Question 3 of 20intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

What happens when the rate of resource extraction exceeds that of their regeneration?

Correct Answer

When the rate of resource extraction exceeds the rate of regeneration, the environment fails to perform its vital function of life sustenance and cannot absorb degradation. This pushes the environment to the threshold of an environmental crisis.

Furthermore, the pressure on the absorptive capacity of the environment increases tremendously. This results in a reversal of the supply-demand relationship where the demand for environmental resources increases, but their supply is limited due to overuse, leading to the exhaustion of resources.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 2 | (Page 15)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The answer is derived from the provided text which explains that when extraction surpasses regeneration, the environment can no longer sustain life or absorb waste. It highlights the transition from a balanced state to an environmental crisis due to increased pressure on absorptive capacity and limited supply.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the impact on environmental functions (failure of life sustenance and absorption).

  2. Step 2: Describe the consequence (environmental crisis and supply-demand reversal).

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