Which of the following statements with reference to natural resources is/are FALSE? 1. Biotic resources are the resources obtained from biosphere and have life such as human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc. 2. The resources which can be reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as non-renewable resources. 3. The resources that occur over a very long geological time and take millions of years in their formation are called renewable resources. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Biotic resources

• Biotic resources are those resources that are derived from living organisms.
• They include plants, animals, and microorganisms that are used to sustain life and meet human needs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Biotic resources are renewable as they can regenerate and be replenished through natural processes if managed sustainably.
• Examples of Biotic Resources :
  • Forests: Provide timber, fuelwood, fruits, and other non-timber forest products.
  • Animals: Livestock, fish, and wildlife are sources of food, labor, and raw materials like wool and leather.
  • Agricultural Crops: Grains, fruits, vegetables, and other crops grown for food and industrial purposes.
  • Marine Resources: Fish, seaweed, and other marine organisms that are harvested for food and other products.
  • Microorganisms: Used in processes like fermentation, medicine production (e.g., antibiotics), and waste decomposition.

Renewable resources

• Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over time.
• These resources are sustainable as long as the rate of consumption does not exceed the rate of replenishment.
• Examples of Renewable Resources:
  • Solar Energy: Captured from sunlight and converted into electricity or heat.
  • Wind Energy: Generated using wind turbines.
  • Hydropower: Produced by the flow of water in rivers or dams.
  • Biomass: Organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure that can be used for energy production.
  • Geothermal Energy: Heat derived from the Earth’s interior.
  • Tidal and Wave Energy: Generated from ocean tides and waves.
• Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Non-renewable resources

• Non-renewable resources are natural resources that do not replenish at a sustainable rate.
• Once these resources are consumed, they are depleted and cannot be replaced within a human timescale.
• Examples of Non-Renewable Resources:
  • Fossil Fuels: Includes coal, oil, and natural gas formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • Minerals and Metals: Resources like iron, copper, gold, and bauxite that are extracted from the Earth.
  • Nuclear Fuels: : Uranium and thorium used in nuclear reactors for energy production.