Types of Resources

We have many things around us. There are also job opportunities for us. We use them to meet the needs of our life. All these things are called resources. The resources are of three types:

1. Natural Resources

2. Human Resources

 3. Capital Resources

Natural Resources

All those resources which are provided by the nature are called natural resources. For example, earth, mountains, rivers, plants, water, air, animals, etc

Natural resources divided into two types

1. Renewable Resources

2. Non-Renewable Resources

Types of Resources

Renewable Resources

Resources that can never run out or can replenish through natural processes after a finite interval of time are said to be renewable resources. Eg. forest, wind, water and solar energy. Renewable resources can replenish themselves at the same rate at which they are used however the rate of consumption of renewable resources must also be managed to avoid the depletion of the renewable resources.

Air:

Let us first understand the composition of air in the atmosphere. The air is made up of 78% of nitrogen, 21% of oxygen and the rest is made up of other gases such as methane, neon, argon, helium, hydrogen etc. Air is present all around you, you can’t see it but certainly feel it. Air is essential for life on earth. It is a renewable resource and a supplier of energy.

Water

97% of earth’s water is covered with water out of which, only 3% is available in the form of freshwater. Also, two-thirds of this freshwater is locked up in glaciers and ice-caps and the rest is available for us in the form of drinking water. Water is vital for our survival which makes it one of the most precious resources on earth.

Soil :

Soil is made up of all the crucial elements which are necessary for survival such as zinc, iron, nitrogen compounds etc. The soil is also a home to billions of microorganisms. Soil is a mixture of essential components such as minerals (45%), water (25%), air (25%) and organic matter (billions of organisms) or humus (5%). Food, fiber and fuel all derives from soil itself!

Types of Resources

Non-Renewable Resources

These are finite resources or we can say that they are exhaustible resources, once they are exhausted, it will take them millions of years to form.

Eg. Minerals, fossil fuels etc

Types of Resources

Human Resources

The skills and abilities of a person are called human resources.

For example, masons have skills to construct buildings. A painter makes these buildings beautiful by painting them. Similarly, the farmer cultivates the crops. Thus the farmer, the builder, painter, wood artisan, potter, cobbler and blacksmith etc. are also included in human resources

Types of Resources

Capital Resources

A man uses his wealth to make such resources which become a source of income. These resources are called capital resources.

For example, bus, car, tractor, computer, factories, machines, etc. are capital resources.