Classification of Natural Resources

 Natural Resources 

All resources which are available in the nature and useful for human welfare are known as natural resources or physical resources. Example air, water.

Introduction – Zimmerman defines resources ‘as means of attaining given ends. Resources satisfy human wants. The term resource means anything in the environment which has utility.

 Definition- Erich W. Zimmerman defines a resource as not just a thing or substance but the function that the thing or substance performed in order to satisfy human needs and wants. It means a thing becomes resources by its function in relation to man.

Ex. Coal is become resources due to its function for satisfying human wants.

Classification of Natural Resources

1) Based on frequency of occurrence

a.  Universal Resources- which are available everywhere                 

Ex. Air, water, sunlight

b.  Localized Resources- which are available in limited places        

 Ex. Coal, mineral, crude oil

2) Based on Ownership

Individual Resources- belonging to someone personal Example house, personal quality (knowledge, skills).   

National Resources- common resources or the sum total of all the personal resources owned by the citizens of a country Example Forest , river , deposit.

3) Based on Composition –

a. Organic or Biotic or Living Resources- The resources which consists of living things are known as organic or biotic or living resources Example  Animal, fish, forest

b. Inorganic or Abiotic or Non- Living Resources- The resources which consists of Non-living things are known as inorganic or abiotic or non-living resources Example air, water, mineral.  

Natural resources can be further classified as

1.Exhaustible/ Non-renewable/ Fund Resource- These natural resources which are limited in quantity, so called as Fund resource. Each current use reduces future use.

The physical quantity of such resources doesn’t increase. Once they are used, reproduction is not possible Example Coal, mineral oil, metal etc. are known as Non-renewable resources.

The exhaustible resources are of two types viz. Recyclable resource and Non-recyclable resource.

The exhaustible resources are of two types viz. Recyclable resource and Non-recyclable resource.

a.      Recyclable resource –Are those resources where reproduction is not possible but the material can be recycled.  Ex. Iron, copper, silver, gold etc.

b.     Non-recyclable resource-Are those resources which can’t be reproduced or recycled. Example coal, mineral oil etc. 

Inexhaustible/Renewable/ Flow Resource-These natural resources are unlimited in quantity, so called as Flow / Inexhaustible resource. It is possible to maintain their production in continuous flow. Each current use won’t reduce future use. For Ex. air, water, sunlight etc. 

Inexhaustible/renewable resources are of 2 types 

a) Automatically Renewable Resource –These resources get recharged by various natural cycles. (biogeochemical cycles) or process. Ex. Air in atmosphere, water by water cycle, sunlight in solar radiation, soil in the process of weathering of rocks and formation of soil, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle etc.

b) Renewable with Human efforts – However some resources are renewable with the help of man for example social forestry, plantation etc.

Characteristics of Resources

Utility: They must fulfill a need or purpose.

Scarcity: Some resources are limited and need careful management.

Accessibility: The ease with which resources can be accessed.

Value: Resources can have economic, cultural or environmental significance.

Importance of Resources

Economic Growth: Resources are the backbone of industries and services.

Sustainability: Proper use ensures future availability.

Social Development: Human resources contribute to innovation and improved living standards.

Environmental Balance: Natural resources are vital for maintaining ecosystems.

Challenges in Resource Management

Over-exploitation of non-renewable resources. Uneven distribution leading to inequality. Environmental degradation caused by misuse. Need for sustainable practices to ensure long-term availability.

Understanding and managing resources effectively is crucial for a balanced approach to economic, social and environmental goals. 

Key word : Classification, characteristic, importance, challenge

 

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