Environment

• Introduction to Environment

  • Definition: Our immediate surroundings, providing conditions for existence.
  • Components: Natural, Human Made, and Human.
  • Derivation: French word "Environer" meaning neighbourhood.

• Natural Environment

  • Definition: Biotic and abiotic conditions existing on Earth.
  • Lithosphere (Solid Crust)
    • Hard top layer of the Earth.
    • Made of rocks and minerals, covered by soil.
    • Provides forests, grasslands, and land for agriculture/settlements.
  • Hydrosphere (Water Domain)
    • Domain of water.
    • Comprises rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, etc.
    • Essential for all living organisms.
  • Atmosphere (Air Domain)
    • Thin layer of air surrounding the Earth.
    • Held by Earth's gravitational force.
    • Protects from harmful rays and scorching heat of the sun.
    • Contains gases, dust, and water vapour.
  • Biosphere (Living World)
    • Narrow zone where land, water, and air interact.
    • Supports life containing all plant and animal kingdoms.

• Ecosystem

  • Definition: System formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with the physical/chemical factors.
  • Flow of Energy: Energy and nutrient transfer through food chains and webs.
  • Examples: Rain forest, grassland, desert, mountain, lake, ocean, aquarium.

• Human Environment

  • Definition: Interactions of human beings with the environment and adaptations made over time.
  • Early Humans: Adapted themselves to nature, led a simple life.
  • Changing Needs: Humans learned to grow crops, domesticate animals, and lead a settled life.
  • Inventions & Developments: Wheel, surplus food, barter system, trade, Industrial Revolution.
  • Balance Requirement: Need for a balance between natural and human environments (Sustainable Development).