HUMAN ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem ....

An ecosystem is a biological community of living organisms and their physical environment. It consists of both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of an environment, and the interactions between them. An ecosystem can be as small as a puddle or as large as a continent, and can include a variety of different habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans.

Within an ecosystem, there are different levels of organization, including populations, communities, and ecosystems. Populations are groups of individuals of the same species that live in the same area and interact with each other. Communities are groups of populations of different species that live in the same area and interact with each other. Ecosystems include both biotic and abiotic components, and all of the interactions between them.

Ecosystems are characterized by their energy and nutrient flow. Energy flows through an ecosystem in a one-way direction, from the sun to producers (plants), to herbivores (animals that eat plants), to carnivores (animals that eat other animals), and finally to decomposers (organisms that break down dead plant and animal material). Nutrients, on the other hand, cycle through the ecosystem in a continuous loop, as they are taken up by plants, consumed by animals, and eventually returned to the environment through decomposition.

Ecosystems are also dynamic and can change over time. They can be influenced by both natural and human-caused disturbances, such as wildfires, floods, and human land use. These disturbances can lead to changes in the composition and structure of the ecosystem, and can have both positive and negative effects on the organisms that live within it.

The study of ecosystems is important for understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their environment, and for developing strategies for conserving and managing these systems. Ecosystems provide a range of important services to humans, including air and water purification, climate regulation, and food and fiber production. Protecting and preserving these services is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of both humans and the natural world.

Human environment

Human beings interact with the environment and modify

it according to their need. Early humans adapted

themselves to the natural surroundings. They led a

simple life and fulfilled their requirements from the

nature around them. With time needs grew and became

more varied. Humans learn new ways to use and change

environment. They learn to grow crops, domesticate

animals and lead a settled life. The wheel was invented,

surplus food was produced, barter system emerged, trade

started and commerce developed. Industrial revolution

enabled large scale production. Transportation became

faster. Information revolution made communication

easier and speedy across the world.

Have you ever thought why you love eating a juicy

watermelon in summer and hot roasted peanuts in

winter? A perfect balance is necessary between the

natural and human environment. Humans must learn

to live and use their environment in a harmonious way.