Which term describes a resource that cannot be replenished quickly and is finite?

Which term describes a resource that cannot be replenished quickly and is finite?

• A. Renewable Resource
• B. Oil
• C. Biomass
• D. Nonrenewable Resource

Answer: (D)

Resources that cannot be replenished quickly and are finite are nonrenewable resources. They formed over long geological times and, once used, aren’t replaced on human timescales. Oil is a classic example of this category because it accumulates deep underground and, once extracted and burned, isn’t readily regenerated to meet current demand. This stands in contrast to renewable resources, which can be replenished naturally within short periods, such as sunlight or wind, and to biomass that can be renewable if managed to balance growth with use. Therefore, the term that best describes a resource that cannot be replenished quickly and is finite is nonrenewable resource.

Resources that cannot be replenished quickly and are finite are nonrenewable resources. They formed over long geological times and, once used, aren’t replaced on human timescales. Oil is a classic example of this category because it accumulates deep underground and, once extracted and burned, isn’t readily regenerated to meet current demand. This stands in contrast to renewable resources, which can be replenished naturally within short periods, such as sunlight or wind, and to biomass that can be renewable if managed to balance growth with use. Therefore, the term that best describes a resource that cannot be replenished quickly and is finite is nonrenewable resource.