Define the term "environment" and identify the major types of environments on Earth's surface.

The term "environment" refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It includes both physical and biological factors that influence the organisms living in a particular area.

The major types of environments on Earth's surface include:

1. Terrestrial environments: These are land-based environments that include forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, and mountains.

2. Aquatic environments: These are water-based environments that include oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

3. Polar environments: These are environments found near the Earth's poles, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

4. Urban environments: These are human-made environments found in cities and towns, characterized by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

5. Agricultural environments: These are environments where crops are grown and livestock are raised for food production.

6. Marine environments: These are environments found in the ocean, including coral reefs, deep-sea habitats, and coastal areas.

7. Desert environments: These are environments characterized by low precipitation and high temperatures, such as the Sahara Desert and the Australian Outback.

8. Forest environments: These are environments dominated by trees and other vegetation, such as tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and boreal forests.

Definition of Environment:

The environment refers to the sum total of all external factors and conditions that influence the development and well-being of an organism or population. It encompasses both the physical and biological surroundings, including biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Major Types of Environments on Earth's Surface:

1. Terrestrial Environments:

- Forests: Dominated by trees and other woody vegetation. Characterized by a range of microclimates and habitats.
- Grasslands: Open areas with a continuous cover of grasses and herbs. Can be temperate (cool season) or tropical (warm season).
- Deserts: Dry, arid regions with sparse vegetation and extreme temperature variations.
- Tundras: Cold, treeless regions found in the Arctic and Antarctic. Permafrost is a common feature.

2. Freshwater Environments:

- Lakes: Inland bodies of standing water with relatively permanent boundaries.
- Rivers: Flowing bodies of water that transport sediment and nutrients.
- Wetlands: Areas where water covers the soil surface for extended periods, creating unique habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species.

3. Marine Environments:

- Oceans: Vast bodies of saltwater that cover the majority of Earth's surface.
- Coastal Zones: The interface between land and sea, characterized by diverse habitats and high biological productivity.
- Estuaries: Areas where rivers meet the ocean, creating a brackish environment with a mix of freshwater and saltwater.

4. Subterranean Environments:

- Caves: Natural underground chambers formed by the erosion of soluble rocks.
- Aquifers: Underground layers of rock or sediment that contain water.

5. Extreme Environments:

- Polar Regions: High-latitude areas with extreme cold and limited sunlight.
- Mountain Ecosystems: Regions with high elevation that present challenges to both plants and animals.
- Deep-Sea Environments: Depths of the ocean with high pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures.