Natural environment

The natural environment, commonly referred to simply as the environment, is a term that encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region of Earth.

Terminology and concept
The concept of the natural environment can be broken down into a few key components:


 * Complete ecological units that function as natural systems without massive human intervention, including all vegetation, animals, microorganisms, soil, rocks, atmosphere and natural phenomena that occur within their boundaries.


 * Natural resources and physical phenomena that do not originate from human activity and lack clear-cut boundaries, such as air, water, and climate.

The natural environment is contrasted with the built environment, which comprises the areas of Earth that are strongly influenced by humans.