chapter 2: how can we sustainably manage natural resources? 1

Question 1

What is a resource?

Answer 1

A resource is a material identified by people to be useful.

Resources can include both raw materials and products made from them, such as food, metal, and plastic.

Question 2

How can resources fulfill human needs?

Answer 2

Resources can fulfill people’s needs and enhance their well-being.

For example, food is a resource that fulfills our needs for survival.

Question 3

What are some products made from resources that enhance well-being?

Answer 3

Products such as mobile phones and tablets enhance well-being.

These products enable tasks to be carried out, such as sending messages and searching for information.

Question 4

List reasons why most people use mobile phones and tablets.

Answer 4

• Reading personal emails
• Calling and online messaging
• Browsing social media and networks
• Responding to work or business
• Reading the news and sports updates

These activities demonstrate how mobile devices are integrated into daily life.

Question 5

How do people identify resources?

Answer 5

What is a resource to one group of people might not be for another group, influenced by culture and technology.

This subjectivity means that resources can vary between different societies.

Question 6

Define culture in the context of resource identification.

Answer 6

Culture refers to the way of life shared by a group of people.

It shapes what materials or objects are considered useful.

Question 7

Give an example of how culture influences resource identification.

Answer 7

The Penan tribe uses wood from trees for houses and firewood, while in Singapore, people use bricks, cement, and steel.

This difference shows how lifestyle affects what is deemed a resource.

Question 8

What is the role of technology in identifying resources?

Answer 8

Technology influences people’s ability to identify resources.

For instance, machinery has replaced animals like water buffaloes in farming.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Before machines were invented, _______ were used for laborious work.

Answer 9

animals

Question 10

How has technology changed farming practices in Southeast Asia?

Answer 10

Rice farmers now use machinery such as power tillers and combine harvesters instead of relying solely on water buffaloes.

This shift has altered the perception of water buffaloes as a resource.