Chapter 8 - Biosphere Flashcards
What is the biosphere?
The biosphere is the layer around the Earth containing all living organisms
What are the three types of spheres?
- Lithosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Atmosphere
What is a Biogeochemical cycle?
A set of processes by which an element passes from one environment to the next and
eventually returns to its original environment, in an infinite loop of recycling
What are the essential elements organisms need to survive & develop, where are they found?
- Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, &
sulfur - found in the soil, rocks, atmospheric
gases, plant & animal tissues
What are three examples o biochemical cycles?
- Biological processes (ex: respiration or digestion)
- Geological processes (ex: rock erosion or sedimentation)
- Chemical processes (ex: combustion or synthesis)
What is a carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle involving all the exchanges of carbon (C) on Earth.
Where are carbon atoms being exchanged?
Living organisms, dead organisms, the atmosphere, oceans, rocks, & soil
What has burning fossil fuels resulted in?
The transfer of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere
What is a biome?
Large climactic regions of the world with distinctive
climates, wildlife, and vegetation
What are the two different categories biomes are separated in?
terrestrial biomes and aquatic biomes
What are the factors determining a terrestrial biome?
Latitude, Altitude, Temperature, Precipitation, Soil type, Solar energy (exposure to sunlight), Winds, proximity to water
What are the factors deteriming an aquatic biome?
Salinity, Turbidity (water clarity), Temperature, Direction and strength of current, Presence O2 and CO2 for respiration and
and photosynthesis, Solar energy (exposure to sunlight)
Nutrients (type, amount, etc.), Water depth
