Question

which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?

a. fertile soil

b. geothermal energy

c. stainless steel

d. animal species

Explanation:

• Option A: Fertile soil can be replenished over time through natural processes like decomposition and nutrient cycling, so it's renewable.
• Option B: Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's internal heat, which is a continuous and renewable source.
• Option C: Stainless steel is made from nonrenewable resources like iron ore (a mineral resource formed over millions of years and finite in quantity). Once the raw materials are used up, they can't be easily replaced in a human timescale.
• Option D: Animal species, if managed sustainably, can reproduce and maintain their populations, so they are renewable (though some endangered species face threats, the concept of renewability here refers to the ability to replenish, and most animal species have reproductive capabilities to sustain their numbers over time).

Answer:

C. Stainless steel