Environmental factors are various elements and conditions present in the natural environment that can influence living beings and ecosystems in general. The factors can be divided into two types, biotic as abiotics. In this ecology article, we will explain What are environmental factors and what arejust as we will talk about environmental health and the importance of it.
What are environmental factors
Environmental factors refer to those elements and conditions that are present in the environment and that can influence living beings that are found in him and in ecosystems in general. There are the abiotic environmental factors, which are those related to the physical and chemical components of the environment and, on the other hand, there is talk of biotic factors when we refer to those related to living beings and their interactions.
Abiotic factors
Abiotic environmental factors are those that refer to Non -living components of the environmentamong them we find:
- Climatic factors: Among them are some such as temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, humidity or wind patterns.
- Geological factors: As the type of soil, its chemical composition, the relief of the terrero, availability that exists of minerals, among others.
- Hydrological factors: in which are the availability of water, water quality, soil humidity, floods, droughts, among others.
- Chemical factors: such as oxygen concentration, pH of water or soil, the presence of nutrients, the amount of chemical contaminants, among others.
- Physical factors: Among these are atmospheric pressure, altitude, sea currents and solar radiation.
In this article you will find more information about abiotic factors: what are, characteristics and examples.
Biotic factors
Biotic environmental factors include all those interactions that occur between organismssuch as competence for resources, predation, symbiosis and mutualism. Trophic relationships are also included in these factors, such as trophic networks and food chains, as well as the presence of diseases and pathogens that affect organism communities.
It is important to highlight that Abiotic and biotic factors interact with each other and may have synergistic or compensatory effects on living beings and ecosystems. In addition, the variability and change of factors can have effects on the distribution of species, the dynamics of ecosystems, the ability of organisms to reproduce and survive, as well as in the structure of the communities. Discover biotic and abiotic factors: what are and differences.
Knowing environmental factors well is essential to keep biodiversity, manage natural resources and adapt to climate change, since each organism interacts with its environment and responds to its disturbances differently.
You can expand the information in this article about biotic factors: what are, characteristics, classification and examples.
Environmental factors in the social sphere
Environmental factors in the social field are those elements and conditions that are present in the social and cultural environment influencing the people and social interactions that exist between them. These factors may have a significant impact on the well -being, behavior and opportunities for development of people and communities. Some examples of environmental factors in the social sphere include:
- Economic factors: The level of income, employment availability, economic inequality among people, access to economic resources and services, the price of housing, transport and food price.
- Educational factors: The availability and quality of education, opportunities for access to formal and non -formal education, the availability of educational resources, such as libraries, educational centers, material and technology, and the educational support of the family and the community.
- Cultural factors: The norms, values, beliefs and cultural practices of a particular society or community, including religion, ethnicity, language and traditions.
- Political factors: The political system, public policies and governance, including citizen participation, access to justice, human rights and political stability.
- Social factors: The social structure, social relations, community cohesion, social diversity, discrimination, social exclusion and interpersonal violence.
- Technological factors: Access to technology, such as Internet and electronic devices, digital literacy, digital divide and the influence of technology in everyday life and social interactions.
The aforementioned factors interact with each other being able to have both positive and negative impacts in the quality of life of people, social inclusion and human development. Therefore, it is important to study and analyze them in depth with the aim of achieving and promoting more just, egalitarian and sustainable societies.
Finally, it is important to mention how the environment in health affects, all the aforementioned factors; Abiotic factors, biotic factors and environmental factors in the social sphere, as well as the interactions that exist, will determine whether an environment is healthier or less healthy for the human being. This is what we call Environmental healththat which recognizes the impact that an environment has on our health. For example, some of the environmental factors that can be harmful to health are soil pollution, lack of drinking water, noise, inappropriate housing conditions, lack of access to basic services such as health or education, the high price of food, virus diseases, among others.
Now that you know what environmental factors are and what they are, do not miss these articles on environmental indicators: what are, types and examples and environmental values: what are and examples.
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