Question

What are the functions of the environment?
A. It supplies resources
B. It assimilates waste
C. It sustains life by providing genetic and biodiversity
D. Supports life without human actions
E. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Environment comprises all the biotic and abiotic factors around us. The abiotic factors are nonliving objects like soil, air, water, while biotic components are the living things like plants, animals and microorganisms. The environment helps to sustain life forms on the earth.

Complete answer:
The environment is a huge community based on the interaction of living and nonliving life forms on the earth. The main functions of the environment can be outlined as follows:
> Supply of resources: Any material gathered from the environment that is utilized by the society are environmental resources. This includes air for breathing, water, oil, metals, land for living and farming, etc. Environmental resources can be renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources are those that can be renewed over time, like water, air and light. Non-renewable resources like petroleum found under seas and oceans are resources that will be exhausted after continuous use. The environment continuously supplies its occupants with resources of all kinds.
> Assimilation of wastes: Assimilation of the wastes is done by the environment or a part of the environment. This capacity of the environment enables it to remove waste products without harming its occupants. Streams, lakes and soil assimilate waste products. The condition when generation of waste exceeds its assimilation is known as pollution. Wastes can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Biodegradable wastes can be broken down into carbon, oxygen and hydrogen by the action of microorganisms. Non-biodegradable wastes cannot be decomposed. They accumulate in the environment for a long time and are a major source of pollution.
> Biodiversity: Environmental diversity or biodiversity are the varieties of life forms on the earth. Biodiversity includes differences in species and in between species. It also refers to the genetic diversity present in life forms that contributes to the uniqueness of each species. Each and every species has a role to play in stabilizing the environment around us. Thus, a diverse environment leads to increased productivity and decreased environmental stress.
An environment is a natural system. It can support life forms without human intervention. Each and every component has a role to play in the environment which supports its smooth functioning. Human interference can often lead to environmental degradation that lead to pollution and extinction of species.
Therefore, based on the above discussion we can conclude that the environment supports life naturally, assimilates wastes, provides diversity and resources.

Hence, option (E) is correct.

Note: Environment is made up by the interaction between living and nonliving components. It provides its occupants with ample resources to sustain life. Environment favours diversity in biological organisms by natural selection. It also helps to get rid of the wastes generated by its inhabitants. Therefore, the environment should be protected and cared for by its occupants.