Biosphere and Biomes Overview

The ______ is a group of spheres (or layers) where life exists on Earth.

The biosphere contains living organisms. When these organisms die, they become ______.

The biosphere is made up of the ______, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere.

The lithosphere is made up of:

The following living things are not found in the hydrosphere:

Animals that spend their time in the Earth's atmosphere include:

Identify the three kinds of living things that are found in the biosphere.

Micro-organisms are living things that can be observed with the naked eye.

Aquatic means 'living in water'.

Dead vegetation does not form part of the biosphere.

Select any 2 spheres in the biosphere and name 4 living things found in each sphere.

The biosphere is divided into many biomes, which can be aquatic or terrestrial. Aquatic biomes are divided into marine and freshwater. Which of the following is true?

Biosphere

The biosphere encompasses all living organisms on Earth. It is the region where life thrives, encompassing air, water and land.
The biosphere is comprised of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
The atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the Earth, vital for breathing, photosynthesis, and protecting us from harmful UV radiation.
The hydrosphere includes all Earth's water, serving as a habitat for aquatic organisms.
The lithosphere, or the Earth's crust, provides minerals essential for life.

Biomes

Biomes are large regions with distinct climates that support specific plant and animal communities.
Biomes can be divided into aquatic (water) and terrestrial (land) biomes.
Aquatic biomes can be further classified as marine (saltwater) or freshwater.

Marine Biomes of South Africa

South Africa has a diverse coastline influenced by warm and cold currents.
The eastern coast is warmed by the Agulhas Current.
The western coast receives the cold Benguela Current, rich in nutrients.
The south-western and southern coast experience a mixing of these water masses.
The ocean's tides, currents, temperature changes, oxygen, and salt content influence the marine life found along the coastline.

Sandy Beaches

Sandy beaches are characterized by shifting sand, dunes, continuous wave and current action, and an intertidal zone where ocean meets land.
The intertidal zone experiences cyclical wet and dry periods.
This environment requires highly adapted organisms to survive.

Explore the intricate relationships within the biosphere, which includes all living organisms and their environments. This quiz covers the components of the biosphere, the classification of biomes, and the unique marine biomes found along South Africa's coastline.