Which term describes natural substances used for economic gain like minerals or fertile land?

• A. Biodiversity
• B. Renewable energy
• C. Natural resources
• D. Cultural heritage

Answer: (C)

Natural resources are substances that occur in the environment and have value because people can use them to produce goods and services. Minerals, fertile land, water, forests, and fossil fuels are classic examples. This term best fits the idea of natural materials provided by nature that are exploited for economic gain, which is exactly what the question describes.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a place, not specifically the economic use of natural materials. Renewable energy describes energy sources that can replenish themselves, like solar or wind, rather than naming natural substances overall. Cultural heritage covers human culture, artifacts, and traditions, not natural resources.