Question

What are the functions of the environment?
(A) Supplies both renewable and non-renewable resources.
(B) Assimilates waste.
(C) Sustains life by providing genetic and bio diversity.
(D) Provides aesthetic services like scenery etc.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (C) and (D) only
• C. (B), (C) and (D) only
• D. (A), (B), (C) and (D)

Hint:

Remember the four textbook functions of the environment:
1. Supplies resources (Renewable and Non-renewable).
2. Assimilates waste.
3. Sustains life (Biodiversity).
4. Aesthetic enjoyment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
The environment performs four fundamental ecological and economic functions that sustain life and underpin productive human activities.
A failure to balance resource usage within carrying capacity leads to environmental degradation.

Step 1: Examining the Core Environmental Functions:
1. Resource Supplier: The environment offers vital inputs for production, including renewable resources (like timber, water, fisheries) and non-renewable resources (like fossil fuels and mineral ores). Hence, (A) is correct.
2. Waste Assimilation: Production and consumption processes inevitably generate waste products and emissions; the environment naturally absorbs and decomposes these by-products up to its absorptive capacity. Hence, (B) is correct.
3. Sustaining Life: The biosphere maintains ecological balance and genetic biodiversity, which are necessary for life support systems. Hence, (C) is correct.
4. Providing Aesthetic Services: Natural landscapes, scenic environments, water bodies, and mountains offer direct psychological and recreational value to human beings. Hence, (D) is correct.

Step 2: Conclusion:
Because all four functions (A), (B), (C), and (D) represent the foundational functions of the environment outlined in environmental economics, all statements are valid.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (D), including all statements (A), (B), (C), and (D).