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A Geography
We need air to breathe, we need food to eat and we need water to drink. These are
the three things interact to develop resources for human satisfaction.
Biotic Resources: All living organisms in our environment are called biotic
resources. For example, trees, animals, insects, etc.
Abiotic Resources: All non-living things present in our environment are
termed as abiotic resources. For example – earth, air, water, metals, rocks,
etc.
Locally available renewable resources should be used where possible, and renewable
resources should not be used faster than their replacement by natural processes. This
is known as the Principle of Sustainable Yield.
The definition of natural resources has changed over time because the need of natural
resources totally depends on its actual use in a particular context. A particular thing
could have been useful hundreds of years ago but may not find any use in the modern
times. For example, mica was frequently used in electric appliances in earlier times but
now the use of mica has become very limited.
What are exhaustible resources and how are they different from in
exhaustible resources?
They can be exhausted by human activities. Resources of which a finite quantity is in
existence. Oil and gas are exhaustible and be all sucked up and burnt up. A
natural resource that cannot be increased by the natural forces of the environment is
called exhaustible natural resources. On the other hand inexhaustible resources will not
extinguish.
What are various methods which help in managing and conserving the
resources?
Most of the natural resources are limited in stock. Even some of the renewable
resources can become scarce if they are not used judiciously. We are already
facing shortage of water at many places because of excessive exploitation of
water. Scientists predict that coal and petroleum are going to be exhausted in the
near future. Hence, it is important to conserve the natural resources. Conservation
not only secures our life but also the life of future generations. Making a balance
between our need and conservation of resources is called sustainable
development. We should follow the three Rs of conservation for sustainable
development.