Biosphere, Biology

Assignment Help:

Biosphere

Biosphere is that part of the earth where life can exist. It is a narfqy layer around the surface of the earth. If you visualise the earth to be the size of an apple the biosphere would be as thick as its skin. The biosphere extends from the floor of the ocean some 11,000 metres below the surface of the earth to the top of the highest mountains, or about 9,000 metres above the sea level. Its most densely populated region is just above and below the sea level.

Biosphere represents a highly integrated and interacting zone comprising of atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water) and lithosphere (land) as you can see in Figure shown below.

2231_biosphere.jpg

Life inthe biosphere is abundant between 200 metres (660 feet) below the surface of the ocean and about 6,000 metres (20,000 feet) above sea level.

Biosphere is absent at extremes of the North and South poles, the highest mountains and the deepest oceans, since existing conditions there do not support life. Occasionally spores of fungi and bacteria do occur at great height beyond 9,000 metres, but they are not metabolically active, and hence represent only dormant life.

The energy required for the life within the biosphere comes from the sun. The nutrients necessaj for living organisms come from air, water and soil and not from outside. The same chemicals are recycled over and over again for life to continue. Living organisms are not uniformly distributed throughout the biosphere. Only a few organisms live in the polar regions, while the tropical rain forests have an exceedingly rich diversity of plants and animals.

 


Related Discussions:- Biosphere

Describe plasmid functions to bring about resistance, E. coli strains conta...

E. coli strains containing the plasmid pAMP are resistant to ampicillin. Describe how this plasmid functions to bring about resistance.

What treatment should be used for cardiac tamponade, Q. What Treatment shou...

Q. What Treatment should be used for cardiac tamponade? Percutaneous Pericardiocentesis Cardiac tamponade is an acute emergency and percutaneous pericardiocentesis must b

Explain balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, Pulmonary stenosis is a relatively...

Pulmonary stenosis is a relatively common congenital heart defect. Usually these children with mild to moderate pulmonary stenosis survive into childhood. Since bicuspid pulmonary

Define influence of polyphenols on carbohydrates, Define influence of polyp...

Define influence of polyphenols on Carbohydrates? Binding of proteins may indirectly affect carbohydrate absorption. Inhibition of amylolytic enzymes and subsequent reduction o

Explain changes in feeding behaviour of infants, Explain Changes in feeding...

Explain Changes in feeding behaviour of infants? On maturation of neuro-muscular system, the body is able to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing. Till about three mont

What is hemoglobin f, What is hemoglobin F? Why does the fetus need a diffe...

What is hemoglobin F? Why does the fetus need a different hemoglobin? Hemoglobin F is the hemoglobin found in the mammalian fetus and hemoglobin A is the normal hemoglobin. Hem

Pcr, What is pcr?

What is pcr?

Acute versus chronic heart failure, When the syndrome sets in at a rapid ra...

When the syndrome sets in at a rapid rate before the compensatory mechanisms become operative, acute heart failure develops. The examples are acute heart failure due to acute myoca

What are the functions of the eyelids, What are the functions of the Eyelid...

What are the functions of the Eyelids? Functions of the Eyelids: The eyelid makes the outer most layers, covering the eye. Because of its strategic position, the eyelid s

Ascariasis, Ascariasis This disease is found in young calves causing di...

Ascariasis This disease is found in young calves causing digestive disturbances and poor growth. E t iology: It is caused by Toxocara vitulorum in cow and buffal

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd