Our Environment (Overview) MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Our Environment: A Comprehensive Overview

The term “environment” is derived from the French word “environer” or “environner,” meaning to encircle or surround. It refers to the sum total of all conditions and influences that affect the development and life of an organism. Essentially, it is everything that surrounds us – living beings, non-living things, physical forces, and chemical factors.

Understanding the Environment: Its Meaning

The environment encompasses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors and processes that interact with and affect an organism or an ecological community. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and all the plants and animals around us. A healthy environment is crucial for the survival and well-being of all life forms on Earth.

It’s a dynamic system where various components constantly interact with each other. Understanding these interactions is key to appreciating our place within the natural world and the impact of human activities.

Components of the Environment

The environment can be broadly classified into different components:

1. Natural Environment

This includes all living and non-living things that occur naturally on Earth. It comprises four major spheres:

• Lithosphere: The solid outer layer of the Earth, including rocks and soil. It provides land for living organisms.
• Hydrosphere: All the water bodies on Earth, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers. It is essential for life.
• Atmosphere: The blanket of air surrounding the Earth, composed of various gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. It protects us from harmful solar radiation and regulates temperature.
• Biosphere: The narrow zone of interaction between the land, water, and air where life exists. This is where all living organisms, including humans, plants, and animals, are found.

2. Human-made Environment

This refers to creations and modifications made by humans to the natural environment. Examples include buildings, roads, bridges, industries, parks, and agricultural fields. These elements reflect human needs, activities, and technological advancements.

3. Human Environment

This involves the social, economic, cultural, and political aspects of human society. It includes the interactions among individuals, families, communities, and nations, and how they shape their surroundings. For example, festivals, education systems, governance, and economic activities all contribute to the human environment.

Biotic vs. Abiotic Components

The components of the environment can also be categorized based on whether they are living or non-living:

Quick Revision Points

• The environment is everything that surrounds a living organism.
• It includes natural and human-made components.
• Natural environment consists of lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
• Human-made environment involves structures built by humans (e.g., roads, buildings).
• Human environment covers social, economic, and cultural aspects.
• Biotic components are living (plants, animals), while abiotic components are non-living (air, water, soil).
• All components interact to form ecosystems.

Practice Questions

1. The domain of water is referred to as:

   Answer: Hydrosphere

2. Which of the following is an example of a natural ecosystem?

   Answer: Desert

3. What provides us with the air we breathe and protects us from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays?

   Answer: Atmosphere

4. Which layer of the Earth supports life and is called the zone of interaction?

   Answer: Biosphere

5. Buildings, parks, and roads are examples of which type of environment?

   Answer: Human-made environment