Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The natural environment refers to the setting in which organisms naturally live and interact with one another, without any human-made alterations or interventions.
Related terms
Built Environment: The man-made or human-altered surroundings that provide the setting for human activities.
Habitat: The specific place or type of environment in which an organism lives and meets its basic needs.
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.