Which of these is MOST ACCURATE about resources on Earth?
Resources on Earth are finite, which means they are limited and can run out.
All resources such as food and water are available in an endless supply on Earth.
Earth will always have plenty of resources for the survival of all living things.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Resources on Earth are finite, which means they are limited and can run out.
Explanation:
Earth’s resources are not unlimited. They are finite, meaning that there is a limited amount of resources available, and if they are overused or mismanaged, they can be depleted. Resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, and freshwater are essential for human survival and development. However, they are being consumed at a rate that exceeds the Earth’s ability to replenish them, leading to concerns about resource shortages in the future.
Natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable. Once these resources are extracted and used, they cannot be replenished in a short timeframe. This makes them finite. In contrast, renewable resources such as solar energy, wind, and biomass are replenishable over time, but even these have limits in terms of how much can be harnessed without causing environmental harm or disrupting ecosystems.
Furthermore, resources like clean water and fertile soil are essential for agriculture and human consumption. However, these are also limited, and human activities such as pollution, over-extraction, and deforestation can negatively affect their availability. The growing population and rising demand for these resources put pressure on the environment, making sustainable management crucial.
If resources continue to be overused or not managed responsibly, Earth could face significant challenges, such as food and water shortages, loss of biodiversity, and energy crises. This emphasizes the need for responsible resource management and sustainable practices to ensure that resources are available for future generations. Therefore, while Earth has abundant resources, their availability is not guaranteed without careful stewardship.