Back to: Jss3 Basic Science

Introduction

Things that can move, breathe, eat, grow, and reproduce are referred to as “living things.” Living things also have the ability to discharge waste. Because they are capable of doing all of these things, plants and animals are considered to be living things. From living beings, one may obtain a variety of basic elements. The term “resources from living things” refers to certain basic elements that may be obtained from living things.

Types Of Resources

There are two types of resources:

• Renewable Resources
• Nonrenewable Resources

Renewable Resources

Resources that can naturally be reproduced after they have been used are known as renewable resources. Plants and animals both have the ability to reproduce, making them examples of renewable resources.

Non-renewable Resources

“Non-renewable resources” are those that can’t be made again once they’ve been used up. Every single one of the mineral resources is nonrenewable.

The resources derived from living creatures include both the resources derived from plants and those derived from animals.

Resources from plants

Raw materials obtained from plants are referred to as resources from plants. The following are examples of resources obtained from plants: 

• cash crops
• food crops.
• medicinal plants.
• textile materials.
• wood materials.
• manure and yeast

1. Cash crops: Cash crops are types of plant products that, when sold domestically and internationally, bring in a significant amount of revenue. Produce sold for money includes Cotton, milkweed, and other plant species that produce Fibre crops
2. fibre is among the plants that are put to use in the textile industry to manufacture clothing. It is also utilised in the manufacturing process of paper pulp.
3. Oil Crop: To generate revenue, oil crops such as groundnut, oil palm, Shea butter, and coconut are among those that are marketed.
4. Latex Crop: Crops that are utilised in the production of latex (such as rubber, Arabic gum, and raffia palm) are also exported.
5. Food Crop: Plant products known as food crops are those that are cultivated with the primary purpose of providing a source of food. Included in this category are green leafy vegetables such as a bitter leaf, pumpkin, and spinach, all of which are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron. Fruits like oranges, mangoes, and pineapples contain the vitamins and mineral salts that your body needs to work properly. Grains and cereals (such as rice, oats, millet, and sorghum, among others) are abundant in all three of these macronutrients: starch, oil, and protein. Foods that are consumed regularly and are high in starch content, such as yam, cassava, potato, and other similar foods. Plants that are used to extract oil, such as oil palms, groundnut trees, coconuts, and others. The oil is put to use in the kitchen on a daily basis.

6. Medicinal Plant: For medicinal purposes, the bark, leaves, and roots of some plants are harvested and utilised. Dongoyaro, lemon grass, kola nut trees, tobacco, and other such plants are some examples.
7. Textile Crops: These are crops that are utilised in the production of various accessories and clothing, as well as dyes. The majority of them are fibre crops, such as cotton, and dye plants, such as the indigo plant.
8. Woods: Woods are items derived from trees and are most commonly used for construction, the manufacture of furniture, and the preparation of food. Many kinds of trees, such as mahogany, ebony, obeche, and African walnut, among others, are the sources of the wood we use.
9. Ornamental Plants: These are plants that are grown specifically for the purpose of adding aesthetic value to their surroundings. Examples include the hibiscus plant, Rose plant, Pride of Barbados etc.
10. Compost And Manure: When plants decay or when their leaves fall to the ground, they contribute to the nutritional content of the soil through the process of decomposition. When legumes are planted, they also contribute to the fertility of the soil.

Resources From Animals

Raw materials obtained from animals are referred to as resources from animals. The following are examples of resources obtained from animals: People raise livestock so that they can obtain nourishment in the form of meat for themselves. Meat is the primary source of many essential nutrients for humans, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and mineral salts. For example, pork comes from pigs, chevon comes from goats, mutton comes from sheep, and the same goes for poultry meat, fish, shrimp, and so on.

1. Eggs: Eggs are another vital source of protein, and poultry animals lay eggs for us to eat. The hens that are kept primarily for the purpose of their ability to lay eggs are referred to as layers. Chicken, turkey, duck, and other similar animals are all examples of poultry.
2. Dairy products: The production of milk from livestock, most notably cattle, is the focus of the dairy industry. Milk, cheese, and other foods like yoghurt and yoghurt are examples of dairy products.
3. Bones: The component of the body that may be discovered inside of animals and known as bones. The creation of glues and other decorative decorations both need the usage of bones.
4. Horns: Horns are protrusions that grow from the skull of certain animals and are known as horns. Horns are essential in the production of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, etc.
5. Feather: Coverings that are seen on the bodies of birds are called feathers. The usage of feathers for decorative purposes is common.
6. Hide and skin: Hide from large animals and skin from little animals are used to make belts, bags, drums, and purses, respectively. Hides come from huge animals, and skins come from small creatures. Animals such as goats, sheep, horses, camels, cattle, and others are slaughtered in order to obtain their hides and skins.
7. Beast of Burden: The term “beast of burden” refers to animals that are utilised for the purpose of carrying weights and working on farms. These animals include but are not limited to, horses, donkeys, camels, cows, and others.
8. Animals Dungs: Animal dung is used to generate manure, which increases crop output while also adding to the fertility of the soil.

Economic Importance Of Resources From Living Things

1. The nation can generate foreign currency through the sale of cash crops as well as the hides and skins of animals.

2. The sources of food for the population of a nation include food crops, products of poultry and poultry goods, and dairy products.

3. The industrial sectors rely on the resources that come from living organisms as their primary supply of raw materials.

4. The resources that come from living creatures are important contributors to the nation’s prosperity.

5. Job prospects for younger people in a country are created by the resources that come from living things.

6. Drugs and antidotes are derived from the resources that living things supply.

7. The resources that may be obtained from living things provide farmers with opportunities to generate revenue.

8. Plants clean the air we breathe and provide us with the oxygen we need to survive.

9. Agricultural practices often involve the usage of animals.

10. Our surroundings are often decorated with the help of ornamental plants.

11. Having a companion animal, such as a dog or cat, can help alleviate feelings of isolation.

12. The presence of animals in zoos and parks acts as a magnet for visitors.