Sustainability and Natural Resources: Consumption of Natural Resources

The video discusses the consumption of natural resources, focusing on the overconsumption of renewable resources like bison and forests, and the challenges of non-renewable resources like copper. It highlights the historical impact of European settlers on bison populations and the clear-cutting of forests in the Adirondacks. The video emphasizes the importance of balancing consumption rates with renewal rates to prevent resource exhaustion.

What was the primary reason for the drastic decline in the bison population in North America?

• Natural disasters

• Climate change

• Overhunting by European settlers

• Disease outbreaks

Why couldn't new trees in the Adirondacks be harvested quickly after being cut down?

• They grew too slowly

• The soil was infertile

• They were protected by law

• There was a lack of demand for timber

What is a key factor in ensuring the sustainable use of renewable resources?

• Increasing the rate of consumption

• Balancing consumption with renewal rates

• Reducing the rate of renewal

• Ignoring the rate of consumption

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource mentioned in the video?

• Timber

• Copper

• Bison

• Water

What problem arises when non-renewable resources become scarce?

• They become more abundant

• They can no longer meet human demands

• They become renewable

• They regenerate faster