Resources can be classified on the basis of their origin into two main categories:
- Biotic Resources : These are resources obtained from living organisms or organic materials. They come from the biosphere and include plants, animals, forests, wildlife, fisheries, and livestock. Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum are sometimes also considered biotic because they originate from fossilized organic matter over long periods
- Abiotic Resources : These are non-living resources that originate from the physical or non-living environment. Examples include minerals, metals, air, water, soil, sunlight, and land. These resources are inorganic and do not have life
This classification helps in understanding the nature of resources and their management. Biotic resources are generally renewable if managed sustainably, while abiotic resources may be renewable or non-renewable depending on their nature and rate of consumption
. In summary:
Classification Basis| Type| Description| Examples
---|---|---|---
Origin| Biotic| Derived from living organisms| Forests, animals, fisheries,
fossil fuels
| Abiotic| Derived from non-living environment| Minerals, metals, water, air,
sunlight
This is the fundamental way to classify resources by origin
