The Biosphere- Requirements for sustaining life

Question 1

Name the definition of: Photosynthesis

Answer 1

The process in which plants use light energy from the Sun to make their own food.

Question 2

Name the 5 requirements for sustaining life.

Answer 2

1. Energy
2. Gases
3. Water
4. Soil
5. Favourable temperatures

Question 3

Explain energy as a requirement for sustaining life.

Answer 3

Energy allows living organisms to do things such as move or grow. Ultimate source of energy= Sun. Plants make their own food- photosynthesis. They store energy as starch. Animals cannot make food, acquire energy through eating other plants/animals.

Question 4

Explain gases as a requirement for sustaining life.

Answer 4

Carbon dioxide & oxygen are both found in the atmosphere, also found dissolved in water. Most organisms need oxygen for the process of respiration, during which oxygen is breathed in by plants/animals & is used to break down food to release energy. Plants need carbon dioxide to make food during photosynthesis.

Question 5

Explain soil as a requirement for sustaining life.

Answer 5

Plants need soil to survive. They get water & nutrients from soil. Many animals live in the soil, e.g: Beetles, worms ants bacteria and fungi. Animals living in the soil improve the quality of the soil.

Question 6

Explain water as a requirement for sustaining life.

Answer 6

Living organisms need water to survive. Water in your blood carries food & chemicals around the body. It helps get rid of waste and is used to cool the body down. Plants use water to grow, transport food & and carry out chemical reactions. Plants need water for photosynthesis.

Question 7

Explain favourable temperatures as a requirement for sustaining life.

Answer 7

The average temperature on Earth is 14 °C This is because Earth’s atmosphere traps heat energy from the Sun and keeps the temperature balanced. Earth’s stable temperatures sustain life.