Let's solve each question on
Worksheet A - Memorandum: The Biosphere step by step and provide clear explanations.
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1. Give a description of the Biosphere.
Answer:
The biosphere is the global ecological system that includes all living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and the environments in which they live. It encompasses parts of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere where life exists. This includes the surface of the Earth, the oceans, and the lower atmosphere.
✔ Explanation:
The biosphere is not a separate layer but rather the zone where life interacts with the physical environment. It includes ecosystems from deep ocean trenches to high mountain peaks, wherever conditions allow for life.
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2. Fill in the missing words:
“Bio” means
life and “sphere” is the shape of the
Earth.
✔ Explanation:
- *Bio* comes from the Greek word "bios," meaning life.
- *Sphere* refers to a round, ball-like shape, like the Earth. So, "biosphere" literally means "the sphere of life."
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3. In the picture below, write the names of the 3 spheres within the biosphere.
Looking at the diagram:
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a) Points to clouds and the air above — this is the
atmosphere.
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b) Points to the land and mountains — this is the
lithosphere.
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c) Points to the water (ocean, river) — this is the
hydrosphere.
Answers:
- a) Atmosphere
- b) Lithosphere
- c) Hydrosphere
✔ Explanation:
These three spheres interact to support life:
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Atmosphere: Air and gases surrounding Earth.
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Lithosphere: Solid Earth (soil, rocks, land).
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Hydrosphere: All water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans).
Together, these form the environment where the biosphere exists.
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4. What is meant by:
Aquatic:
Living in or related to water (e.g., fish, aquatic plants, marine mammals).
Terrestrial:
Living on land (e.g., trees, mammals, insects, birds).
✔ Explanation:
- *Aquatic* comes from "aqua" (water), so it refers to life in water.
- *Terrestrial* comes from "terra" (land), referring to life on land.
These terms help classify habitats and organisms based on their environment.
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✔ Final Answers Summary:
1.
The biosphere is the part of Earth where life exists, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere where living organisms interact.
2. “Bio” means
life and “sphere” is the shape of the
Earth.
3. a)
Atmosphere, b)
Lithosphere, c)
Hydrosphere
4.
- Aquatic:
Living in water
- Terrestrial:
Living on land
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