1. KEY CONCEPT The biosphere is one of Earth’s four interconnected systems.

2. Objectives
Describe the interactions of the biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere
Describe the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in the biosphere

3. Vocabulary
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Biota
Geosphere
Hydrosphere

4. The biosphere is the portion of Earth that is inhabited by life.
The biosphere includes all ecosystems.
one of Earth’s systems
includes the biota, all the living things in the biosphere

5. There are three other Earth systems.
hydrosphere—water, ice, and water vapor
atmosphere—air blanketing Earth’s solid and liquid surface
geosphere—geologic features above and below Earth’s surface

6. Biotic and abiotic factors interact in the biosphere.
All four Earth systems are interconnected.
The Gaia hypothesis considers Earth as a kind of living organism.
Earth systems interact to yield a biosphere capable of supporting life.
It was developed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis.

7. What is the relationship between the biota and the biosphere?

8. How does the Gaia hypothesis explain the interaction between biotic and abiotic factors in the biosphere

9. How might a rise in global temperatures affect the biosphere?

10. Explain how feedback loops, such as those described by the Gaia hypothesis might apply to predator prey relationships

11. KEY CONCEPT Climate is a key abiotic factor that affects the biosphere.

12. Objectives
Differentiate between weather, climate, and microclimates
Identify factors that determine Earths climate zones

13. Climate is the prevailing weather of a region.
Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions.
average temperature
precipitation
relative humidity
Key factors shape an area’s climate.
temperature
sunlight
water
wind

14. A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area.

15. Earth has three main climate zones.
The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates.
polar climate: the far northern and southern regions of Earth
tropical zone: surrounds the equator
temperate zone: the wide area in between the polar and tropical zones

16. The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s climate.
temperate
polar
tropical
90 N

17. Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.
Solar heating causes movements in both water and air.
wind
ocean currents
Earth’s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents

18. Landmasses shape inland climates.
larger changes in temperatures
less precipitation
Oceans shape coastal climates.
smaller changes in temperatures
higher humidity
more precipitation

19. Mountains have an effect on climate.
Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind.
On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain shadow.
A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation.
western slope
eastern slope

20. Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their adaptations.

21. What is the difference between climate and weather

22. What are the 3 different climate zones, and where are they located?

23. Would areas along the shores of the Great Lakes have warmer summers and colder winters than other inland areas? Explain.

24. Would you expect an area with several microclimates to have more or fewer ecological niches? Explain.

25. KEY CONCEPT Marine ecosystems are global.

26. Objectives
Identify the 4 major ocean zones and organisms unique to each zone
Describe the unique habitats of coastal waters

27. The ocean can be divided into zones.
Ocean zones can be determined by their distance from shoreline and water depths.
intertidal zone—between low and high tide
neritic zone—from intertidal zone to continental shelf
bathyal zone—from neritic zone to base of continental shelf
abyssal zone –lies below 2000 m
intertidal zone
neritic zone
bathmat zone
abyssal zone

28. The neritic zone harbors more biomass than any other zone.
Plankton make up most of the biomass.
zooplankton
phytoplankton

29. Coastal waters contain unique habitats.
Coral reefs are found in warm waters.
tropical climate zone
great amount of biomass

30. Kelp forests are found in cold, nutrient-rich waters.
large communities of seaweed
great amount of biomass

31. What criteria do scientists use to divide the ocean into different zones?

32. What conditions account for the development of highly diverse habitats in coastal waters?

33. A red tide occurs when a bloom of plankton causes a reddish discoloration of coastal ocean waters. What might cause such an increase in plankton populations?