Question

which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?
a. fertile soil
b. animal species
c. stainless steel
d. geothermal energy

Explanation:

• Fertile soil: Can be replenished over time through natural processes like decomposition of organic matter.
• Animal species: Can reproduce and maintain their populations (barring extreme circumstances like mass extinction events caused by humans).
• Stainless steel: Is made from iron ore (a non - renewable mineral resource). Once the iron ore is mined and processed into steel, it is not replenished in a short - term geological sense.
• Geothermal energy: Is a renewable energy source as the heat from the Earth's interior is continuously generated.

Answer:

C. Stainless steel