CH-5

CONCEPT AND CLASSIFICATION OF RESOURCES

1. What do you mean by resource?

Answer: A resource is a usable natural or man-made object. It is considered to be useful for human beings and used accordingly. The acquisition and use of these objects depend on human ability, efficiency, and skills. So, in a broad sense, human beings are also considered as a kind of resource.

2. What are the human factors that play an important role in recognising natural elements as a resource?

Answer: The human factors that play an important role in recognising natural elements as a resource are:

(a) Cultural values – People accept or reject commodities for social use based on their traditions, customs, and religious values.
(b) Technology – The way of collecting and using required commodities depends largely on the technological knowledge of the society.
(c) Economic system – The use of resources also depends on the economic condition of the society, as not all societies can acquire and use all kinds of commodities.

3. What are the factors that influence the concept of resource?

Answer: The concept of resource is influenced by cultural values, technology, and the economic system. People accept or reject things for use based on their traditions, customs, and religious beliefs. The way of collecting and using resources depends on the technological knowledge of a society. The economic system also plays a role because not all societies can afford to use all kinds of resources. These factors change over time and vary from place to place. As a result, the idea of what is considered a resource also changes. For example, tea plants in Assam were not used commercially before the British came. Later, tea became an important industry. This shows how a neglected item can become valuable with social and economic change. Also, as the population increases, the demand for resources grows. If non-renewable resources become scarce, people have to find alternatives like electric or nuclear power.

4. Discuss the effects of the growing population on resources.

Answer: The growth of the population has some impact on resources. To meet the growing demand of the population, certain resources have to be used increasingly. If these resources are non-renewable, then they become scarce in course of time. People are then compelled to search for their alternatives. With the decline of the reserves of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, we have to depend more on electric and nuclear power as alternatives. On the other hand, the decline in forest cover has forced people to use metallic products in construction purposes instead of wood. Thus, in the course of time and changing situations, people have to change their ideas on the meaning, importance, and utility of resources.

5. What is a natural resource?

Answer: Natural resources are the resources that come directly from nature. They are the direct products of nature. Examples include land, water, vegetation, minerals, and wildlife. These resources are not made by humans but are taken from the natural world. The natural resources may again be of two types: biotic and abiotic. Plants and animals are biotic resources, while solar energy, water, salt, gold, silver, etc., are abiotic resources.

6. Give a few examples of man-made resources.

Answer: Houses, machinery, and cars are a few examples of man-made resources.

7. What is human resource?

Answer: A human resource means a person who has the ability to fulfill his or her own needs and also help others. When people gain knowledge through education, training, experience, or innovation, they become more capable. The more skills and abilities a person has, the more valuable he or she becomes as a human resource.

8. What is meant by a renewable resource? Give a few examples of it.

Answer: A renewable resource is a type of natural resource that can be easily created by nature. Some common examples are air, water, plants, and animals.

9. Name a few non-renewable resources.

Answer: A few non-renewable resources are iron ore, gold, and silver.

10.Why should the wastage of resources be checked?

Answer: The wastage of resources should be checked because certain natural resources are very limited in their availability. Many of them do not get renewed easily. The stocks of resources do not increase in proportion to the growth of population and demands for resources. Therefore, misuse of resources should be avoided and at the same time, right kind of use should be ensured. All of us should pay necessary attention so that the processes of extraction, use of resources, and waste disposal do not degrade the environment around.

11.Think over and write how the extraction and use of resources can degrade the environment.

Answer: The extraction and use of resources can degrade the environment if they are not done in the right way. Some natural resources are very limited and do not get renewed easily. The stocks of resources do not grow along with the increase in population and demand. So, misuse of resources should be avoided, and proper use should be ensured. All of us should pay necessary attention so that the processes of extraction, use of resources, and waste disposal do not harm or degrade the environment around us.