Spheres
The area of the earth that includes all living organisms.
The Biosphere
What is an organism?
Any living creature, like trees, butterflies, fish, humans bacteria, etc.
Sometimes fires burn down large areas of forests that are part of the biosphere. Which of Earth’s other spheres is MOST likely to be affected?
Atmosphere or Hydrosphere
How will it be affected
Atmosphere
The air will be filled with smoke and ashes.
How does dumping chemicals and trash into rivers, lakes, and oceans affect the biosphere?
Fish and other creatures that live in the water would be poisoned. They would not have a safe place to live.
The sphere that includes all forms of water on earth.
The Hydrosphere
The natural environment where a plant, animal or other organism lives and grows.
Avery is walking down the sidewalk & the wind is blowing her hair. Which parts of the Earth system are interacting?
B. atmosphere and biosphere
How does cutting down trees in forests for wood (or to clear land for farming) affect the biosphere?
It takes away homes for many animals.
78% of this sphere is Nitrogen. 21% is Oxygen.
The Atmosphere
What are natural resources?
Materials from nature that are used to meet human needs.
When rain brings water to living things, what 2 spheres are interacting?
How does a volcano erupting (with lots of lava flowing over the edges of the volcano) affect the lithosphere?
It would destroy landforms and create new ones as the lava hardens into rock.
Name the 4 spheres we learned about it our Earth Science unit.
The atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
What is conservation?
Conservation is the preservation and protection of Earth's systems from pollution, depletion or extinction.
When an animal dies and its decomposed body returns to the earth, what 2 spheres are interacting?
The biosphere and the lithosphere (geosphere)
How does accidentally introducing an invasive plant in a new area affect the biosphere?
The new plant will take over and the original plants may become extinct in that area. This may cause problems for animals who relied on the original plants for food/homes.
What is another name for the lithosphere?
The geosphere
Name 2 natural resources of Alberta.
Answers will vary.
Gold, iron ore, copper, forests, natural gas, etc.
Heavy rain and flooding causes a landslide/mudslide over a forest. Which 3 spheres are interacting?
The hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
How does a conservation group aimed at protecting and avoiding the extinction of the buffalo affect the biosphere?
The conservation group will work to create a safe habitat for the buffalo. They will ensure the animals have enough food and a home safe from predators.