Which term describes natural resources identified in terms of quantity and quality?

• A. Resources
• B. Re-use
• C. Renewable Resources
• D. Reserves

Answer: (D)

The main idea is identifying the portion of natural resources that is known to exist in usable quantities and with a definable quality. Reserves are that subset of resources that can be economically extracted with current technology and prices, and they are characterized by how much exists (quantity) and how good it is for extraction (quality or grade). This makes them the practical basis for planning production and investment, because they reflect both what is known to be there and what can be profitably mined today.

The other terms don’t fit this specific idea. Resources cover all occurrences, including those not yet found or not economically viable. Renewable resources refer to resources that can replenish over time, which isn’t the focus here. Re-use is about using the resource again rather than describing its stock in terms of quantity and quality.