal that is on the verge of extinction would have been a non-renewable resource as the same type of animal cannot be generated in nature once it has become extinct. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.