The Biophysical Environment

Question 1

How many spheres there are in the BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ?

Answer 1

4

Question 2

Name the four Biophysical Environment Spheres

Answer 2

1. Atmosphere 2. Lithosphere 3. Hydrosphere 4. Biosphere
   FUN FACTS : To better understand the terms or prefixes used for the names of the biospheres, think of - SPHERE means to ‘surround or encompass’ and atmo = steam / vapour … hydro = water … litho = rock / mineral … bio = life

Question 3

Which sphere of the BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT encompasses all forms of water in the Earth’s environment - including all the lakes / rivers / snow / glaciers and water vapour found in the earths atmosphere.
This sphere is a an interconnecting system of water storage in atmo / litho.

Answer 3

HYDROSPHERE

Question 4

What SPHERE is this?
It comprises a combination of over 14 gases and particles which are always in motion held in place by the Earth’s gravity.

Answer 4

ATMOSPHERE

Question 5

Describe the ATMOSPHERE

Answer 5

The ATMOSPHERE is the air that surrounds the Earth. It is a combination of over 14 gases and particles which are always in motion and held in place by the Earth’s gravity.

Question 6

What does ‘Abiotic’ mean?

Answer 6

‘Abiotic’ means non-living

Question 7

What does ‘BIOTIC’ mean?

Answer 7

‘Biotic’ means ‘LIVING’

Question 8

Which spheres are ‘ABIOTIC’ and which spheres are ‘BIOTIC’?

Answer 8

The Non-Living ABIOTIC spheres of the biophysical environment are:

1. Atmosphere
2. Hydrosphere
3. Lithosphere

The 4th sphere is the BIOSPHERE and includes all Living BIOTIC parts of the biophysical environment and includes all plants and animals.

Question 9

Describe the LITHOSPHERE

Answer 9

LITHOSPHERE
Is the hard outer crust rock layer of the Earth and includes various landforms such as mountains / valleys / rocks / minerals and soil

Question 10

Describe the BIOSPHERE

Answer 10

The BIOSPHERE includes all biotic (living) parts of the biophysical environment. All life exists in the Biosphere which can not survive without elements from all the other spheres.

Question 11

What has been one of the key developments over the last 100 years that has contributed to the exploitation of the biophysical environment?

Answer 11

The Industrial Revolution has had many negative impacts on the earths biophysical environment. The negative impacts have been motivated by material wealth, consumption and economic development.

Question 12

What is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Answer 12

Sustainable Development is:
‘Development’ that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.