Environment and Ecology

Study Notes

Definition The environment refers to the natural world and all living things, including ecosystems, air, water, land, and living organisms.

Components The environment consists of:

Abiotic factors: Non-living components, such as:
- Light
- Temperature
- Water
- Soil
- Air
Biotic factors: Living components, such as:
- Plants
- Animals
- Microorganisms

Importance The environment provides various essential services, including:

Supporting life: Providing air, water, food, and shelter for all living organisms
Regulating climate: Influencing weather patterns, temperature, and precipitation
Purifying air and water: Filtering out pollutants and toxins
Providing resources: Offering natural resources, such as minerals, fossil fuels, and timber

Environmental Issues Major environmental concerns include:

Climate change: Rising global temperatures and associated impacts
Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and land
Deforestation: Clearance of forests, resulting in loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption
Conservation: Preservation and protection of natural resources and ecosystems

Human Impact Human activities significantly affect the environment, leading to:

Habitat destruction: Human-induced changes to natural habitats, causing loss of biodiversity
Resource depletion: Overexploitation of natural resources, leading to scarcity
Environmental degradation: Pollution, climate change, and other negative environmental impacts