What is a natural resource? Introduction Natural resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by mankind, in a natural form. Natural resource is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity and geodiversity existent in various ecosystems. Natural resources are derived from environment . Any form of energy which can be used by humans. Those things that people come in contact with that may be used to perform any useful function. Objects, materials, creatures, or energy found in nature that can be put to use by humans.

Types of natural resources On the basis of origin ,resources may be divided into -Biotic -Abiotic With respect to renewability , natural resources can be categorised as follows: -Renewable resources -Non-renewable resources On the basis of distribution , natural resources can be classified as follows: -Ubiquitous resources -Localised resources

On the Basis of Origin/Renewability/Distribution - Biotic : Resources which are living in nature. Example: Forests ,Animals etc. - Abiotic : Resources which are non-living in nature. Example: Air ,Water etc. - Renewable : Resources which can be replenished easily. Example: Sunlight - Non-renewable : Resources that are limited and can be affected by human activities. Example: Fossil-Fuel. - Ubiquitous : Resources that are found everywhere. Example: Air ,water etc. - Localised : Resources that are found in certain places . Example: Copper ,Iron etc.

Uses of Natural Resources Natural Resources Uses Air (Wind) Required for all living things for breathing, Use to produce wind energy. Animals / Plants Provide food,cloth,shelter,medicine.Used as mode of transport.Animal dung can be used as fuel/fertilizer. Fossil Fuels Used in producing energy.Majority of vehicles require Fossil fuel to operate. Soil Used as the primary nutrient source for plants.It is the habitat of many organisms. Wood Used as construction material.Used to make utensils,furniture and sporting equipments. Metals Used to create things ranging from heavy machineries to a small nail.Used as jewellery.Used to reinforce building materials. Water Used in household,agricultutr and transportation.

Forests A forest is any area with a lot of trees. There are forests all over the world. The type of forest varies depending on the location of the forest: for example, there are tropical rain forests, coniferous forests, and deciduous forests.

Forests Forests occur naturally, but they can be affected positively and negatively by human behavior. If a forest is carefully replanted and allowed to grow, it can exist in balance. If the forest is cut down faster than it can grow back, then it will be used up quickly. Forests serve as home to many of the organisms that live on the land. Forests are also very important because they are major contributors to recycling and cleaning the world supply of oxygen. they also supply wood, fruits etc.

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels take millions of years to form. They are the product of the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals that have been exposed to the heat and pressure deep within the earth’s crust. There are many types of fossil fuels, such as petroleum (gasoline), natural gas, and coal.

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are arguably one of the most valuable natural resources in modern times. It is estimated that 86 percent of the world’s energy comes directly from burning fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the source of energy for almost every machine, including the generators that produce electric energy.

Fossil Fuels Because fossil fuels take so long to form, they are being consumed faster than they can be produced. Fossil fuels are a major contributor to air pollution because when they are burned they release many dangerous gases such as nitrogen dioxide, methane, and carbon dioxide.

Solar Energy The sun is the closest star to Earth. It brings heat and light to the world. The sun shines naturally but it is not affected by human activity. It cannot be used up. However, its intensity varies with the seasons, and it is not available at night.

Solar Energy We can use solar power in simple (facing the sun to get warm, using greenhouses to grow food, etc.) and more complex (solar panels for heating) ways.

Solar Energy The sun’s rays are used for energy by organisms that undergo photosynthesis. Nearly every organism on the planet gets energy through photosynthesis, directly or indirectly. There are also ways that people can utilize the energy that the sun provides.

Wind Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. Some areas of the world, such as costal regions, have more wind than others because the terrain of the area is relatively flat and has few obstacles to block the wind from blowing.

Wind The wind blows naturally – it is not caused by human activity, and it cannot be used up. The power of the wind drives sailboats. It has been used to power windmills that grind grain. Windmills can also use the circular movement of the blades to turn a turbine. This is increasingly used as a means of generating electricity.

Wind Wind power does not make greenhouse gas emissions. It does not directly cause pollution. However, critics of wind power say a large number of windmills could cause problems for animals, especially migratory birds. Some people think the windmills are unattractive.

Soil Resources Soil in the whole world is very important resource as it is to grow plants, fruits etc. If we the humans overuse or misuse the soil will slowly deplete from earth and the countries like India won’t be famous for crop production. The ecosystem can also be disturbed. Soil is also used extensively in human production. It contains natural fibers, and produces lumber and crops that people consume. Crops are usually grown on mollisols, grassland soils. Soils found in other places, such as tropical rain forests, usually lack the nutrients necessary to support the growing of crops Soil is composed of both inorganic materials and living organisms. It provides the basis for life, giving nutrients to plants, which allow animal life to exist.

Water Resources Water resources are sources of water that are useful or potentially useful. Uses of water include agricultural , industrial , household , recreational and environmental activities. Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water . 97% of the water on the Earth is salt water, and only 3% is fresh water of which slightly over two thirds is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps . [1] The remaining unfrozen freshwater is mainly found as groundwater, with only a small fraction present above ground or in the air. Fresh water is a renewable resource , yet the world's supply of clean, fresh water is steadily decreasing. Water demand already exceeds supply in many parts of the world and as the world population continues to rise, so too does the water demand.

As we have seen the use of natural resources and we need to save them from getting depleted or it will affect dangerously on our ecosystem.