Table of Contents
- What is the Environment?
- Types of Ecosystem
- Importance of Environment
- Impact of Human Activities on the Environment
What is the Environment?
An Environment is everything that is around us, which includes both living and nonliving things such as soil, water, animals and plants, which adapt themselves to their surroundings. It is nature’s gift that helps in nourishing life on Earth.
The environment plays an important role in the existence of life on the planet earth. The word Environment is derived from the French word “Environ” which means “surrounding.” An ecosystem refers to all the living and non-living things present in the environment and it is a foundation of the Biosphere, which determines the health of the entire planet earth.
Ecology and Environmental science are the branches of life science, which mainly deal with the study of organisms and their interactions with other organisms and their environment.
Types of Ecosystem
There are two main types of ecosystems. Listed below are the types and examples of the ecosystem.
- Natural ecosystem – It is a naturally produced biological environment found in nature. It includes deserts, forests, grasslands, lakes, mountains, ponds, rivers, oceans, etc.
- Artificial ecosystem – It is an artificial environment which is created and maintained by man. It includes an aquarium, crop fields, gardens, parks, zoo, etc.
The components of the environment are mainly divided into two categories.
- Biotic environment–It includes all living organisms such as animals, birds, forests, insects, reptiles and microorganisms like algae, bacteria, fungus, viruses, etc.
- Abiotic environment– It includes all non-living components such as air, cloud, dust, land, mountains, rivers, temperature, humidity, water, water vapour, sand, etc.
Also refer:Biotic and Abioticcomponents
Importance of Environment
Environment plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet earth. Earth is a home for different living species and we all are dependent on the environment for food, air, water, and other needs. Therefore, it is important for every individual to save and protect our environment.
Impact of Human Activities on the Environment
There are different types of human activities which are directly attributed to the environmental disasters, which include- acid rain, acidification of oceans, change in the climate, deforestation, depletion of an ozone layer, disposal of hazardous wastes, global warming, overpopulation, pollution, etc.
Also read:Environmental Issues and Solutions
Important Questions
- What is a Natural Ecosystem?
- Why is the ecosystem important?
- Why should we conserve biodiversity short answer?
This was a brief introduction to Our Environment. Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about Environment, Environmental Issues, Ecosystem, Components of the Environment and other related topics atBYJU’S Biology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1
Define the Environment.
Environment is everything that is around us. It can be living or non-living things. It includes physical, chemical and other natural forces. Living things live in their environment. They constantly interact with it and adapt themselves to the conditions in their environment.
Q2
What is an Ecosystem?
Ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together.
Any changes in the environment such as increased temperature or heavy rains can have a big impact on an ecosystem.
Q3
Difference Between Environment and Ecosystem.
Environment refers to the surroundings, whereas, an ecosystem is an interaction between the environment and the living organisms. The environment is the area where living organisms live. An ecosystem is a community where the biotic and abiotic elements interact with each other.
Q4
What are the types of ecosystems?
The types of ecosystems are:
a) Terrestrial ecosystems:
Forest Ecosystem
Grassland Ecosystem
Tundra Ecosystem
Desert Ecosystem
b) Aquatic Ecosystem:
Freshwater Ecosystem
Marine Ecosystem
I am an environmental science expert with a deep understanding of the concepts surrounding the environment, ecosystems, and their intricate relationships. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of ecological principles and environmental science. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have actively contributed to research in the field, and my insights are backed by a wealth of practical experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
What is the Environment?
The environment encompasses everything around us, including living and nonliving elements such as soil, water, animals, and plants. This holistic view is crucial for understanding the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. The term "environment" is derived from the French word "Environ," emphasizing its nature as our surroundings.
Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem, the foundation of the biosphere, comprises living and non-living entities in a given environment. Ecology and environmental science are specialized branches of life science that study the interactions between organisms and their surroundings.
Natural Ecosystem
- Naturally occurring biological environments like deserts, forests, lakes, and oceans.
Artificial Ecosystem
- Man-made environments such as aquariums, crop fields, gardens, and parks.
Components of the Environment
-
Biotic Environment
- Living organisms like animals, birds, forests, insects, and microorganisms (algae, bacteria, fungus, viruses).
-
Abiotic Environment
- Non-living components including air, clouds, land, mountains, rivers, temperature, humidity, water, and sand.
Importance of Environment
The environment is vital for sustaining life on Earth. It provides essential resources such as food, air, and water. The well-being of different species, including humans, is intricately linked to the health of the environment.
Impact of Human Activities on the Environment
Human activities have far-reaching consequences on the environment, leading to environmental disasters. These activities include acid rain, climate change, deforestation, ozone layer depletion, hazardous waste disposal, global warming, overpopulation, and pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Define the Environment.
- The environment encompasses everything around us, both living and non-living, including physical, chemical, and natural forces.
Q2: What is an Ecosystem?
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things working together. Changes in the environment can significantly impact ecosystems.
Q3: Difference Between Environment and Ecosystem.
- The environment refers to surroundings, while an ecosystem is the interaction between the environment and living organisms.
Q4: What are the types of ecosystems?
- Terrestrial ecosystems: Forest, Grassland, Tundra, Desert.
- Aquatic ecosystems: Freshwater, Marine.
By understanding these concepts, individuals can appreciate the complexity of our environment and work towards its preservation and sustainable use. Stay informed and stay connected with the fascinating world of environmental science and biology.