Nature

Nature is everything in the physical world that was not made by humans. It includes living things such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as nonliving elements like air, water, rocks, and sunlight. Nature forms the environment that supports life on earth and helps keep all living things in balance.

Nature is made up of two main parts: biotic and abiotic components. Biotic parts are the living things, including trees, insects, birds, and humans. Abiotic parts are nonliving things, such as soil, water, sunlight, and temperature. Together, these parts create systems where living and nonliving things depend on one another. For example, plants use sunlight, water, and minerals from the soil to grow, while animals rely on plants and other animals for food.

The Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and landforms are all parts of nature. Forests, mountains, rivers, and deserts each have their own types of climates and living creatures. The variety of life in nature is called biodiversity, which includes all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms living in different environments. Each species plays a role in keeping ecosystems balanced and functioning.

Natural processes shape the world over time. The water cycle moves water through the air, land, and oceans. The rock cycle forms and changes rocks deep within the Earth. The growth of plants produces oxygen, which animals need to breathe. These natural cycles and processes help maintain life and stability on the planet.

Nature also changes through natural events such as storms, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. These events can shape landscapes and influence ecosystems. Over millions of years, natural forces like wind, rain, and ice have formed valleys, mountains, and coastlines. Many of these changes happen slowly, while others occur suddenly.

Scientists study nature through many fields, including biology, geology, meteorology, and ecology. By observing nature, people learn how different systems work together and how living things adapt to their surroundings. Nature is essential to life because it provides air, water, food, and materials needed for survival.