11 – 7 What are natural resources?
Natural Resources Living things use materials found in nature to survive. These materials
are called natural resources. Air and water are natural resources needed by almost all
organisms. People use other natural resources such as oil, coal, and gas as fuels.
Renewable Resources Some natural resources can be reused or replaced. These resources
are called renewable resources. Water, soil, and lumber are examples of renewable
resources. Water is replaced naturally through a process called the water cycle. Forests
can be replanted. However, these processes take many years to complete.
Nonrenewable Resources Some natural resources cannot be reused of replaced. These
resources are called non-renewable. Oil, coal, natural gas, and minerals are examples of
nonrenewable resources. Non-renewable resources need millions of years to form. Once
existing supplies of these resources are used up, they cannot be replaced.
Conservation The wise use of natural resources is called conservation. Conservation of all
natural resources, including renewable resources, is important. Although renewable
resources are replaced by the environment, the supply of these resources is limited.
People must be careful not to use renewable resources faster than they can be replaced.
Because nonrenewable resources such as coal and oil cannot be replaced, it is especially
important to use them wisely. One way of conserving nonrenewable resources is by
buying products such as cars, air conditioners, and light bulbs that are more energy
efficient. Other ways of conserving nonrenewable resources are by carpooling and using
solar power.
CHECKING CONCEPTS
1. Nonrenewable resources
2. All organisms use
3. Oil and natural gas are examples of
4. Using natural resources wisely is called
be replaced.
in order to survive.
resources.
.
11-7 What are natural resources?
Lesson Review
Write the term that best completes each statement in the space provided.
1. The wise use of natural resources is _______________________________________________________ .
2. Materials found in nature that are used by living things are __________________________________ .
3. Natural resources that cannot be reused or replaced are _____________________________ resources.
4. Natural resources that can be reused or replaced are _______________________________ resources.
5. The use of energy-efficient products is an example of ________________________________________ .
6. Oil, coal, and gas are considered _________________________________________________ resources.
7. Renewable resources should be conserved so that their supply is not used up ___________________
than they can be replaced.
Skill Challenge
Skills: classifying, applying concepts
Decide whether each natural resource listed in the table below is renewable or
nonrenewable. Complete the table by placing a check mark in the correct column.
CLASSIFYING NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural Resource
1. Oil
2. Living things
3. Coal
4. Air
5. Water
6. Soil
7. Minerals
8. Natural gas
Renewable
Nonrenewable
Classifying Natural Resources
Enrichment Activity for Lessons 11-5 and 11-7
Skills: classifying, applying
PART A List one natural resource that can be found in each biome in the table.
Then, write Renewable or Nonrenewable in the far-right column. You may use
reference materials if necessary.
Biome
Resources
Renewable or
Nonrenewable?
1. Polar
2. Tundra
3. Taiga
4. Temperate deciduous forest
5. Tropical rain forest
6. Grasslands
7. Deserts
PART B In the space below, list five things that you could do to help conserve
renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.
1.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
PART C Choose one of the conservation methods you listed above. Create a poster
that persuades others to conserve this resource. You will need to first research your
topic using reference materials. You can use the back of this worksheet to plan and
organize your poster.