<P> Land, sometimes referred to as dry land, is the solid surface of Earth that is not permanently covered by water . The vast majority of human activity throughout history has occurred in land areas that support agriculture, habitat, and various natural resources . Some life forms (including terrestrial plants and terrestrial animals) have developed from predecessor species that lived in bodies of water . </P> <P> Areas where land meets large bodies of water are called coastal zones . The division between land and water is a fundamental concept to humans . The demarcation between land and water can vary by local jurisdiction and other factors . A maritime boundary is one example of a political demarcation . A variety of natural boundaries exist to help clearly define where water meets land . Solid rock landforms are easier to demarcate than marshy or swampy boundaries, where there is no clear point at which the land ends and a body of water has begun . Demarcation can further vary due to tides and weather . </P>

What do you call the land portion of the earth