What term refers to substances derived from the lithosphere?

The correct answer, mineral resources, refers to substances that are obtained from the lithosphere, which is the outermost layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and the upper mantle. Mineral resources include a variety of naturally occurring inorganic substances such as metals, ores, and non-metallic minerals. These resources are vital for various industries and play a crucial role in human activities such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.

Mineral resources are distinct from biological resources, which are derived from living organisms and include plants, animals, and other biological materials. Geological resources encompass a wider category that may refer to both minerals and other geological formations but does not specifically emphasize the substance itself as mineral resources do. Hydrological resources pertain to water sources and systems, highlighting the significance of water rather than solid or embedded materials found in the lithosphere. Understanding the characteristics and classifications of these resources is fundamental in human geography, as it relates to how societies utilize and interact with the Earth's materials.