What are considered non-renewable resources?

Non-renewable resources are defined as those that cannot be replenished within a human timescale once they are depleted. This includes fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals like gold, silver, and iron. The extraction and use of these resources can take millions of years to form, meaning that their current reserves are finite. Once consumed, they will take an incredibly long time, far exceeding human lifespans, to regenerate naturally, which is why they are categorized as non-renewable.

In contrast, the first option highlights resources that can be replenished quickly, which is the opposite of non-renewable. The third and fourth options refer to renewable resources like solar and wind energy and abundant freshwater supplies, both of which are replenished in a short time frame and are sustainable over the long term. Therefore, the choice correctly identifies non-renewable resources as those that include fossil fuels and minerals, which cannot be quickly replaced once used.