What are natural resources?

Natural resources are defined as useful raw materials that are obtained from the Earth. This includes resources like water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, which exist in their natural state and are utilized for various human needs such as energy, food, building materials, and other essential commodities. By utilizing these naturally occurring elements, societies can develop products that support life and enable economic activities.

The other options describe resources that are either modified or artificial in nature. Synthetic materials and artificially created resources are manufactured and do not occur in nature. Processed goods represent items that have undergone a transformation from their raw state to become consumable products, which moves them away from the definition of a raw material as they are not in their natural form. Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects the essence of what natural resources are and highlights their significance in supporting life and human endeavors.