Introduction to Environment

Definition of Environment

• Everything that surrounds us is called Environment.
• It includes both natural things (mountains, rivers, plants, animals) and human-made things (buildings, roads, industries).

Components of Environment

• Natural Environment → Land, water, air, plants, animals.
• Human-made Environment → Parks, buildings, roads, industries, monuments.
• Human Environment → People, families, communities, religion, education, politics.

Domains of the Natural Environment

• Lithosphere → Land (rocks, soil, mountains, plains, valleys).
• Hydrosphere → Water (rivers, lakes, seas, oceans).
• Atmosphere → Air (gases, dust, water vapour).
• Biosphere → Living world (plants, animals, humans).

Biotic and Abiotic Components

• Biotic = Living things (plants, animals, humans).
• Abiotic = Non-living things (land, water, air, sunlight).

Ecosystem

• An ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with their physical surroundings.
• Examples: Pond ecosystem, forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem.

Human Environment

• Early humans lived in close harmony with nature.
• With time, humans modified the environment → invention of wheel, agriculture, industries, trade, transport, communication.
• Today, humans create cities, machines, and technology that change nature.

Key Examples & Facts

• Car fumes pollute air, factories pollute water and land.
• Humans must balance needs with conservation.
• World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June.

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