Theory question 305
Structure of the Earth(a) Define the term biosphere (b) Highlight four benefits of the biosphere (c) State five characteristics of the biosphere
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(a) The biosphere is the zone of the earth where life exists, including parts of the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
(b) Provides food; timber and fuel; medicines; oxygen from plants; raw materials for industry; recycles nutrients; supports tourism and recreation; regulates climate.
(c) Contains all living organisms; overlaps the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere; a thin zone only a few kilometres thick; powered by energy from the sun; organisms interact in food chains and ecosystems; materials are recycled (water, carbon, nitrogen cycles); varies from place to place (biomes).
Mention the three spheres it overlaps.