The term "environment" encompasses the surroundings in which an organism operates, including all of the physical, chemical, and biological components that affect it. It can be defined differently based on the context, but generally refers to:

• Ecology: The environment encompasses all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements that affect an organism or a community of organisms. This includes factors like climate, soil, water, light, and other living beings.
• Human context: The environment includes the natural world, human-built structures, and social elements that affect human populations. This definition broadens to consider social, cultural, and economic factors that influence human well-being.

Key aspects of the environment:

• Biotic Factors: Living components such as plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
• Abiotic Factors: Non-living components like air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature, and minerals.
• Interactions: The dynamic relationships between biotic and abiotic factors, which shape ecosystems.

Understanding the environment is vital for addressing ecological concerns, ensuring sustainable development, and protecting biodiversity.