Classification of Resources

Resources can be classified in several ways: one the bases of (i) renewability, (ii) origin and (iii) utility. The objective of classification would primarily decide how we put a resource under a particular category.

Biotic Resources

These resources include all living elements of the environment. Forests and forest products, crops, birds, wildlife, fishes and other marine lives are the examples of biotic resources. These resources reproduce and regenerate themselves, hence, are renewable.

Coal and mineral oil are also biotic resources but they are non-renewable.

Abiotic Resources

These resources include all non-living elements of the environment. Land, water, air and minerals like iron, copper, gold, silver, etc. are abiotic resources. They are exhaustible and non-renewable as they cannot be regenerated or reproduced.

Summary

• Natural resources satisfy human wants are the free girts of the nature. For example land, water, soils, etc.
• Any material which is valuable and useful for humans is called a resource.
• Resources constitute the natural environment like air, water, forests and various life forms, which are essential for human survival and development.
• Resources can be classified on the basis of origin, renewability and utility.