Which resource is a renewable resource? A. Coal B. Gemstones C. Metal D. Trees
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Trees.
Explanation:
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished naturally over a short period of time and can be used repeatedly. They regenerate quickly enough so that their use does not lead to depletion.
- Trees fall under this category because they can grow back through natural processes like seed germination and growth cycles. When managed sustainably, forests can provide a continuous supply of timber and other products without permanently damaging the environment. Planting new trees and allowing existing forests to regenerate make trees a renewable resource.
On the other hand, the other options are non-renewable resources, which means they do not replenish quickly enough to be considered sustainable once used:
- A. Coal: Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from decayed plants under high pressure and heat deep underground. Because this process takes millions of years, coal is considered non-renewable. Once mined and used, it cannot be quickly replaced.
- B. Gemstones: Gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are mined from the earth over geological timescales. These resources do not regenerate or form quickly enough for humans to rely on continuous replacement. Hence, gemstones are non-renewable.
- C. Metal: Metals such as iron, copper, and gold are extracted from ore deposits formed over long periods by geological processes. They do not regenerate naturally within human timescales, so they are also non-renewable resources. Although metals can be recycled, the original metal resources are finite.
Summary:
Trees are renewable because they grow continuously and can be replanted, allowing sustained use. Coal, gemstones, and metals are non-renewable because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime, making their consumption permanent depletion unless recycled. Understanding renewable versus non-renewable resources is crucial for sustainable management of Earth’s natural wealth.