WHAT ARE RESOURCES?

 

Resources are classified in a number of ways. On the basis of their origin, resources may be biotic or abiotic.

Biotic Resources

All those resources which we obtain from living beings are called Biotic resources. The agricultural crops, forests, fish and animals belong to biotic groups. All the biotic resources are capable of regenerating themselves over a period of time in this sense, the biotic resources are renewable resources.

Abiotic Resources

They belong to non- living groups. They are generally found within earth`s crust. All the minerals like copper, gold, iron, etc are abiotic. In fact, the minerals like nickel, cobalt and manganese are continuously being formed in nodules in the oceans floor but they take a much longer period of time to be renewed. In this sense, we say that they are non-renewable. But, some other abiotic resources are renewable like air, water and land.

Classification of Resources

Some other categories of resources are mentioned below-

Developed Resources

The resources which are actually in use are developed resources; example- river Sutlej has been tamed, power projects have been set up on it and electricity is being generated. So, this has become a developed resource.

Renewable Resources

Such resources get renewed or replenished quickly. Some of these are unlimited and are not affected by human activities such as solar energy. But, careless use of some renewable resources like water, soil and forest can affect their stock.

Non-Renewable Resources

Such resources have a limited stock. Once the stocks are exhausted, it may take thousands of years to be replenished. As this period is more than the average life span of human beings, such resources are considered non-renewable. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are some examples of non-renewable resources.

Actual Resources

 Those resources whose quantity is known are called actual resources. These resources are being used in the present. Petroleum in West Asia and Coal in Ruhr region, Germany are actual resources.

Potential Resources  

Potential resources are those whose entire quantity may not be known and they are not being used at present. These resources can be used in future. The level of technology we have at present may not be advanced enough to utilize these resources. The uranium found in Ladakh is an example of potential resource which could be used in future. Winds were  potential resources earlier. But, today are an actual resources as they generate energy using wind turbines.

Ubiquitous Resources

Resources that are found everywhere like the air that we breathe are ubiquitous resources.

Localised Resources

Those resources which are found in certain places only are called localised resources.

Humans and Resources

Sometimes natural substances become resources when their original form has been changed. Iron ore was not a resource until people learnt to extract iron from it. People use natural resources to make buildings, brides, machinery, etc which are known as human made resources.

Using resources carefully and giving them time to get renewed is called Resources Conservation. Balancing the need to use resources and also conserve them for the future is called Sustainable development .

There are many ways of conserving resources. Each person can contribute in resource conservation by reducing consumption, recycling and reusing things. Ultimately, it is going to make a difference.