EARTH
SCIENCE
The learner will be able to:
Describe the characteristics of Earth that are necessary to support life.
(S11/12ES-Ia-b-3),
Explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose
boundaries matter and energy flow (S11ES-Ib-4),
Performance Standard:
The learner will make a concept map and use it to explain how the geosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are interconnected.
Lesson 1
Characteristics of Earth
that are Necessary to
Support Life
What I Need to Know
Earth is unique. It is termed as ―planet of life‖ where
matter and energy continue to flow. Most of the cell’s
processes requires energy from the Sun which is the
main source of energy. Since ,
Earth is a closed system, energy flows to all of
its living components to continue various life
processes and functions.
The different forms of energy also allow the recycling of
matter needed for life.
What are the characteristics of Earth that make life
possible?
What makes Earth different from the rest of the
planets and other heavenly bodies in the Solar
System?
Earth is unique in our solar system because it has liquid water on its
surface. In fact, most of Earth’s surface is about 75 percent and
covered with water. Water is present in the atmosphere, ground,
freshwater lakes, rivers, streams; and even in the polar ice caps.
Water is also found in all living things. Some plants,
for example, are
as much as 90–95 percent water by weight.
Adult humans are about 60 percent water
by weight. Water is important for the many life
functions carried out by cells, tissues,
and organs. It helps dissolve certain nutrients and carry them
throughout an organism. Water is also important for disposing of
bodily wastes.
Scientists sometimes speak of Earth as having ―Goldilocks‖
habitable zone conditions—in other words, Earth is ―just right‖ for
life as we know it. Earth’s place in the solar system as the third
planet from the Sun, places it in an area of space, that is not too
hot and not too cold. If the Sun is closer to Earth, liquid water
would not be possible on this planet as all of it would evaporate
and life forms will not exist. If it were a little farther away, it would
be colder and liquid water would always be solid ice. Earth’s
temperatures range from about –88˚C to 58˚C. All organisms on
the planet are adapted to temperatures within this range.
There are various biogeochemical cycles and geologic processes that
facilitate the transport and replenishment of the chemicals and nutrients
required by the biotic factors.
. Examples
Subsystems of
the Earth
the earth consists of subsystems, across whose boundaries, matter and energy flow.
Earth is one of the inner planets in the solar system.
According to radiometric dating record, it is said to be
4.56 billion years old. It is the only planet in the solar
system to harbor life. Earth is a closed system. This
means that if it gets what it wants, it does not return it
back. It gets energy from the Sun but returns only
some back to space. Biogeochemical cycles drive the
Earth’s subsystems. It is through these cycles that
earth materials are recycled and replenish. The
following are the definitions of the subsystems.
Four Subsystems of the Earth
– A set of layers of gases that blankets the planet held by
the planet’s gravity. It is consisted of 78% nitrogen, 20.95%
oxygen, 0.93% argon and 0.04% water vapor including all
other gases. Different layers of the atmosphere include the
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere.
It is the liquid component of the Earth including oceans,
glacial waters, and freshwater bodies that covers 70% of
the earth’s surface; 98% of the water on Earth is
saltwater
-It is the solid sphere of the earth. This is where geologic
processes such as volcanism and orogenesis (mountain
building) take place. The lithosphere is a part of the
geosphere that is composed of the solid, outermost part of
the planet.
This is the living sphere of the earth. It is the
totality of all the ecosystems in the whole planet. It
compels us to interact with other living organisms
with the influence of the abiotic factors in the
system
Summary
Earth is the only planet in the solar system where life of plants,
animals, and even microorganisms is possible. These salient features of
Earth include distance from the sun, right atmospheric conditions,
availability of liquid water and even water vapor and solid ice, influence of
the moon, continuous flow of energy and nutrients in the system, strong
magnetic field and a fitting greenhouse effect to warm the planet.
There are four main subsystems of the Earth. The atmosphere is an
envelope of gases protecting the surface of the planet from ultraviolet
radiation from the sun. The hydrosphere comprised all the bodies of water
such as ocean, sea, rivers, lakes and glaciers. The geosphere is the solid
portion of earth which is consist also of the lithosphere where the crust,
mantle and core are found. The biosphere is consisting of all life forms.
These systems interact and are interconnected in sustaining life in varied
forms.
Watch a video entitled “Earth as a Planet of
Life” through this YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCDVN7
DCzYE`
Watch me
In a short paragraph,
share thoughts about the
formation of the earth and
existence of life on earth.
