Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

How can inexhaustibility be defined?

1. Resources that can be fully depleted

2. Resources affected by human consumption

3. Resources that will not run out in the foreseeable future

4. Resources that are only available in specific areas

The correct answer is: Resources that will not run out in the foreseeable future

Inexhaustibility refers to resources that will not run out in the foreseeable future, which aligns with option C. This definition captures the essence of inexhaustible resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, or tidal energy, which can be continually harnessed without the risk of depleting them entirely. The concept emphasizes sustainability, indicating that these resources are naturally replenished at a rate that meets or exceeds human consumption. As a result, they can support ongoing human needs without resulting in scarcity. In contrast, other options describe aspects of resource availability or consumption that do not align with the idea of inexhaustibility. Resources that can be fully depleted do not fit the definition, as they inherently lack sustainability. Similarly, resources affected by human consumption or those that are only available in specific areas highlight limitations and finite characteristics, which contradict the concept of inexhaustibility. Thus, option C is the most accurate description of inexhaustibility.