Nature

Startrails above Gunung Bromo - Indonesia

The Earth seen from Apollo 17

Tectonic plate boundaries

Pangea animation 03

Hyperia

Top of Atmosphere

Nature encompasses all physical phenomena in the universe outside of artificial human creations. It is the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. The study of nature is a large part of science, especially in branches such as biology, geology, and ecology, which focus on understanding the laws and structures that govern the natural world.

Overview

Nature, in its broadest sense, is equivalent to the natural world, physical world, or material world. "Nature" refers to the phenomena of the physical world, and also to life in general. It ranges in scale from the subatomic to the cosmic.

The word nature is derived from the Latin word natura, meaning "birth" or "character" (being in nature). In ancient times, nature was basically everything that was not made by man. Philosophically, nature is often referred to as the essence of the universe, the one source of all that exists.

Natural Environment

The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth. It is an environment that has not been significantly altered by human activity and includes forests, rivers, mountains, oceans, and deserts. The conservation of the natural environment is a vital part of sustaining humanity, with efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and managing natural resources.

Human Interaction with Nature

Humans interact with nature in numerous ways. They depend on it for resources such as water, food, and shelter, but also have the capacity to alter it through activities like agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization. This interaction has led to significant environmental issues, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change, which pose threats to the natural balance and the survival of life on Earth.

Nature in Culture

Nature has been a source of inspiration for art, literature, and religion throughout human history. It plays a central role in many cultural practices and philosophical concepts. The appreciation of natural beauty, expressed in gardens and landscape design, reflects the deep human connection to nature.

Conservation

Conservation efforts aim to protect natural habitats and preserve the diversity of life. This includes establishing protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves, enforcing laws that limit pollution and land degradation, and promoting sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of the natural world for future generations.

See Also

• Biodiversity
• Ecology
• Environmentalism
• Natural history
• Sustainability

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