Conditions which allowed life on Earth.

Question 1

Mass of the planet

Answer 1

Is large enough to keep an atmosphere and also pressure is proportional to mass, so the atmospheric pressure is suitable for liquid water.

Question 2

Distance from the sun

Answer 2

Means that solar insolation (radiation from the sun) provided a suitable temperature range which was appropriate to keep water a liquid and also was a suitable temperature for enzymes to work

Question 3

Orbital behaviour (axis & speed of rotation)

Answer 3

Gives seasonal variation which is what eventually allowed vegetation to develop and also gives night and day within 24 hrs, preventing excessive heating and cooling.

Question 4

Magnetosphere

Answer 4

The magnetosphere provides protection from harmful solar radiation (solar wind): the Earth’s molten core produced a magnetic field (magnetosphere) that deflects solar radiation.

Question 5

Why is the availability of water so important?

Answer 5

Water is essential for all life. It acts as a physiological solvent in living organisms, meaning it transports dissolved chemicals around organisms. It is also a coolant in living organisms, meaning it prevents over heating and keeps even body temperatures.

Question 6

The importance of solar insolation

Answer 6

Solar insolation is incoming light, light is needed for photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis drives atmospheric evolution, and has given us floral biomass, which in turn supports faunal. Light is also the source of energy for the water cycle etc.