Unit: 1 — Ecosystem Cards

Question 1

what are the 4 main spheres on Earth?

Answer 1

atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere

Question 2

what is the atmosphere?

Answer 2

a gaseous sphere that surrounds the earth

Question 3

what is the atmosphere composed of?

Answer 3

primarily nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), <1% is argon, hydrogen, water, vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gasses

Question 4

why is the atmosphere important (2 reasons)?

Answer 4

• moderates temperature on earth
• blocks out some solar radiation (e.g. ultraviolet light)

Question 5

what are the 5 layers of the earth’s atmosphere (from lowest to highest)?

Answer 5

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and, exosphere

Question 6

what is the lithosphere?

Answer 6

The solid surface of the earth that is made up of rocks and minerals. Includes land and ocean floors.

Question 7

what is the lithosphere constantly doing?

Answer 7

constantly moving and creating new surfaces

Question 8

where do most animals live?

Answer 8

80% of animals live on land

Question 9

what is the hydrosphere?

Answer 9

Includes all the water on Earth (oceans, lakes, ice, groundwater, and clouds)

Question 10

What percentage of water is contained in oceans

Answer 10

97% is contained in oceans

Question 11

How much of the earth is covered in water?

Answer 11

71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water

Question 12

what is the cryosphere?

Answer 12

Cryosphere is a specific sphere within the hydrosphere that refers to all the permanent ice and snow on earth (glaciers and permafrost)