Chapter 39 



CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES 



The constructive program to be followed in the conservation of our 

 natural resources will be in great part biologic. There are many in- 

 stances where there are shortages because of man's extravagance and 

 shortsightedness. No matter how adept man becomes in producing 

 substitutes artificially, there are instances where natural resources can- 

 not be supplanted. Natural resources must also be conserved and re- 

 stored from the standpoint of beauty and aesthetics. With greater lei- 

 sure, man is going to have more time with which to enjoy Nature and 

 the great out-of-doors. Proper conservation and provisions must be 

 made to meet the ever-increasing demands in this direction. The bio- 

 logic reclaiming of nonproductive lands also will be an important fac- 

 tor in supplying us with sufficient products for our various daily needs. 

 One of the greatest of natural resources of a nation is the health of the 

 individuals composing that nation. Biology in its various medical and 

 health phases can make a great contribution toward our future physical 

 and mental well-being. 



Natural resources may be classified as (1) irreplaceable, or those 

 which, once used or destroyed, cannot be replaced, such as coal, oil, nat- 

 ural gas, and minerals and (2) replaceable, or those which are used or 

 destroyed but may be replaced if the proper conservation measures are 

 employed (forests, soils, water, fishes, wild life). Greater and greater 

 demands by homes, industries, wars, etc., have used great quantities of 

 our irreplaceable natural resources so that the supply will be exhausted 

 eventually. In some instances, substitutes may be found, but in most 

 cases these will not be sufficient. Mineral resources in addition to those 

 essential for industries are necessary for plant growth and the main- 

 tenance of health of all living things. Irreplaceable resources must be 

 used carefully and conserved properly to ensure future needs. In most 

 instances the replaceable resources will not replace themselves on their 

 own initiative but will do so only when man institutes and follows cer- 



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