Physical Environment Components
The atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere are considered part of the physical environment due to the following reasons:

Atmosphere
- The atmosphere consists of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
- It is composed of non-living elements that do not possess biological characteristics.
- Its primary functions are related to physical processes like weather patterns, climate, and air quality.
- While living organisms interact with the atmosphere, it is not a living entity itself.

Hydrosphere
- The hydrosphere includes all water bodies on Earth - oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
- Water itself is a non-living substance essential for life, but the hydrosphere is not a living entity.
- The hydrosphere's properties like temperature, salinity, and movement affect living organisms, but it is not alive.

Lithosphere
- The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of the Earth that includes the crust and upper mantle.
- It consists of rocks, minerals, and soil, which are non-living components.
- While the lithosphere provides habitats for organisms and influences ecosystems, it is not alive or biological in nature.
In conclusion, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere are integral parts of the physical environment because they are composed of non-living elements and do not possess biological characteristics. They play crucial roles in shaping the Earth's systems and supporting life, but they are distinct from the biological environment.