Question

Iron ore is an example of ________ resource.

A. Renewable 

B. Flow

C. Biotic

D. Non-renewable

Answer 1

Hint: Iron is one of the most abundant elements on Earth,  Iron ore is a natural resource and is not made from living organisms. The fundamental purpose of iron ore is to generate steel.

Complete answer:

The rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be profitably extracted is called iron ore. In sedimentary rocks, the earth’s most important iron ore deposits are found. The iron differs in color from dark grey, deep purple, bright yellow to rusty red. Ore is natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals, typically containing metals, that can be mined, treated and sold at a profit. Ore is extracted from the earth through mining and treated or refined, often via smelting, to extract the valuable metals or minerals.

- Renewable resources are the non-perishable natural resources which are not limited. Example; solar energy, geothermal energy. Therefore, iron is not a renewable resource. 

- Biotic resources are those that are derived from the biosphere. They are meant to be living or have lived. Therefore, iron is not a biotic resource. 

- Flow resources are those that are neither renewable nor non-renewable and must be utilized where it arises and replenishes itself. They can be only natural resources and have no human influence involved. Therefore, iron is not a flow resource. 

- Iron is a non-renewable resource. It is a natural resource which is found in limited amounts on our planet. It's used up quicker than it can be formed by the natural process. Hence, it is a non-renewable resource. 

Hence, the correct option is, ‘D’.

Note: As it is clear that iron ore is a naturally occurring substance but that doesn't mean that it is available everywhere. It takes many years in the process of formation. Also, iron ore mining impacts the environment severely. From excavation to transportation it deteriorates air quality, water quality, and biological species.