21 Questions
What is the term for the variety of different plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in an ecosystem or on Earth as a whole?
Biodiversity
Which term refers to the process of using natural resources in a way that doesn't harm the environment?
Sustainability
What is the term for the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth?
Atmosphere
What is the term for the process of destroying or using up natural resources, such as fossil fuels?
Exploitation
What is the term for a species that is no longer found in the wild?
Extinct
What is the term for the region of the Earth where life exists?
Biosphere
What is the main focus of today's lesson?
To understand how environments are formed and function
What is the term for the living and non-living interactions that form distinct environments on our planet?
Biophysical
What is the Hydrosphere composed of?
All water on earth and the system of water movements
Why are the interactions between the four spheres important?
They are essential for sustaining life on earth
What is the term for the earth's solid outer shell?
Lithosphere or Geosphere
What can be an example of human modifications to the environment?
Removing a tree
What is the term for all organic life on earth, including plants and animals?
Biosphere or Ecosphere
What determines the diverse nature and characteristics of environments around the world?
The interactions between the four spheres
What is the recommended group size for the group task activity?
3-4
What is the purpose of annotating the diagram in the group task activity?
To show how the spheres interact with each other
Which of the following cycles is an example of a natural cycle that shapes and forms our environment?
All of the above
Which spheres do the tree and the soil belong to?
Biosphere and Lithosphere
What is the primary reason why the tree needs the soil for survival?
To absorb nutrients
What is the likely cause of the soil erosion in the 'Discuss and Predict' activity?
Interactions between the spheres
What is the primary purpose of the 'Working Together' video?
To introduce the concept of the spheres
Study Notes
Environments
- Biophysical environments refer to the interactions between living (bio) and non-living (physical) components that form distinct environments on Earth.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for conservation and coexistence with environments.
The Four Spheres
- The four spheres are: Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere.
- Atmosphere: gases and particles surrounding Earth, including climate and weather variations.
- Lithosphere: Earth's solid outer shell, including earth and rock.
- Hydrosphere: all water on Earth and the system of water movements through the other spheres.
- Biosphere: all organic life, including plants and animals.
Interactions between the Spheres
- Each sphere plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
- Interactions between the spheres determine the diverse nature and characteristics of environments.
- Human modifications can interrupt these interactions, leading to various impacts on environments.
Examples of Interactions
- Removing a tree can interrupt the interactions between the spheres.
- Urban developments and global climate change are examples of human modifications that can impact environments.
Natural Cycles and Systems
- Examples of natural cycles and systems include:
- Carbon Cycle
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Water Cycle
- Oxygen Cycle
- Nutrient Cycle
- Ecological Succession
- Rock Cycle
- Weather Systems
- Global air and water currents
- Weathering
- Erosion
- Deposition
Local Level Interactions
- Soil erosion can lead to tree death due to the tree's dependence on soil for survival.
- The tree and soil belong to the Biosphere and Lithosphere respectively.
- The tree interacts with other spheres, such as the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere, through processes like photosynthesis and water absorption.
Explore the features and characteristics of environments, understanding how they are formed and function, and the impact of human activities on them.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
