The term "environment" encompasses everything that surrounds us. It includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components and the interactions between them. Think of it as the whole complex of physical, chemical, and biological factors that act upon an organism, ecological community, or even a society, influencing their form, behavior, and survival.  

Here's a breakdown of what that includes:

• Biotic Components: These are all the living things in an environment, such as plants, animals, microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi), and their interactions.  
   
• Abiotic Components: These are the non-living physical and chemical elements of an environment. Examples include:
  • Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth (air).  
     
  • Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.  
     
  • Lithosphere: The Earth's solid outer layer, including rocks, soil, and landforms.  
     
  • Sunlight, temperature, climate, nutrients, etc.  
     
   
   

The environment is not just a collection of these components but also the dynamic relationships and processes that occur between them. For example, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (abiotic factors) to produce food, and animals (biotic factors) consume these plants. Decomposers (biotic) break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil (abiotic), which are then used by plants again.  

Essentially, the environment sustains life by providing essential resources like air, water, food, and shelter. It also plays a crucial role in processes like nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and waste assimilation.  

The word "environment" has its roots in the Old French word "environer," meaning "to surround." This simple origin captures the essence of what the environment truly is – everything that surrounds and influences us and all other living things.