Resource management questions

Question 1

Define the term natural resource.

Answer 1

A natural resource is a resource that can occur in nature that can be exploited for economic gain.

Question 2

Explain the difference between biotic and abiotic resources.

Answer 2

Biotic resources:

• Come from the biosphere.
• Capable of reproduction.

Abiotic resources:

• Obtained from the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere.
• Examples are: minerals, soil, sunlight and fresh water.

Question 3

Identify which two of the following are characteristics of renewable resources.

Answer 3

• Potentially inexhaustible.

- Can be naturally replenished.

Question 4

Explain two factors that influence the global distribution of agriculture.

Answer 4

• Higher Precipitation: productive for agriculture.

- Temperature: low precipitation.

Question 5

Identify one reason for the uneven global use of fuels.

Answer 5

Global development.

Question 6

Describe the distribution of one resource globally.

Answer 6

The world’s copper resources are in Europe, Africa, Oceania, North America and South America. South America has one of the highest and so does South Africa.

Question 7

Describe the distribution of one resource in the UK.

Answer 7

Oil and gas are extracted from the North sea.

Question 8

Explain how coal has positive and negative effects.

Answer 8

• Formation can take millions of years.

- They can’t be remade.

Question 9

Compare the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy.

Answer 9

• Renewable:
• Potentially finite.
• Can be naturally replenished.
• Wind is an example.

Non-renewable:

• Combustible sources that cannot be remade.
• Formation takes millions of years.
• Coal is an example.

Question 10

Describe the distribution of hill sheep farming.

Answer 10

It happens commonly in Scotland and in the South.

Question 11

Explain one advantage of developing a renewable energy resource.

Answer 11

• Doesn’t pollute atmosphere: doesn’t release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 12

Suggest one factor that causes global variation in the energy mix.

Answer 12

Population: China has a very large population and therefore relies on a variety of energy types. Iceland has a small population and uses one energy type - geothermal power.

Question 13

Explain one negative impact of developing non-renewable energy resources on the environment.

Answer 13

Oil spilling = Pollution of groundwater and drinking water.