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prerequisite
What Do You Already Know?
Check your existing knowledge about natural resources and the environment before we begin our journey.
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Foundational Understanding
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1. Natural Resources And Their Use
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Part of NCERT 8 Social Science
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Last updated Jan 25, 2026. Clone to remix or explore the blocks below.
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overview
The Big Picture: Our Relationship with Nature
An introduction to the fundamental questions about natural resources and how everything we use connects back to nature.
Natural Resources and Their Use
The Big Questions:
- How do we categorize natural resources?
- What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
- What are the implications of unsustainable use and over-exploitation of natural resources?
"We must move toward a regenerative economy, an economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing used resources, minimizing waste, and replenishing depleted resources. We must return to the innate wisdom of nature herself, the ultimate regenerator and recycler of all resources."
— Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac in 'The Future We Choose'
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vocabulary
Building Your Vocabulary
Master these everyday English words to better understand the chapter content.
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terms
Essential Technical Terms
Learn the key terminology you'll need throughout this chapter on natural resources.
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concept
When Nature Becomes a Resource
Understanding the conditions that transform elements of nature into resources that humans can use.
When Does Nature Become a Resource?
Nature is the totality of life and non-life forms that are part of our environment but have not been created by humans.
Trees exist in forests whether humans are there or not. Rivers flow, mountains stand tall, and the sun shines—all independent of human existence.
But when does Nature become a resource?
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images
Nature to Resource: Visual Examples
See how different elements of nature are transformed into resources through human technology and effort.
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Flowing river water (Nature) → Electricity through microhydel plant (Resource)
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Petroleum under seabed (Nature) → Extracted oil (Resource) - Requires advanced technology
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Soil ecosystem (Nature) → Agricultural land (Resource) - Sustainable when done gently
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Wild bees and flowers (Nature) → Honey (Resource) - Renewable if harvested sustainably
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Sacred Tulasi plant - An example where cultural values define what becomes a resource
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practice
Test Your Understanding: Key Definitions
Fill in the blanks to reinforce your understanding of what makes something a natural resource.
Fill in each blank with the correct word.
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Natural resources are materials and substances that occur inand are valuable to. However, not everything in nature automatically qualifies as a resource. For an element of nature to become a resource, three conditions must be met: it must beaccessible (we need the technology to extract it), economically(the cost of extraction should be practical), and culturally(the use must align with community values). When these conditions are satisfied and humans begin using these elements, they transform from mere natural entities into.