ACTIVITY 1:

1. What are the differences between renewable and non- renewable resources, and give
example of each.

Answer: Renewable resources are resources that are replenished naturally in the course of time.
It may be managed to maintain or increased their productivity. The use of these resources
corresponds with the principles of sustainability, because the rate at which we are consuming
them does not affect their availability in the long term. Renewable resources are capable of
regenerating after harvesting, so potentially their stocks can be utilized forever. Most renewable
resources are biological although some are non- biological. Examples of renewable resources are
sunlight, wind, biofuels, cultivated plants, biomass, air, and soil. In contrast, non- renewable
resources are present in a finite quantity and do not regenerate after they are harvested and used.
Therefore, it is diminished by use. Their remaining stocks in the environment are depleted. This
means that non- renewable resources can never be used in a sustainable fashion- they can be
“mined”. Example of non- renewable resources includes metal ores, petroleum, coal, and natural
gas.

2. How can a productivity of a biological resource be increased through management?

Answer: Productivity of biological resources can be increased through management by without

depleting the size of the resource or its capability to renewal. This is due to the fact that within
limits, bio- resources are able to generate after some of their biomass is harvested. As long as the
rate of harvesting does not exceed that of regeneration, bio- resource can be used in a sustainable
way. The upper limits of the productivity of an individual organism are limited by genetically
determined factors that influence its fecundity, longevity, and growth rate. To reach that potential
limit of productivity, an organism must experience optimal environmental conditions. In a
collective sense, genetic factors also set a ceiling on the potential productivity of populations or
organisms, as well as communities and larger ecosystems. However, in the real world it is
typical that environmental conditions are not optimal, and so the actual (or realized) recruitment,
growth, and maturation of individuals and biomass are less than their potential amounts. As a
result, it is possible to increase the size of harvesting by the use of management practices that
enhance productivity of bio-resources.
3. Describe three cases of mining of renewable natural resources. Why did exploitation occur?

Answer: The three cases of mining of renewable resources include the following:

 Extensive deforestation of many parts of the world, which has resulted in losses of timber
and fuel wood resources as well as environmental damages such as erosion and regional
changes in climate.
 Extensive degradation of the quality of agricultural soil, resulting in declining crop yields
and sometimes the abandonment of previously arable land.
 Widespread depletions of groundwater by over-use for irrigated agriculture, which is
rapidly drawing down local and even regional aquifers
Exploitation occurs because of excessive harvesting rate, occurring without
sufficient attention to regeneration. Under such conditions, the stocks are quickly mined,
and they collapse to economic or biological extinction. As the world population rises and
economic growths occurs, the depletion of natural resources influenced by the
unsustainable extraction of raw materials become an increasing concern.

4. Give an example of economically valuable, potentially renewable resources that have not been
severely depleted through excessive use inappropriate management. Explain your answer.

Answer: Renewable resources, such as timber and fish, are an example of economically valuable,
potentially renewable resources that have not been severely depleted through excessive use
inappropriate management, because both are capable of regenerating after they harvested.
Provided they are not over- harvested or managed inappropriately, renewable resources can be
harvested in a sustainable fashion. As long as the rate of harvesting does not exceed that of
regeneration a bio- resources can be used in a sustainable way.