Nature

Nature refers to the physical world and living organisms that exist independently of human artifacts. It includes all living beings and the systems that support them, such as ecosystems, biodiversity, landscapes, climate, geology, and the oceans. Nature operates through complex interactions among organisms and their environment, driven by energy from the sun and governed by chemical, physical, and biological processes. Ecological systems, or ecosystems, are integrated networks that cycle nutrients, regulate climate, pollinate crops, purify water, and provide habitat.

Humans depend on nature for resources and services, including food, medicine, clean water, climate regulation, flood control, cultural and recreational value, and inspiration. These ecosystem services can be categorized as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, and are central to many economic and social systems.

Nature is studied across disciplines such as ecology, biology, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The concept also includes abiotic components like air, minerals, and energy flows, not just living organisms. Natural phenomena range from weather patterns and geological formations to evolutionary processes over millions of years.

Threats to nature include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. Conservation strategies aim to protect habitats, restore degraded ecosystems, manage resources sustainably, and respect indigenous and local knowledge. The study and appreciation of nature inform ethics and policy, guiding humanity toward a sustainable relationship with the natural world.