The Biosphere Flashcards
What is the lithosphere?
Thin layer of soil and rock covering the earth
What is the hydrosphere?
All the water found on earth in sea, rivers and lakes and water vapour in the air.
What is the atmosphere?
Thin layer of gas surrounding the earth consisting mainly of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What is the biosphere?
All areas of earth where life exists
What name is given to things that feed on organic matter and help break it down?
Decomposers.
How are nutrients recycled through the environment?
When dead plants and animals decay, the nutrients in their bodies are returned to the ecosystem.
What 3 aspects are contained in the biosphere?
- Parts of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere that support life.
- All living organisms on earth
- Dead organic matter
What is an ecosystem?
All living things in a particular place interacting with their environment
What is the name of tiny organisms such as bacteria?
Micro-organisms
Name one important role of micro-organisms.
They cycle nutrients through the environment for reuse.
Name the 7 processes of life.
- Nutrition (feeding)
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Respiration (energy production)
- Excretion
- Sensitivity to environment
- Movement
Define photosynthesis.
The process by which plants use light energy to make food.
Name the 5 basic needs of all living organisms.
- Energy
- Gases
- Water
- Soil
- Favourable temperatures
What gas is required for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide
What is the name of the process by which plants and animals change to survive their physical environment?
Adaption
