A resource that is finite and cannot be replenished in a short period of time.

A resource that is finite and cannot be replenished in a short period of time.

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

Answer: (D)

Finite resources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale describe nonrenewable resources. These are resources formed over geological periods and used up faster than they can be replaced, like fossil fuels such as oil. Renewable resources, by contrast, are replenished within a short period and are not limited in the same way. Biomass is typically considered renewable because plants can regrow and be harvested again, which is why it doesn’t fit the description of something that’s finite and not quickly replenished. Saying “oil” is a specific example of a nonrenewable resource helps illustrate the category, but the broader term best captures the property described.

Finite resources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale describe nonrenewable resources. These are resources formed over geological periods and used up faster than they can be replaced, like fossil fuels such as oil. Renewable resources, by contrast, are replenished within a short period and are not limited in the same way. Biomass is typically considered renewable because plants can regrow and be harvested again, which is why it doesn’t fit the description of something that’s finite and not quickly replenished. Saying “oil” is a specific example of a nonrenewable resource helps illustrate the category, but the broader term best captures the property described.