INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES Introduction to Environmental and Agricultural Science

Our Natural Resources NATURAL RESOURCES are resources found in nature. People cannot make more natural resources, but many can be renewed. Natural Resources essential for living Oxygen Water

Kinds of Natural Resources Natural Resources can be classified into Eight Groups Wildlife Air Wind Soil Water Minerals Fossil Fuels Sunlight

Wildlife WILDLIFE is a plant, animal, and any other thing that lives in the wild. It has NOT been domesticated. Includes all species that exist in nature, including fungi, wild flowers, trees, insects, fish, snakes, etc. DOMESTICATION is bringing plants and animals under the control of humans. Domesticated Animals – Cattle, Horses, Pigs, Chickens, Sheep, etc. Domesticated Plants – Rice, Corn, Potatoes, Cotton, Tomatoes, Grapes, etc.

Air AIR is the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth. Important Natural Resource All living things must have air to survive. Oxygen is the most important component of the air. Polluted air contains substances that may be harmful to people and other resources..

Wind WIND is large-scale air movement across the surface of the earth. Weather fronts and surface features influence wind. Wind power is harnessing wind movement. Windmills and Turbines collect the power and use it to pump water, generate electricity, etc. Problems – Wind direction and speed varies

Soil SOIL is the outer layer of the earth’s surface that supports plant life. Naturally occurring resource All living things rely on soil in one way or another. Basis for all living things Plants need soil to grow Animals eat plants Remains decay and become soil again Damaged and lost by erosion

Water WATER is a tasteless and colorless liquid natural resource. All living things must have water to survive. Only natural resource found in 3 forms Solid (ice) Liquid (water) Gas (vapor) Amount of water on the earth is constant, however its form and condition changes in the water cycle. Flowing water can be used as a power source.

Minerals MINERAL is a natural inorganic substance on or in the earth. INORGANIC SUBSTANCE does not have the structure of living things, does not contain carbon. Examples: Iron Precious Metals (Copper, Gold, Silver, Nickel) Granite, Sand, Gravel

Fossil Fuels FOSSIL FUELS are materials used to provide energy. Created by the decomposition of plants and animals Three main groups: Petroleum (gas, oil, plastics) Natural Gas Coal Problem – Major source of pollution

Sunlight SUNLIGHT is the light and warmth of the sun. Light produces solar energy. Energy is used by plants in photosynthesis. Life on earth depends on sunlight.

Renewability RENEWABILITY is whether or not a resource can be restored after it has been used. Basis for classifying natural resources: Renewable Nonrenewable

Renewable Resources RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES can be replaced when used. Resource may renew itself and be used again, but renewing may take a long time Examples Air Soil Wildlife Plants Water

Nonrenewable Resources NONREWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES can not be replaced when used. With careful management, some can be reused. Examples: Minerals (Gold, Silver) Fossil Fuels (Oil and Coal)

Exhaustibility EXHAUSTIBILITY is whether or not the supply of a resource is replenished as it is used. Some resources can be replenished; others cannot be replenished.

Inexhaustible Resources INEXHAUSTIBLE NATURAL RESOURCES are resources that are continually being replenished. Examples: Sunlight Air & Wind Water

Exhaustible Resources EXHAUSTIBLE NATURAL RESOURCES are resources that are available in limited quantity that can be used up. Examples: Minerals Fossil Fuels Soil (replaced so slowly)

Conservation CONSERVATION is using resources wisely. Resources are not abused, wasted nor destroyed. “Wise” is using a resource in ways that do not diminish its value and assure that supplies will be available for future generations. SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE USE is using resources so they last a long time.

Preservation PRESERVATION is maintaining a natural resource without using it up. Resource is protected. Set aside for future use. People can view the resource, but cannot harvest, mine or otherwise take it. Examples: Wildlife Preserves and Refuges Old Growth Forests protected from cutting