Biosphere
What is the biosphere?
The biosphere is the part of Earth where life exists.
What percentage of the Earth is oceans?
Approximately 97%.
What is the geosphere made of?
The geosphere is made of rocks, minerals, and the solid part of the Earth.
What gases primarily make up the Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen and oxygen.
Name one example of a biome within the biosphere.
Forests, deserts, grasslands, or tundras.
What is the main source of freshwater on Earth?
Glaciers and ice caps.
Name one process that shapes the geosphere.
Erosion, volcanoes, or tectonic activity.
What is the significance of the ozone layer?
It protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
How do plants contribute to the biosphere?
They produce oxygen and serve as food for other organisms.
How does the hydrosphere impact the biosphere?
Water is essential for all living organisms and their ecosystems.
How does the geosphere interact with the hydrosphere?
Rivers and lakes erode rocks in the geosphere, shaping landscapes.
How does the atmosphere interact with the hydrosphere?
The atmosphere influences weather and climate, affecting water bodies.
What role do decomposers play in the biosphere?
They break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.
When water is being moved from the land to sky during the water cycle, what sphere is the hydrosphere interacting with?
Atmosphere
What is the importance of soil in the geosphere?
Soil supports plant life and is crucial for agriculture.
Describe one way human activities impact the atmosphere.
Emissions from vehicles contribute to air pollution and climate change.
How do changes in the biosphere affect the atmosphere?
Deforestation can increase carbon dioxide levels, impacting climate change.
What are two ways that human activities can affect the hydrosphere?
Pollution and over-extraction of groundwater.
How do human activities affect the geosphere?
Activities such as mining, construction, and deforestation can lead to erosion and habitat loss.
What is climate change, and how does it relate to the atmosphere?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, primarily due to human activities increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.