Earth's Natural Resources Overview

What are natural resources?

Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?

Which living things depend on natural resources to survive?

What role do plants serve as natural resources?

Why is water considered an important natural resource?

What is the primary source of air?

Which of the following causes disruption in nature?

Which of the following is NOT a type of natural resource?

What is the main component of air that is essential for breathing?

Which resource is NOT renewable?

What is a benefit of using windmills?

What action is considered a method of conserving fossil fuels?

How can soil be described in terms of its importance to living things?

What is the main purpose of conserving resources?

What should be done to help protect land, water, and air from pollution?

Which of the following actions can help in reducing waste?

Earth's Natural Resources

Natural resources are the things found in nature used by living things. Examples include water, forests, fossil fuels, minerals, plants, animals and air.
Living things depend on natural resources for survival.
Natural resources are categorized as renewable or non-renewable.
Renewable resources can be replaced quickly:
- Animals: provide food, materials (examples: cashmere, silk).
- Plants: provide food, medicines, materials (examples: wood, furniture).
- Water: essential for all living things, found in oceans, rivers, lakes, underground and in glaciers, but only a small percentage is freshwater.
- Air: surrounds Earth (atmosphere), contains oxygen for breathing and carbon dioxide for plant photosynthesis.
Non-renewable resources take a very long time to form:
- Soil: supports life, provides water and minerals for plants, used for agriculture.
- Metals: used for building (examples: iron, bridges, railroads).
- Minerals: used for jewelry (examples: diamonds, gold).
- Fossil fuels: formed from ancient plants and animals, heat and pressure turn them into fuels. Examples: coal, natural gas, petroleum (oil).
Fossil fuels are used to produce electricity (coal), run automobiles (oil) and cook food (natural gas).

Using Natural Resources Wisely

Natural resources are abundant but can be depleted if not used wisely.
Conservation is the use of natural resources carefully.
Ways to conserve:
- Conserve water: take quick showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth.
- Conserve fossil fuels: ride bikes, ventilate rooms, turn off lights.
- Protect land, water and air: plant trees, dispose of chemicals and trash properly.
- Reduce: buy only what is needed and use all purchases, eat all food on your plate.

Explore the essential natural resources that support life on Earth, including the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources. This quiz covers examples such as water, forests, and minerals, as well as their significance for survival. Test your understanding of how these resources impact the environment and living organisms.