Question

when a nation depletes its natural resources, it often experiences rapid decline because it:
a. is forced to trade with other nations, meaning it will lose power.
b. cannot support its population or promote any more growth.
c. must start from scratch with the resources it still controls and owns.
d. must move to a new location that has all the supplies it requires.

Explanation:

Natural resources are essential for a nation to support its population (e.g., food resources for sustenance, water resources for daily use and agriculture, energy resources for various activities). When depleted, it lacks the means to support its people's basic needs and cannot promote economic or population growth (as growth often depends on resource - based industries like manufacturing from raw materials, agricultural expansion etc.).

• Option A: Trade is not necessarily a sign of losing power. Many prosperous nations engage in trade.
• Option C: Starting from scratch is not the immediate cause of rapid decline. The lack of resources to support current needs is more critical.
• Option D: Moving to a new location is an extreme and not a common or immediate consequence of resource depletion.

Answer:

B. cannot support its population or promote any more growth.