The environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which living organisms—such as plants, animals, and humans—live and interact with both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements. It includes physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect the survival, growth, and development of organisms
Key Components of the Environment:
- Biotic factors: All living things like animals, plants, and microorganisms.
- Abiotic factors: Non-living elements such as air, water, soil, sunlight, climate, and natural phenomena like energy and radiation
Types of Environment:
- Natural Environment: Comprises ecological units functioning without significant human interference, including forests, rivers, mountains, and the atmosphere. It involves natural resources and phenomena that are not man-made
- Built (Artificial) Environment: Areas transformed or created by humans, such as cities, agricultural lands, and infrastructure
Broader Scope:
The environment includes everything from local ecosystems to the global biosphere, encompassing interactions among organisms and their physical surroundings. It is dynamic, with changes occurring naturally or due to human activities, which can impact climate, biodiversity, and natural resources
. In summary, the environment is the complex system of all living and non- living things that surround and influence organisms, shaping their existence and evolution