True or False Statements
T - The layer below the crust is called the mantle and it is made up of two parts - the upper and lower mantle.
F - The term 'atmosphere' refers to the layer of gases surrounding Earth, not to water. The 'hydrosphere' would be the correct term for the sphere of water.
T - The atmosphere contains many gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
T - Autotrophs such as plants can produce their food directly from the environment through processes like photosynthesis.
T - Construction, agriculture, mining, transportation, and overpopulation are indeed adversely affecting the abiotic environment by causing pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion.
F - The ecosystem is not divided into plant and animal kingdoms. It refers to a community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system.
Answer the Following Questions Briefly
What is a natural environment?
A natural environment includes all living and non-living things occurring naturally, meaning not created or significantly altered by humans. It encompasses ecosystems, plants, animals, climate, and geological and geographical factors.
Define biodiversity.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. High biodiversity often indicates a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
List the layers of the lithosphere.
The lithosphere is composed of:
The Crust: The outermost layer that we live on.
The Upper Mantle: Which, alongside the crust, makes up the rigid, outer part of Earth.
Why is oxygen important for living beings?
Oxygen is essential for respiration, a process that allows living organisms to obtain energy from food. It is also critical for many biological and chemical processes such as metabolism and cellular respiration.
What are the two major elements of the biosphere?
The two major elements of the biosphere are:
Biotic elements: All living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Abiotic elements: Non-living components such as atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere (land) that provide essential conditions for life.