Natural Resources Flashcard

Front

What is a natural resource?

Back

A material from nature that can be used by humans for various purposes

Answer explanation

A natural resource is defined as a material from nature that can be utilized by humans for various purposes, such as water, minerals, and forests, making the second choice the correct answer.

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scarce

Back

Not enough of a resource to meet needs

Answer explanation

The term "scarce" refers to a situation where there is not enough of a resource to meet needs, making the correct choice "Not enough of a resource to meet needs." The other options describe abundance or unrelated concepts.

Front

What is scarcity?

Back

The state of being in short supply

Answer explanation

Scarcity refers to the state of being in short supply, indicating that resources are limited compared to the demand for them. This concept is fundamental in economics, distinguishing it from having an abundance.

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Sustainability

Back

The ability to balance human and environmental needs now while ensuring future resources

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines sustainability as balancing human and environmental needs while ensuring resources for the future. This contrasts with the other options, which neglect environmental considerations.

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Region

Back

An area of land with common characteristics

Answer explanation

A "region" is defined as an area of land with common characteristics, which distinguishes it from other areas. The other options describe specific features or locations but do not capture the broader definition of a region.

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Renewable resource

Back

A natural resource that can be replaced or replenished

Answer explanation

A renewable resource is defined as a natural resource that can be replaced or replenished over time, such as solar energy or timber, making the first answer choice correct.

Front

What is a nonrenewable resource?

Back

A natural resource that cannot be replaced or replenished

Answer explanation

A nonrenewable resource is defined as a natural resource that cannot be replaced or replenished once it is used up, such as fossil fuels and minerals. This distinguishes it from renewable resources, which can be replenished.

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Ecological footprint

Back

A measurement of our impact on the earth’s resources

Answer explanation

The term "ecological footprint" measures the impact of human activities on the Earth's resources, indicating how much land and water area is needed to support those activities. Thus, the correct choice is a measurement of our impact on the earth’s resources.

Front

What is also called an "environmental footprint"?

Back

Ecological footprint

Answer explanation

The term "environmental footprint" refers to the ecological footprint, which measures the impact of human activities on the environment, including resource consumption and waste production.

Front

Which resource type can be replenished naturally over time? Options: Nonrenewable resource, Renewable resource, Fossil fuel, Mineral resource

Back

Renewable resource

Answer explanation

A renewable resource can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind, and biomass. In contrast, nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals cannot be replaced once depleted.