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ECOSYSTEM
It can be defined as a component of the environment, where all kinds of living beings (plants, animals,
microbes) live together and complete their requirements by their own demand-supply chain mechanism.
The ecosystem consists of producers, consumers and decomposers. It includes all the living things which are
living together on the earth and help each other to complete the life cycle of the environment.
NATURAL RESOURCES
A resource is any natural or artificial substance, energy, or organism used by humans to support their
well-being and survival. Natural resources, such as air, water and minerals, occur naturally and are vital for
life, while artificial resources, like biogas and plastics, are human-made and aid in societal development.
Natural resources come in many forms. It may be a solid, liquid or gas. It may also be organic or inorganic.
It may also be metallic or non-metallic.
Types of Resources
Types of Resources
Land Resources Forest Resources Energy Resources Water Resources Food Resources Mineral Resources
Land Resources: Land is a critical resource used by humans for various purposes, including production,
residence and recreation. As a finite resource, it serves multiple roles, from agricultural activities to
infrastructure development. The efficient management of land resources is essential to balance these
diverse uses and ensure sustainability.
Forest Resources: Forests represent natural, self-sustaining ecosystems characterised by a vertical structure
created by trees. They provide essential materials such as wood for furniture, construction and energy for
cooking and heating. Forests also supply a range of products, including tannins, gums, drugs, spices and
various by-products derived from both flora and fauna.
Water Resources: Covering approximately three-quarters of Earth’s surface, water is a fundamental resource
for all forms of life. It encompasses rivers, lakes, oceans and underground aquifers, playing a vital role in
agriculture, industrial processes, household needs, recreational activities and environmental conservation.
Mineral Resources: Mineral deposits are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth’s crust that can
be extracted and converted into useful materials. These non-renewable resources include metals such as
iron, copper and aluminum, as well as non-metals like salt, gypsum and clay. Some minerals, such as gold
and diamonds, consist of a single element and are highly valued.
Food Resources: Food resources are materials that provide nourishment to organisms. Plants serve as a
primary food source for herbivores and omnivores, while animals and birds are food sources for carnivores
and omnivores. Agriculture is the main source of plant-based food resources for human consumption.
Energy Resources: Energy resources are materials that can generate heat, power, or electricity. They include
fundamental sources such as solar energy from nuclear fusion in the Sun, gravity generated by Earth and
Moon, nuclear fission reactions, geothermal energy from the Earth’s interior and chemical energy stored
in fossil fuels. While fossil fuels are widely used, they are non-renewable on a human timescale and pose
environmental challenges.
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