Natural and Human Environment
Environment: Natural and Human Environment
Natural and Human Environment
Natural & Human Environment
What you'll learn
- Environment — everything around us: natural (biotic + abiotic) and human-made.
- Biotic components — living: plants, animals, humans, microbes.
- Abiotic components — non-living: air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature.
- Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere — four major components of Earth's environment.
- Human impact on environment: deforestation, pollution, climate change.
Key concepts
Four spheres of the environment
| Sphere | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lithosphere | Solid rock layer (land) | Mountains, plains, continents, soil |
| Hydrosphere | All water on Earth | Oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater |
| Atmosphere | Layer of gases around Earth | Nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), CO₂, water vapour |
| Biosphere | Zone of life — overlap of the other three | Forests, coral reefs, wetlands |
Natural environment vs Human environment
| Natural | Human-made |
|---|---|
| Forests, rivers, mountains | Roads, buildings, bridges |
| Created without human action | Created by humans to meet needs |
| Self-sustaining (ecosystem) | Requires maintenance |
Ecosystem
- Ecosystem — community of living organisms + their non-living environment interacting as a system.
- Producers — plants (make food via photosynthesis).
- Consumers — animals (eat producers or other consumers).
- Decomposers — bacteria, fungi (break down dead matter; recycle nutrients).
Human impact on environment
| Activity | Impact |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, reduced rainfall |
| Burning fossil fuels | CO₂ increase → global warming → climate change |
| Industrial waste | Water and air pollution |
| Urbanisation | Loss of green cover, increased heat islands |
| Plastic use | Microplastic in oceans; harm to marine life |
Sustainable development
Using resources to meet today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
Key actions: renewable energy, recycling, afforestation, reducing carbon footprint.
Quick check
- Name the four spheres of the Earth's environment.
- What is the difference between biotic and abiotic components?
- Define ecosystem with an example.
- Name two ways in which humans negatively affect the environment.
- What is sustainable development?
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Natural & Human Environment.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Quick check
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