What do we call natural resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas, formed from the remains of living organisms?

Natural resources like oil, coal, and natural gas have their origins in the remains of ancient living organisms, which have undergone geological processes over millions of years. These resources are categorized as fossil fuels because they are derived from the preserved remains of plants and animals that were buried and subjected to heat and pressure within the Earth's crust. This transformation process results in energy-rich materials that can be extracted and used for various energy needs, including electricity generation and fuel for transportation.

Fossil fuels are distinct from renewable resources, which are resources that can be replenished naturally within a human lifetime, like solar or wind energy. They also differ from minerals, which typically refer to naturally occurring inorganic solids with a crystalline structure, and biomass, which denotes organic materials derived from living or recently living organisms that can be used as fuel or for other purposes. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique classification of fossil fuels as vital energy sources derived specifically from biological matter.