Question

Classify resources on the basis of the status of development into four groups. Explain the main features of each group.

Answer 1

Hint: The divisions are based on the factor of utilisation. It also depends on the availability of the resources. They are used in varying degrees according to how easily they can be procured or processed.

Complete answer:
Resources are classified into four groups on the basis of the status of development. They are- potential resources, developed resources, stock resources and reserve resources. Below is each of the four kinds of resources with some explanation for each.-

1. Potential Resources: Potential resources are those kinds of resources which are found in a given area but have not been utilised yet. They are classified as potential resources as they can be used but are currently not being used due to some other reasons.
Some examples of potential resources are- wind energy, solar energy etc which are still not widely used.

2. Developed Resources: Developed resources are those types of resources which have been developed and harnessed. These are resources which are currently being used.
Common examples of developed resources are- petroleum, coal, etc.

3. Stock Resources: Stock resources are those kinds of resources which are present in the environment and can be used but are not used currently. They are not used because there is no method to harness or access it yet.
Some examples of stock resources are- various chemical and organic compounds that we still do not have the technology to utilise in any way.

4. Reserve Resources: Reserve resources are those resources which can be used but are currently not in use. Not because the method to harness is unavailable, but instead it is not used as it is kept for later use.
Some examples of reserve resources are- water in rivers, oil and gas reserves etc.

Note: Developed resources are also called actual resources since they are the only resource used in the present. Potential resources are not currently used because of factors like economic constraints or difficulty in reaching them. Once those are cleared, they are used as developed resources.
Stock resources cannot be used because of a lack of technology to use them.
Renewable resources are also considered reserve resources because they do not get exhausted and are still available to future generations.