How did early explorers use natural resources?

What explorers? What era? (In other words, how "early" are the explorers?) Where are they exploring? Which natural resources?

Please repost with more specifics, so we are better able to help you. Thanks for asking.

Early explorers, such as European colonialists and traders in the Age of Exploration, heavily relied on natural resources for various purposes. They used these resources in a multitude of ways, including:

1. Timber: Exploiting forests to obtain timber was crucial for early explorers to build ships, fortifications, and settlements. Timber was necessary for constructing ships that would enable them to navigate and explore new territories.

2. Minerals and Ores: Early explorers sought valuable minerals and ores like gold, silver, copper, and iron. These resources were highly sought after for trade purposes or for manufacturing weapons and tools.

3. Furs and Skins: In their encounters with indigenous peoples, European explorers discovered regions rich in wildlife. They collected and traded animal furs and skins, such as beaver pelts, which were in high demand for their use in the fashion industry.

4. Food and Water: Explorers relied on natural resources for sustenance during their journeys. They hunted local wildlife, fished, and gathered edible plants for food. Additionally, they sought freshwater sources like rivers and streams for drinking water.

5. Medicinal Plants: Early explorers often encountered new and unknown environments with different flora. They learned to identify and utilize medicinal plants for treating illnesses and injuries. These plants played a critical role in sustaining the health and well-being of both the explorers and the indigenous populations they encountered.

To find information about how early explorers used natural resources more detailedly, you can explore historical documents, journals, and diaries written by those explorers. These primary sources can provide firsthand accounts and insights into how explorers interacted with and utilized natural resources during their expeditions. Additionally, historical textbooks and academic articles on the Age of Exploration can provide a broader perspective and analysis of the topic.