[Biology Class Notes] on Our Environment Pdf for Exam

The natural environment is inclusive of all the living and the non–living things that occur naturally. The term environment covers the interaction of all the living species, climate, weather, and natural resources. All of these components have an impact on human survival and economic activities. The environment is responsible for nourishing the life that exists on the face of the earth.

The environment has a vital role to play in the existence of all life forms on this planet. The word environment finds its origin in the French word environment, which means “surrounding”. The concept of the natural environment can be classified into two significant components 

• The ecological units as a whole function as a natural system and is not intervened by human civilization. It is inclusive of all the vegetation, microorganisms, rocks, soil, atmosphere, etc. which occurs within their boundaries.

• All the available natural resources and physical phenomena that do not have a clear and limited boundary. For instance air, water, radiation, climate, etc, and everything that does not find its origin in the actions of human civilization.

Importance of Environment

As we all know, the environment is the key to the existence of all and any life forms on Earth. However, factors like global warming, pollution, and the increasing number of industries have brought in environmental changes. There is a need to conserve the environment but for doing it first we need to understand why it is important.

Water- Which covers the largest portions of the Earth, is the essential medium for all the reactions and physiological processes of the body. If water gets contaminated with waste and toxins or microorganisms which cause diseases, then it will be a great risk drinking the same.

Soil- Another important component is soil which supports the growth of all the vegetation. It is also considered a vital source for metals, several chemicals, etc. Thus, it becomes important to conserve the soil for better living.

Plants- Plants and trees providers of oxygen without which neither animals nor humans can survive. They are the ones that can help in reducing the global warming component, CO₂, from the environment and provide a clean environment. With the destruction of the environment around us, the plants are being destroyed too and immediate steps are necessary for their conservation.

Food, Shelter, and Clothing-  The daily needs of food and shelter, which are very basic for all animals and humans, are derived from the environment around us. With the destruction of the environment, we are also destroying the source of all our basic needs.

Ecosystems and its Types

The ecosystem is the term used for a natural unit that includes all the plants, animals, and microorganisms in a particular area. All the living factors of the ecosystem function together with the non–living (physical) factors of the environment. The basic idea which acts as the center of the concept of ecosystem is that the living organisms are interrelated with all the other elements of the environment. The term ecosystem is also applicable to the human-made environment, like the human ecosystem or human-influenced ecosystems.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                   There are mainly two types of ecosystems – natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems. The natural ecosystem can be segregated into “biomes”. The three major types are discussed below:

• Aquatic Biomes- The aquatic biomes are the ones that are related to the water bodies like oceans, rivers, seas, lakes, ponds, etc. The aquatic biome is further divided into –

• Pond Ecosystem- The pond ecosystems are small and consist of amphibians and insects. Fishes are also found in this type of ecosystem.

• River Ecosystem- This kind of ecosystem includes fish, marine plants, amphibians, and insects. The birds that hunt and survive on the food available in the water are also a part of this ecosystem.

• Shallow water Ecosystem- The components of this kind of ecosystem are small fish and corals.

• Deepwater Ecosystem- this kind of ecosystem can be found in the bottom of seas and oceans and is occupied by large sea creatures like whales and sharks.

• Terrestrial Biomes- Terrestrial ecosystems include lands with forests, deserts, tundras, coasts, etc. The division of this ecosystem is as follows:

• Rainforests- The rainforest ecosystems are very densely populated due to the large variety of organisms living in them.

• Tundra- It is a simple ecosystem as due to the harsh and cold conditions, not many life forms can survive here.

• Deserts- The deserts are the exact opposite of the Tundra ecosystem. The temperature here is very high and vegetation is scarce.

• Forests- There exist various types of forests around the globe, like deciduous or coniferous forests. Forests are a complex ecosystem supporting a variety of life forms.

• Lentic Biomes- This type of ecosystem is known for supporting both aquatic and terrestrial life forms, for instance, swamps.

• Artificial Ecosystem- It is the artificial environment that has been created and maintained by man such as gardens, aquariums etc. 

• Structure of Ecosystem- The structure of an ecosystem is the description of the organisms and physical features of the environment. This also includes the quantity and distribution of energy in the environment. It can be divided into – 

• Abiotic Component- The abiotic component encompasses the inorganic elements and compounds like air, water, calcium carbonates etc. which are the – products of organic activiti
  es.

• Biotic Component- The biotic components take into consideration all the living organisms present in an ecosystem.

Summary

• The natural environment is inclusive of all the living and the non–living things that occur naturally.

• The environment is very crucial for the existence of the living life forms and thus, needs to be conserved.

• The ecosystem is the term used for a natural unit that includes all the plants, animals, and microorganisms in a particular area.

• There are mainly two types of ecosystems – natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems.

• There are two components of the ecosystem – biotic and abiotic.