Question

Explain with suitable examples, the interaction between physical and biological environment.

Answer 1

The physical environment consists of all the abiotic elements of nature, that is, all the non living elements of nature, such as land, water and air. Physical environment derives most of its energy from the Sun. The biological environment, on the other hand, consists of all the living beings, such as humans, animals and micro-organisms. Elements of biological environment derive their energy from the physical environment. The biological and physical environments create a natural environment where they are interdependent.


1. Changes in physical environment affecting the biological environment: The physical environment can generate changes in the biological environment. For example, in case of a natural disaster in the physical environment, like landslide, the whole biotic environment of that place is affected. The ecosystem suffers in terms of its supply of food and relocation of inhabitants of an area. Another example emphasising changes in physical environment affecting the biological environment is the change in seasons and weather conditions . Due to the changes in the physical environment like increase or decrease in temperature or heavy or less rainfall, the biological elements of the ecosystem have to adapt themselves accordingly. For example, some animals go into hibernation during winters and humans change their clothing according to the change in climate.

2. Biological environment affecting the physical environment: The biotic environment can also generate changes in the physical environment. For example, hills are cut into steps for step farming, irrigation is done and the soil is loosened. Such changes are brought by the biological environment to the physical environment. Beavers build artificial dams out of wood to create a homes for themselves by blocking the rivers and changing the physical environment around them.

Hence, it can be seen that both the physical and the biological environments are in a constant state of interaction with each other.