UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction to the Environment
Structure 1.1
Introduction Objectives
1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
Concept of the Environment Types of Environments Concept of Biosphere and Ecosystem Why should We be Concerned about the Environment Summary Terminal Questions
1.1
INTRODUCTION
The Earth is the only planet known to support life as we know it. It supplies us with all the resources, the materials we use and the food that we eat or drink. All living organisms have a specific surrounding or medium with which they continuously interact, from which they derive sustenance and to which they are fully adapted. This surrounding is their environment. An understanding of the environment requires that we know what makes up the environment, and what its limits are and why is a scientific study of the environment important. In the natural world where we all live on the planet Earth, life is confined to a very thin sphere around the globe where conditions for sustenance are favourable. Anywhere below or above this layer conditions become limiting. In introducing the environment we familiarize you with the various components of the environment and their interaction that make the functional units. You will come to appreciate the interdependence of various components of the environment as you proceed along this course. Objectives After studying this unit, you will be able to: • • • • •
1.2
define environment; describe the various components that make the environment ; distinguish between natural and man-made environment; recognize the significance of the environment for life’s proper functioning; and understand the concept of biosphere and its functional unit − the ecosystems.
CONCEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Prior to 1950s, for most people the term environment meant the set of conditions at home or in their work places. In the years that followed, with the publication of Rachel Carson’s landmark book “Silent Springs ” (1960) as well as the occurrence of major environmental events such as the spilling of oil along the picturesque northern coast of France, the death of fish and other organisms in thousands in Swedish lakes due to long range air pollution and the much publicized threats of extinction of many species, the concept of the environment gained widespread acceptance. Today the environment is widely accepted as a major issue for the very survival of humans and other life forms the world over with serious social and political ramifications. It is realised that a concern for the environment is an integral part of the overall process of development and economic growth. This issue is particularly 5