Purpose

In this activity you will learn more about the Earth as a system, and in particular, about the collection of ecosystems that constitute the Earth's biosphere.

Introduction

The biosphere is the collection of all living things found in Earth's many diverse ecosystems. The diversity of ecosystems in the biosphere is largely the result of Earth's movement around the Sun and Earth's rotation on its tilted axis. Differential exposure to the Sun's rays leads to different types of biomes. Biomes are loosely distributed based on latitude and are defined by their climate and vegetation. Biomes contribute to the cycling of matter on Earth. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon are recycled between organisms and their environment. Human activity has shifted the carbon cycle by increasing atmospheric carbon, leading to an increase in average global temperature. Climate change has measurable negative consequences for nature and humans alike.

The video below will discuss these ideas further. Please watch the video and then follow the instructions below.

Instructions

As you watch the following video, take notes on anything you find interesting and helpful in expanding your understanding of the planet Earth and its Biosphere. Add your notes to your Evidence Notebook.
Include two key facts from the video in the Lesson 1.1 Worksheet.
Examples of facts you could include:
- The biosphere is the sum of all ecosystems on Earth, including all organisms and the environmental factors affecting them.
- Both biotic and abiotic factors determine global and regional patterns in the distribution of life.
- Earth's movement around the Sun and rotation on its tilted axis lead to geographic variation in climate.

Worksheet Guidelines

Add your notes to your Evidence Notebook.
Include your two facts in the Lesson 1.1 Worksheet as directed above.
Be sure to save your worksheet. Click NEXT below to go to the next Activity.

Assignment Resources

Earth's Biosphere and Climate
Lecture series from Jessica Pamment, Ph.D. of Department of Biological Sciences DePaul University