Natural resources can be classified into different groups depending on origin, development, renewability, distribution, ownership etc.

(a) On the basis of orgin:

On the basis of origin, resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic resources.

1. All living resources are biotic resources. Plants, animals and other micro organisms are biotic resources.

2. Abiotic resources are non-living things. Land, water, air and minerals are abiotic resources.

(b) On the basis of development:

Based on the level of development, resources can be divided into actual and potential resources. 

1. Actual resources are resources that are being used and the quantity available is known, (e.g.) Coal mining at Neyveli.

2. Potential resources are resources that are not being used in the present and its quantity and location are not known, (e.g.) Wind Energy.

(c) On the basis of distribution:

On the basis of distribution resources can be classified into localised resources and universal resources.

1. When resources are present in specific regions, they are called localised resources (eg.) Minerals.

2. Some resources are present everywhere. Such resources are called universal