the environment

The earth consists of surroundings in which all living and non-living beings live their lives. The physical, biological, and natural forces of nature combine together and create circumstances that enable an organism to live. Such circumstances are called the environment. The French word ‘environ’ which means to surround is a derivative of the word environment.

All the biotic living and abiotic non-living entities constitute the environment. Biotic things include- humans, plants, animals, and insects. They are classified as biological components of the environment. Every biotic creature has its own fixed life cycle. For example, human-being is the strongest living organism on earth. He needs plants and animals in order to fulfill his needs. His life-cycle will be disorganized without them.

Whereas, abiotic components involve the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. They are the layers of the environment. These layers are categorized as physical components of the environment. The atmosphere is the layer of air made up of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases. All the water bodies such as rivers and oceans together make up the hydrosphere. The lithosphere is the solid, outermost part of the earth. It is made of crust that covers the mantle, rocks, and soil on the surface of the earth. The most important layer is the biosphere where life exists. It involves aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial ecosystems. From the root systems of trees to the deepest underwater life is what the biosphere features.

The existence of all these organisms is dependent on their constant interaction with each other. Their functioning is organized by nature and can be destroyed once being squandered. Today, the degradation of the environment has become a major issue to be tackled by human beings