Environmental Science (2+1)

Elements & Structure of Environment Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and cultural elements inter-related in various ways, individually as well as collectively. These elements may be explained as under: (1) Physical elements Physical elements are as space, landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals. They determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities as well as limitations. (2)Biological elements Biological elements such as plants, animals, microorganisms and humans constitute the biosphere. (3) Cultural elements Cultural elements such as economic, social and political elements are essentially man-made features, which make cultural milieu. Structure of Environment Environment is both physical and biological. It includes both living and non-living components. (i) Physical Environment The Physical Environment is classified into three broad categories viz. (i) Solid, (ii) Liquid (iii) Gas. These represent the following spheres: (i) The lithosphere (solid earth) (ii) The hydrosphere (water component) (iii) The atmosphere (gaseous component) As such, the three basic of physical environment may be termed as under: (i) Lithospheric Environment (ii) Hydrospheric Environment (iii) Atmospheric Environment The scientists have classified them into smaller units based on different spatial scales, e.g. (i) Mountain Environment (ii) Glacier Environment (iii) Plateau Environment (iv) Coastal Environment (ii) Biological Environment The biological of the environment consists of: (i) Plants (flora) (ii) Animals (fauna). Thus, the biotic environment further is divided into floral environment and faunal environment. All the organisms work to form their social groups and organizations at several levels. Thus, the social environment is formed. In this social environment the organisms work to derive matter from the physical environment for their sustenance and development. This process gives birth to economic environment. Man claims to be most skilled and civilized of all the organisms. This is the reason why his social organization is most systematic.