Resource Types MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Resource Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Resources are fundamental to human survival and economic development. They are anything that satisfies human needs and has value. This guide explores the different types of resources, categorized mainly into natural, human-made, and human resources, crucial for understanding our environment and economy.

1. Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials or substances occurring in nature which can be used for economic gain. They are gifts of nature that directly satisfy human needs. They are classified based on various factors:

• On the Basis of Origin:
  • Biotic Resources: Obtained from the biosphere and have life, such as human beings, flora (plants), fauna (animals), fisheries, and livestock.
  • Abiotic Resources: Composed of non-living things, such as rocks, minerals, and water.
• On the Basis of Exhaustibility:
  • Renewable Resources: Can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes. Examples include solar and wind energy, water, forests, and wildlife.
  • Non-renewable Resources: Occur over a very long geological time. They cannot be renewed in a short period once they are exhausted. Examples include minerals and fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas).
• On the Basis of Ownership: Individual, Community, National, and International Resources.

2. Human-Made Resources

Human-made resources are resources created by humans using natural resources. These include infrastructure, technology, and products that facilitate human life and economic activities. Human beings transform natural materials into resources through technology.

• Examples: Buildings, roads, bridges, machinery, vehicles, tools, furniture, software, and technology.
• Importance: They enable us to utilize natural resources more effectively, improve living standards, and drive economic growth.

3. Human Resources

Human resources refer to the quantity and quality of people, including their knowledge, skills, and abilities. People are considered the most important resource because it is their knowledge, skill, and technology that transform natural materials into valuable resources.

• Key Aspects:
  • Quantity: The size of the population.
  • Quality: Determined by factors like education, health, skills, and creativity.
• Importance: Education and health are vital in making people a valuable resource. Skilled and educated individuals can develop new technologies and better utilize existing resources.

Summary Table: Resource Types

Quick Revision Points

• Resource: Anything that can be used to satisfy a need.
• Utility: What makes an object or substance a resource.
• Value: Can be economic or aesthetic.
• Technology: Application of latest knowledge and skill in doing or making things.
• Sustainable Development: Using resources carefully to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Extra Practice Questions

1. Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
   1. Coal
   2. Petroleum
   3. Solar energy
   4. Iron ore

   Answer: c) Solar energy

2. What makes human beings a resource?
   1. Their physical strength
   2. Their ability to transform matter
   3. Their knowledge, skills, and technology
   4. Their population size

   Answer: c) Their knowledge, skills, and technology

3. Which of the following is not a human-made resource?
   1. Bridge
   2. Road
   3. Forest
   4. Machine

   Answer: c) Forest

4. Resources whose quantity is known and are currently being used are called:
   1. Potential resources
   2. Stock
   3. Actual resources
   4. Reserve resources

   Answer: c) Actual resources

5. The application of the latest knowledge and skill in doing or making things is known as:
   1. Conservation
   2. Technology
   3. Sustainability
   4. Utilization

   Answer: b) Technology