Class 7 Social Science Our Environment Exam Notes

This Class 7 Social Science exam notes page on Our Environment explains the meaning and definition of environment, the natural environment with its biotic and abiotic components, the four domains of the earth (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere), the ecosystem, and the human environment and its balance with nature.

Topics Covered

1. Introduction
2. Meaning and definition of environment
3. The natural environment
4. The lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
5. Components of environment
6. The ecosystem
7. Human environment

INTRODUCTION

The word 'environment' stands for the surroundings, which include all the living and non-living things around us. The environment provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the land on which we live. The animals and plants are also part of our environment. Thus, our environment is a combination of both natural and human components, or the natural environment and the human environment.

MEANING OF ENVIRONMENT

Environment is originated from the French word 'environer', which means neighbourhood. Environment is our basic life support system.

DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENT

The place, people, things and nature that surround any living organism is called environment. It is a combination of natural and human-made phenomena. While the natural environment refers to both biotic and abiotic conditions existing on the earth, the human environment reveals the activities, creations and interactions among human beings.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The natural environment has both biotic or living and abiotic or non-living components existing on the earth. The biotic components include plants, animals and human beings, while the abiotic components include land, water and air. The natural environment is also known as the habitat of the organisms.

The biotic and the abiotic components of the natural environment are interrelated and there is a constant interaction between them. The components of the natural environment are dynamic in nature. If there is a change in one component of the natural environment, it will create a change in the other.

The components of the natural environment, such as land, water, air, plants, animals and human beings, are called the domains or realms of our earth. The four realms are as under:
The Lithosphere - the solid crust of the earth.
The Hydrosphere - the water bodies on the earth.
The Atmosphere - the envelope of air around the earth.
The Biosphere - the living world.

[Figure: Venn diagram titled "Domains of the Earth" with three overlapping circles labelled Lithosphere (top), Atmosphere (bottom left) and Hydrosphere (bottom right). The central overlap area where all three meet is labelled Biosphere.]

[Figure: Venn diagram titled "Domains of the Earth" with three overlapping circles labelled Abiotic Environment (top), Human Environment (bottom left) and Biotic Environment (bottom right). The central overlap area where all three meet is labelled Total Environment.]

THE LITHOSPHERE

The Greek word 'lithos' stands for rocks. The lithosphere is the outer skin of the earth or the crust. This hard and solid layer is made up of rocks and minerals. The upper layer is covered with a thin layer of soil. This rocky sphere extends both over continents and ocean basins.

Its surface is not uniform and has a variety of landforms, such as mountains, plateaus, ridges, plains, valleys, waterfalls, etc. These landforms are also found on the ocean floors. Most of the human needs are met from the lithosphere. It provides land for agriculture and settlement. The land is covered with forests and grasslands. A large variety of minerals is found in the crust of the earth, which are needed for the development of industries.

THE HYDROSPHERE

The word 'hydro' stands for water. About 71 percent of the total surface area of the earth is covered with water, which is called the hydrosphere. The water on earth is found in oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, rivers, lakes, ponds etc. The earth is the only planet in the solar system which has enough water. Thus, the earth is also called the Blue Planet.

Water is found in solid, liquid and gaseous forms at the same time. The fresh water is provided on the earth through the water cycle or the hydrological cycle. Life cannot survive on the earth's surface without water. Thus, it is essential for all living organisms. Fresh water is in great demand for domestic needs, agriculture and industries. Water is also used to generate hydroelectricity.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The ocean of air which surrounds the earth from all sides is called the atmosphere. The gravitational pull of the earth holds the atmosphere around it. About 99 percent of the total mass of air lies within 32 km from the earth.

Air is a mixture of gases (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone, helium, hydrogen, etc.), water vapour and dust particles. The atmosphere protects us from harmful radiations and the scorching heat of the Sun. The air is vital for all forms of life on the earth. The condition of the atmosphere with respect to the temperature of air, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc. makes up the weather of a place. The changes in the atmosphere can produce changes in the weather and climate of a place.

THE BIOSPHERE

The lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (land, water and air) are made up of non-living matter, while the biosphere is a sphere of living organisms. It is found where the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere meet and interact with each other to support life. It is a narrow zone, about 24 km in thickness, which extends a little above and below the surface of land and in water and air.

The existence of the biosphere has made the earth a unique planet in the solar system. The living organisms in the biosphere vary greatly in size and shape. The variety of life on earth is called biodiversity. The living organisms in the biosphere can be classified into the plant kingdom and the animal kingdom.

COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENT

[Figure: Tree chart titled "COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENT" dividing into Natural Environment and Human Environment. Natural Environment splits into Biotic and Abiotic. Biotic lists: Plants, Animals, Human beings. Abiotic lists: Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere. Human Environment splits into Settlement, Transportation and Communication. Settlement lists: Rural settlement, Urban settlement. Transportation lists: Roadways, Airways, Waterways. Communication lists: Radio and TV, Newspaper, Magazines, Internet, etc.]

[Figure: Mind map titled "Components of Environment" with a central circle "Components of Environment" and three branches. Natural branch: Air (Atmosphere), Water (Hydrosphere), Land (Lithosphere), Living Things (Biosphere). Human-made branch: Parks, Buildings, Bridges, Roads, Monuments, Industries. Human branch: Individual, Family, Community, Religion, Educational, Economic, Political Situation.]

THE ECOSYSTEM

All the living organisms, i.e., plants, animals and human beings, depend on their immediate environment. They are also interdependent on each other. The relationship between the living organisms, as well as the relationship between the organisms and their surroundings, form an ecosystem. The ecosystem has no particular size. It can be as large as a rainforest, grassland, desert, ocean, mountain, or as small as a water pond or a small lake. An ecosystem can be natural or artificial.

The Sun is the main source of energy for the growth and development of an ecosystem. Ecology is the science which studies the relationship between the living organisms and their environment.

HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

Human beings interact with the environment and modify it according to their needs. 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 learnt new ways to use and change the environment.

They learnt to grow crops, domesticate animals and lead a settled life. The wheel was invented, surplus food was produced, the barter system emerged, trade started and commerce developed. The Industrial Revolution enabled large scale production. Transportation became faster.

The information revolution made communication easier and speedier across the world.

A perfect balance is necessary between the natural and human environment. Humans must learn to live and use their environment in a harmonious way.