Name _________________________________________ Core __________________ Date ________________________
Unit 1 Earth’s Natural Resources Study Guide
Key Points:
1. Natural resources are materials in natural environments that people value and use to satisfy their needs.
2. Today, nations are searching for new energy sources and competing for those that already exist.
3. If people continue using coal, natural gas, and petroleum at today’s rate, the Earth will run out of fossil fuels
in the next 100 years.
4. In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act.
5. Acid rain is rain that carries dangerous chemicals.
6. Scientists are exploring nuclear power, water, wind, and sun as alternatives to fossil fuels.
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:
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Natural Resource - __________________________________________________________________________
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Renewable Resource- ________________________________________________________________________
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Nonrenewable Resource- _____________________________________________________________________
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Global Warming-____________________________________________________________________________
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Habitats- __________________________________________________________________________________
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Acid Rain- _________________________________________________________________________________
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Recycle- ___________________________________________________________________________________
Reading Guide:
1. Why does the value of certain natural resources vary? _______________________________________________
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2. Why do some people and nations encourage the development of energy resources other than fossil fuels? _______
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3. How does the distribution of resources around the world affect patterns of settlement and migration? __________
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4. Countries such as what have laws to reduce acid rain? _______________________________________________
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5. What act passed by Congress gave the government power to protect species that might become extinct as well as
their habitats? _______________________________________________________________________________
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6. What country produces more waste than any other nation in the world? __________________________________
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