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Questions and Answers
Which layer of the atmosphere protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation?
Which layer of the atmosphere protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation?
- Mesosphere
- Troposphere
- Ozone layer (correct)
- Stratosphere
What role do greenhouse gases like CO2 and CH4 play in the atmosphere?
What role do greenhouse gases like CO2 and CH4 play in the atmosphere?
- They deplete the ozone layer.
- They trap heat to prevent freezing. (correct)
- They provide a source of oxygen.
- They regulate atmospheric pressure.
What is one requirement for Earth to maintain a substantial atmosphere?
What is one requirement for Earth to maintain a substantial atmosphere?
- It needs to be located in the outer regions of the solar system.
- It should revolve around a binary star system.
- It must have sufficient gravity. (correct)
- It must be the largest planet in the solar system.
Which of the following accurately describes Earth's position in relation to the sun?
Which of the following accurately describes Earth's position in relation to the sun?
What type of energy do photosynthetic organisms primarily use?
What type of energy do photosynthetic organisms primarily use?
What kinds of chemicals are essential for life as mentioned in the atmosphere context?
What kinds of chemicals are essential for life as mentioned in the atmosphere context?
Which organisms rely on chemical energy rather than light for their biological processes?
Which organisms rely on chemical energy rather than light for their biological processes?
How does Earth's size influence its ability to hold an atmosphere?
How does Earth's size influence its ability to hold an atmosphere?
Which characteristic uniquely qualifies Earth as the only planet known to support life?
Which characteristic uniquely qualifies Earth as the only planet known to support life?
What is the ideal temperature range on Earth that supports biological molecules?
What is the ideal temperature range on Earth that supports biological molecules?
Which of the following factors is NOT listed as essential for a planet to be habitable?
Which of the following factors is NOT listed as essential for a planet to be habitable?
How does low temperature affect chemical reactions necessary for life?
How does low temperature affect chemical reactions necessary for life?
In what form is water found at the poles of Earth?
In what form is water found at the poles of Earth?
What role does water play in the biological processes of life forms on Earth?
What role does water play in the biological processes of life forms on Earth?
Which of these factors can create conditions that hinder life?
Which of these factors can create conditions that hinder life?
What is one major reason Earth is categorized as a terrestrial planet?
What is one major reason Earth is categorized as a terrestrial planet?
What percentage of the atmosphere is made up of gases other than nitrogen and oxygen?
What percentage of the atmosphere is made up of gases other than nitrogen and oxygen?
Which of the following is NOT included in the geosphere?
Which of the following is NOT included in the geosphere?
What process drives tectonic activity within the Earth?
What process drives tectonic activity within the Earth?
What forms of water are included in the hydrosphere?
What forms of water are included in the hydrosphere?
How thick is the hydrosphere estimated to be?
How thick is the hydrosphere estimated to be?
What is the primary function of the atmosphere regarding radiation?
What is the primary function of the atmosphere regarding radiation?
What percentage of Earth's water is considered fresh water?
What percentage of Earth's water is considered fresh water?
Which part of the Earth provides a habitat for different life forms as mentioned in the context?
Which part of the Earth provides a habitat for different life forms as mentioned in the context?
What role do nutrients play in organisms?
What role do nutrients play in organisms?
Which component is NOT one of the Earth's four subsystems?
Which component is NOT one of the Earth's four subsystems?
What is the primary composition of the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the primary composition of the Earth's atmosphere?
How does volcanism contribute to nutrient cycling?
How does volcanism contribute to nutrient cycling?
Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
Which cycle is NOT mentioned as part of nutrient recycling processes?
Which cycle is NOT mentioned as part of nutrient recycling processes?
What is the primary benefit of mangrove forests to coastal areas?
What is the primary benefit of mangrove forests to coastal areas?
Which statement is a characteristic of a closed system?
Which statement is a characteristic of a closed system?
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Study Notes
Earth: A Habitable Planet
- Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known object in the universe to support life.
- It is the fifth largest planet in the Solar System, being the largest terrestrial planet with the highest density.
Factors That Make a Planet Habitable
- Temperature: Ideal temperature for life is between -15°C and 115°C. Temperatures affect the speed of chemical reactions.
- Water: Essential to all life forms, vital for biological processes. Earth has water in solid (ice), liquid (water) and gaseous (vapor) forms.
- Atmosphere: Provides insulation and shields from radiation and meteorites. Contains greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) that trap heat. The ozone layer protects from harmful UV radiation.
- Energy: Source of energy essential for life. Earth receives sunlight, utilized by plants and photosynthetic bacteria for energy.
- Nutrients: Essential for building and maintaining organisms. Earth has cycles that recycle nutrients such as water, carbon, oxygen, phosphate, and nitrogen cycles.
Earth as a System
- A system is a set of interconnected components that interact to form a unified whole. An ecosystem is an example of a system, a geographic area where living organisms coexist with their environment.
- A closed system exchanges heat and energy, but not matter.
Four Subsystems of Earth
- Atmosphere: Gaseous layer above Earth's surface, primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%) and other gases. Provides oxygen for animals and carbon dioxide for plants. Regulates climate by acting as a blanket and shielding from harmful radiation.
- Geosphere: Includes all rocks on Earth, from the core to the crust. Provides habitats for diverse life forms.
- Hydrosphere: Includes all water on Earth, including surface water, groundwater, and water vapor. Provides habitats for diverse life forms.
- Biosphere: Encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with each other and with the environment.
Geosphere: Tectonic Activity
- Involves the interaction of large slabs of the lithosphere – the Earth's outer rigid layer.
- Responsible for various geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.
- Driven by the Earth's internal heat.
Hydrosphere: Water Presence
- The total amount of water on Earth (solid, liquid, and gaseous) is approximately 10-20 km thick.
- The majority of Earth's water is in the form of ocean water (70%).
- Only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater.
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