Resources & Sustainability: Natural resources

Natural resources are all around us and provide us with the materials we need for shelter, food, warmth and transport. These resources can be: (A) Living: plants and animals (B) Non-living: Minerals, fossil fuels, water and air. Which of the following is a living natural resource?

• Water

• Plants

• Fossil fuels

• Air

Answer explanation

Among the options, plants are the only living natural resource. Water, fossil fuels, and air are non-living resources, while plants are classified as living because they grow and reproduce.

Natural resources are all around us and provide us with the materials we need for shelter, food, warmth and transport. These resources can be: Living: plants and animals Non-living: Minerals, fossil fuels, water and air. Which of the following is a non-living natural resource?

• Animals

• Plants

• Minerals

• Trees

Answer explanation

Minerals are non-living natural resources, while animals and plants are living resources. Therefore, the correct answer is minerals.

Some resources can be replaced by synthetic products and others cannot. Resources that cannot be replaced are described as _______.

• finite

• renewable

• synthetic

• recyclable

Answer explanation

Resources that cannot be replaced by synthetic products are termed 'finite' because they have a limited supply and cannot be regenerated, unlike renewable resources which can be replenished.

Chemistry plays an important role in the development of new materials through sustainable processes that enable the needs of the current generation to be met without compromising the availability of natural resources for future generations.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Chemistry is essential for creating new materials sustainably, ensuring that current needs are met while preserving natural resources for future generations.

Rubber, which is extracted from the sap of trees (called latex), is an example of a natural product that can be replaced by a synthetic one. The replacement material for rubber are ______ which have been developed to specifically replace the rubber in many products.

• polymers

• metals

• alloys

• fibers

Answer explanation

Polymers are synthetic materials designed to mimic natural rubber, making them suitable replacements in various products. Metals, alloys, and fibers do not serve the same purpose as polymers in this context.

What is the purpose of using fertilisers in agriculture?

• To enhance crop yield

• To reduce soil erosion

• To increase water retention in soil

• To prevent pest attacks

Answer explanation

Fertilisers are primarily used in agriculture to enhance crop yield by providing essential nutrients that promote plant growth and increase productivity.

Natural resources can be classified as either ______ or non-renewable.

• renewable

• artificial

• synthetic

• man-made

Answer explanation

Natural resources are classified as renewable or non-renewable based on their ability to replenish. Renewable resources, like solar and wind energy, can be naturally replenished, unlike non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels.

Non-renewable resources are also described as:

• Infinite

• Finite

• Renewable

• Sustainable

Answer explanation

Non-renewable resources are described as finite because they exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, unlike renewable resources which can be regenerated.

Renewable resources are those resources which can be ______ or replaced in a finite time in a human timescale.

• replenished

• destroyed

• exhausted

• polluted

Answer explanation

Renewable resources can be replenished, meaning they can be naturally restored or replaced within a human timescale. This distinguishes them from resources that can be destroyed, exhausted, or polluted.

Timber is an example of a renewable resource because:

• It cannot be replaced

• Trees and forests can be replanted after the wood has been harvested

• It is a mineral

• It is a metal ore

Answer explanation

Timber is renewable because trees and forests can be replanted after harvesting. This allows for sustainable management of wood resources, unlike non-renewable resources that cannot be replaced.