Describe the classification of natural resources

Natural resources are classified into different groups depending upon their level of development and use; origin; stock and distribution.

(i)On the basis of their development and use resources can be classified into two groups, actual resources and potential resources. 

Actual resources are those resources whose quantity is known. Potential resources are those whose entire quantity may not be known and these are not being used at present.

(ii)Based on their origin, resources can be abiotic or biotic. Abiotic resources are non-living while biotic resources are living. Soils, rocks and minerals are abiotic but plants and animals are biotic resources.

(iii)Natural resources can be broadly categorised into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly. Non-renewable resources are those which have a limited stock.

(iv)On the basis of their distribution resources can be ubiquitous or localised. Resources that are found everywhere like the air we breathe, are ubiquitous. But those which are found only in certain places are localised, like copper and iron ore.

Tips: -

Imp.