Question

The biosphere consists of a. all organisms on Earth only. b. only the environments in which organisms live. c. all organisms on Earth and the environments in which they live. d. none of the above

Short answer

The correct answer is c: all organisms on Earth and the environments in which they live.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks to identify what the biosphere consists of. There are four options given, and the correct answer should define the biosphere accurately.

Define the Biosphere

The biosphere can be defined as the global sum of all ecosystems. It includes all living organisms on Earth (plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, etc.), as well as the environments where they live (oceans, forests, deserts, etc.).

Option a: All Organisms on Earth Only

This option is partially correct as it includes all living organisms but it fails to include the environments in which these organisms reside.

Option b: Only the Environments in Which Organisms Live

This option is also partially correct as it includes the environments where organisms live but fails to include the organisms themselves.

Option c: All Organisms on Earth and the Environments in Which They Live

This option includes both all the organisms on Earth and the environments they live in, which aligns with the definition of the biosphere.

Option d: None of the Above

This option is incorrect because option c correctly defines the biosphere.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the definition of the biosphere and the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is c: all organisms on Earth and the environments in which they live.

Key concepts

Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment. This includes the interactions between plants, animals, microorganisms, and their surroundings like water, soil, and air.

Every ecosystem is unique and varies widely across Earth's surface. Here are some essential points about ecosystems:

• They include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
• Energy flows through ecosystems starting from the sun, which plants use for photosynthesis.
• Nutrients cycle within ecosystems, supporting life processes.

Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest or ocean. They are fundamental units of the biosphere, combining all living organisms and their habitats.

Living Organisms

All living organisms, or biotic factors, are essential parts of ecosystems and the biosphere. These organisms include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and more.

Here are key aspects of living organisms in ecosystems:

• They require energy to survive, grow, and reproduce.
• Each species plays a specific role in its ecosystem, known as its ecological niche.
• Living organisms interact with each other through different relationships like predation, competition, and symbiosis.

Without living organisms, ecosystems and, by extension, the entire biosphere could not function. They convert energy, cycle nutrients, and help maintain ecological balance.

Environments

The environments are the abiotic factors where living organisms reside. These include various physical and chemical components such as temperature, water, air, minerals, and sunlight.

Let's explore some significant attributes of environments:

• They create the context within which organisms live and interact.
• Different environments support different types of ecosystems, like deserts, forests, and aquatic zones.
• The characteristics of environments influence which organisms can thrive in them.

The environments are integral to defining habitat conditions and influencing the distribution and behavior of living organisms. Together with the biotic factors, they form the complete ecosystems that make up the biosphere.