ENVIRONMENT Components and Types 1. Components 1. Non-living component 2, Living component 3, Energy component 2. Segments 1. Atmosphere 2. Hydrosphere 3. Lithosphere 4, Biosphere 3. Types 1. Natural environment 2. Man — made environment 1. DEFINITION: The term environment literally means the surroundings. Before the 1960s, the term environment was used for the surroundings of an organism that included the physical factors, such as temperature and light. After the 1960s, a need was felt to redefine the term environment. The reason for this new look at environment has been rapid industrialization and agricultural development. Environmental pollution and related problems of environmental degradation necessitated a rethinking on the definition. Environment is now defined as the surroundings of an organism (plant, animal, microbe) that include the physical, chemical, biological and cultural factors which have a direct influence on the activities of Organism. Organism and environment are two inseparable factors, An organism depends upon its environment for its sustenance while the environment provides the organism with the medium (e.g. soil, water or air) for its activities. :