What is the Difference Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources

Ubiquitous and localised resources are two types of natural resources based on where they are found. Natural resources are the things we get from nature that help us live and grow. Water, sunlight, minerals, and fuels are some examples of natural resources. These resources can be found in different parts of the world, but not all of them are spread out in the same way.

What is the difference between ubiquitous and localised resources? Ubiquitous resources are found almost everywhere on Earth, whereas localised resources are found only in specific areas or regions.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Ubiquitous Resources
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Localised Resources
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ubiquitous and Localised Resources
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Ubiquitous Resources, Localised Resources, Natural Resources

What are Ubiquitous Resources

Ubiquitous resources are natural things we find almost everywhere. Some examples are air, sunlight, and water. No matter where you go in the world, these resources are usually available. They’re called “ubiquitous” because they exist all around us.

Ubiquitous resources are also renewable and inexhaustible, meaning we can keep using them without running out. For example, the sun keeps shining and the wind keeps blowing. They don’t get used up like coal or oil. Because they are so common and easy to find, they usually have low economic value.

What are Localised Resources

Localised resources are natural things that are found only in certain parts of the world. Unlike air or sunlight, you can’t find them everywhere. Some examples are gold, oil, and coal, as they exist only in specific places.

Localised resources are usually non-renewable; once we use them up, they don’t come back easily. That’s why they are limited and can run out over time. Since they’re rare and harder to find, they usually have high economic value. Therefore, they are often expensive or in high demand.

Similarities Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources

1. Both are natural resources found in the environment.
2. Moreover, humans use them for daily needs or industrial purposes.
3. Both require proper management and conservation to avoid misuse or overuse.

Difference Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources

Definition

• Ubiquitous resources are resources that are found almost everywhere on Earth, while localised resources are resources only available in specific areas or regions.

Examples

• Examples of ubiquitous resources include air, sunlight, and water, whereas examples of localised resources include gold, oil, and coal.

Renewability

• Ubiquitous resources are usually renewable, while localised resources are often non-renewable and can run out over time.

Economic Value

• Ubiquitous resources have low economic value because they are easy to find and widely available, whereas localised resources have high economic value because they are rare and harder to access.

Usage

• People all over the world use ubiquitous resources in daily life, while localised resources are used mainly in industries and often need to be transported to other places.

FAQ: Ubiquitous and Localised Resources

1. What is an example of a ubiquitous resource?

An example of a ubiquitous resource is sunlight. It is found almost everywhere on Earth and is used by all living things. It never runs out, which makes it renewable and always available.

2. What is the difference between universal and localized resources?

The difference between universal and localized resources is that universal (ubiquitous) resources are available almost everywhere (like air and sunlight) while localized resources are available only in certain places, like gold or oil.

3. What are the four major types of resources?

The four major types of resources are:

1. Natural resources – Things we get from nature, like water, air, and minerals.
2. Human resources – People and their skills, knowledge, and work.
3. Capital resources – Man-made tools, machines, and buildings used to produce goods.
4. Entrepreneurial resources – People who bring ideas and take risks to start and run businesses.

4. What are two types of resources on the basis of origin?

On the basis of origin, there are two types of resources:

1. Biotic resources – These come from living things, like plants, animals, and forests.
2. Abiotic resources – These come from non-living things, like water, air, metals, and rocks.

Reference:

1. “Resources – Geography.” Puna International College.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Water Drops on Rainy Day” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Oil Drilling.” (CC0) via RawPixel