Table of contents | |
What is Environment? | |
Domains of Natural Environment | |
What is an Ecosystem? | |
Human Environment | |
Some important terms | |
Frequently Asked Questions |
"Imagine everything around you: your school, the park, the road, the animals, and even the air you breathe. All these elements make up our environment. In this chapter, we’ll explore what the environment is, how it is divided into natural and human-made components, and the vital role ecosystems play in maintaining balance on our planet."
Environment refers to everything that surrounds us. It includes the place, people, things, and nature around any living organism. The environment is a combination of natural and human-made phenomena.
Natural Environment consists of various domains, each playing a crucial role. Lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere are the four domains of the natural environment
Domains of Natural Environment
1. Lithosphere
Lithosphere
2. Hydrosphere
Hydrosphere
3. Atmosphere
4. Biosphere
It is a system formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with the physical and chemical factors of the environment in which they live, all linked by the transfer of energy and material.
Do you know?
On 5 June every year the World Environment Day is celebrated.
Human beings interact with their environment and modify it to meet their needs. In the beginning, early humans adapted to their natural surroundings, leading a simple life and fulfilling their requirements from the resources available around them. Over time, as needs became more varied and complex, humans learned new ways to use and change their environment.
There is a necessary balance between the natural and human environment. For instance, seasonal foods like juicy watermelons in summer and hot roasted peanuts in winter illustrate this balance. Humans must learn to live in harmony with their environment, using it in a sustainable way.
Nurie, a girl from Mizoram in Ravi’s class, often shares stories about the lush green surroundings of her home state. When Ravi felt upset about losing his playground, Nurie invited him to visit her home during the upcoming vacation. Inspired by this, Ravi’s teacher encouraged the students to draw the landscapes, houses, and activities of the people and places they visit during their holidays.
To maintain a perfect balance, humans need to use the environment in a harmonious way. Over time, our increasing needs have led to modifications and sometimes even destruction of natural surroundings.
Ecosystem: It is a system formed by the interaction of all living organisms with each other and with the physical and chemical factors of the environment in which they live, all linked by transfer of energy and material.
Barter System: It is a trade in which goods are exchanged without the use of money.
Q.1. What is an ecosystem?
Ans: Plants, animals, and human beings depend on their immediate surroundings. They are often interdependent on each other as well. These relations of dependence and interdependence together constitute an ecosystem.
In other words, an ecosystem is a system formed as a result of the interactions of all living organisms with each other and with the physical and chemical factors of the environment in which they live.
Q.2. What is lithosphere?
Ans: The Lithosphere (or the domain of land) is the solid crust or the hard top layer of the Earth. It is made up of rocks and minerals and is covered by a thin layer of soil. It is an irregular surface with various landforms such as mountains, plateaus, plains, and valleys.
Q.3. What is Environment?
Ans: The surroundings in which we live form the environment. It is the basic life support system having natural and man-made components.
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1. What is the natural environment? |
2. What are the domains of the natural environment? |
3. What is an ecosystem? |
4. How do human activities impact the environment? |
5. How can individuals help protect the environment? |
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