Elements such as wind, water vapour, sunlight and gases which are of benefit to man, animals and plants are called

Analyze the question: The question lists wind, water vapour, sunlight and gases. These are all components of the atmosphere (the layer of air around the Earth), and they are useful to humans, animals and plants.

Concept: Natural resources are classified by their source or nature:

• Human resources: people, with their skills, labour and knowledge.
• Atmospheric resources: useful things from the air or atmosphere, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, wind, sunlight and water vapour.
• Vegetation resources: plants, forests and grasslands, such as timber and fibre.
• Water resources: oceans, rivers, lakes and groundwater.

Solution, step by step:

1. Wind is air in motion, so it is part of the atmosphere. It is used for wind energy, for drying, and for dispersing seeds.
2. Water vapour is moisture held in the air. It leads to cloud formation and rainfall.
3. Sunlight reaches us through the atmosphere. Plants use it for photosynthesis, and it gives heat and light.
4. Gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide support breathing and photosynthesis.
5. All four items belong to the atmosphere, so they are atmospheric resources.

Option A is wrong because none of these items are people. Option C is wrong because they are not plants. Option D is wrong because "water resources" refers to liquid water bodies, not air, wind or sunlight. Water vapour is only one item on the list.

Correct answer: B. Atmospheric resources

Exam tip: When a question lists several items, find the one place they all come from. Here it is the atmosphere. Wind, sunlight, gases and vapour all come from the air around us.