What are natural resources?

Natural resources are defined as materials or substances that occur in nature and can be utilized for economic benefit. This encompasses a wide variety of resources, including water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, which are essential for various industries and human activities. These resources are extracted, harvested, or gathered to produce goods and services that drive economic growth and development.

In contrast to choices that describe man-made products or processed materials, natural resources specifically refer to those that exist in their natural state. These resources can vary significantly in terms of their availability and renewability. While some resources, like timber and fish, can regenerate over time if managed sustainably, others, such as fossil fuels and minerals, are finite and can be depleted. The element of exploitation for economic gain indicates that natural resources are utilized to create wealth and support human needs.