Environmental Education GE1801

Study Notes

Environmental Concepts and Principles

The term "environment" originates from the French word “environ,” meaning “surrounding.”
Environments consist of biotic components (living organisms) and abiotic factors (nonliving elements).
Biotic factors are categorized into producers (like plants through photosynthesis), consumers (animals that consume others for energy), and decomposers (organisms such as beetles, worms, and bacteria that break down waste).
Abiotic factors include chemical and geological elements like water, soil, rocks, and minerals, plus physical components such as temperature and weather.

Four Major Components of the Environment

Hydrosphere: Encompasses all water bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans) and operates through the hydrological cycle.
Lithosphere: Refers to the Earth's crust and consists of rocks, soil, and mountains; divided into three layers: crust, mantle, and core (outer and inner).
Atmosphere: A protective layer of gases (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide) that safeguards Earth from harmful solar radiation; includes five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
Biosphere: The "life layer," containing all organisms and their interactions with water and air; includes a vast range from microscopic organisms to large animals like whales.

Seven Environmental Principles

Nature knows best: Emphasizes understanding and adhering to natural processes for sustainable resource supply.
All forms of life are important: Highlights the unique roles of each organism in maintaining ecosystem balance and homeostasis.
Everything is connected to everything else: Illustrates the interdependence of biotic and abiotic factors within ecosystems, where interference can lead to imbalance.
Everything changes: Acknowledges the constant state of change within the environment and organizational evolution, often impacted by human technology.
Everything must go somewhere else: Recognizes that waste does not vanish; it is redistributed and can affect ecosystems, highlighting the importance of waste management.
Ours is a finite earth: Differentiates between renewable (e.g., water, air) and non-renewable resources (e.g., ores, coal), stressing the necessity for sustainable use to prevent depletion.

Description

Explore key concepts and principles of Environmental Education in this quiz. Understand the biotic and abiotic factors that shape our surroundings, including producers, consumers, and decomposers within ecosystems. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact and affect the environment.