Earths spheres
What are the four major Earth systems?
atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
What is the carbon cycle?
the process of carbon moving through Earth's spheres
What sphere does a volcanic eruption originate from
the lithosphere?
What is one consequence of the greenhouse effect?
global warming
hat is the theory of evolution by natural selection?
It explains how species change over time due to survival advantages
Which sphere includes all living organisms?
biosphere
Which spheres are involved in the carbon cycle?
all four spheres – biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere
Which two spheres are most affected by a cyclone?
atmosphere and hydrosphere
How does waste management affect the biosphere?
By polluting environments and harming organisms
What does the fossil record show us?
That life has evolved over billions of years
Which two spheres interact when volcanic gases affect air quality?
lithosphere and atmosphere
What human activity increases carbon in the atmosphere?
burning fossil fuels
How do earthquakes affect the biosphere?
damaging habitats and causing loss of life
How does climate change affect sea levels?
It causes ice to melt and oceans to expand, raising sea levels
How old is the Earth?
approx 4.5 billion years
The ocean is part of which Earth sphere?
Hydrosphere
Why is the carbon cycle important for climate regulation?
Because it helps control the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere
Describe one interaction between spheres during a tsunami
Lithosphere shifts causing hydrosphere waves that impact the biosphere
Why do different groups disagree on climate policies?
Different values, economic interests, or levels of trust in science
What is one piece of evidence that supports evolution?
transitional fossils or genetic similarities
How does deforestation affect all four spheres?
altering ecosystems (biosphere), affecting soil stability (lithosphere), water cycles (hydrosphere), and carbon dioxide levels (atmosphere)
Explain how ocean acidification is linked to the carbon cycle.
CO₂ absorbed by oceans forms carbonic acid, affecting marine life
Name a natural disaster and explain how it affects at least three spheres.
E.g., volcano: lithosphere erupts, gases into atmosphere, lava affects biosphere
Evaluate the evidence for ozone layer depletion
Scientific studies show decreased ozone due to CFCs, now recovering thanks to global action
How do scientists use fossils to determine evolutionary history?
By comparing fossil structures and dating rock layers