Which statement best describes nonrenewable resources?

Which statement best describes nonrenewable resources?

• A. They can be replaced quickly
• B. They cannot be replaced and are used up
• C. They are always renewable
• D. They come from plants

Answer: (B)

Nonrenewable resources are finite and form very slowly over geological time, so they cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Once we use them, new supplies won’t appear again for millions of years, if at all, which is why we consider them nonrenewable. This is why the statement that best describes them is that they cannot be replaced and are used up. The other ideas don’t fit: they aren’t replaced quickly, they’re not always renewable, and while some originate from ancient biological material, that origin doesn’t make them renewable in practice.

Nonrenewable resources are finite and form very slowly over geological time, so they cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Once we use them, new supplies won’t appear again for millions of years, if at all, which is why we consider them nonrenewable. This is why the statement that best describes them is that they cannot be replaced and are used up. The other ideas don’t fit: they aren’t replaced quickly, they’re not always renewable, and while some originate from ancient biological material, that origin doesn’t make them renewable in practice.