What are natural resources?

Natural resources are components found in the environment that can be utilized for economic gain. This term encompasses a wide variety of materials and substances that occur in nature, including minerals, forests, water, and fossil fuels, among others. These resources can be extracted or harvested and then transformed into products, contributing significantly to the economy.

The correct choice captures the essence of natural resources as they are inherently present in the environment and can be used for production, fulfilling various needs in society. This use for economic gain not only supports industries but also provides jobs and sustains communities.

Other options present alternative concepts that do not accurately define natural resources. Manufactured goods refer to items created through industrial processes, while human-made resources indicate infrastructures and technologies developed through human effort. The mention of only water and air narrows the definition too much, as natural resources include a far broader range of materials than just these essential elements.