Which term denotes resources such as minerals and forests that exist in a location and can be used by people?

Which term denotes resources such as minerals and forests that exist in a location and can be used by people?

• A. Renewable energy
• B. Natural resources
• C. Ecosystem services
• D. Biodiversity

Answer: (B)

Resources that exist in the natural environment and can be used by people are called natural resources. Minerals and forests are classic examples because they are materials found in a location that people can extract or harvest for use, whether for metals, energy, construction, or other needs. Some natural resources, like minerals, are non-renewable, while others, like forests, can be renewed if managed sustainably. This helps distinguish natural resources from related terms: renewable energy refers to energy sources that replenish, rather than to the broad category of resources themselves; ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems (such as clean water or flood protection), not the resources directly; and biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in an area, which underpins resources but is not the resources themselves.

Resources that exist in the natural environment and can be used by people are called natural resources. Minerals and forests are classic examples because they are materials found in a location that people can extract or harvest for use, whether for metals, energy, construction, or other needs. Some natural resources, like minerals, are non-renewable, while others, like forests, can be renewed if managed sustainably. This helps distinguish natural resources from related terms: renewable energy refers to energy sources that replenish, rather than to the broad category of resources themselves; ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems (such as clean water or flood protection), not the resources directly; and biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in an area, which underpins resources but is not the resources themselves.