Chapter 18, Problem 1TQ

Summary Introduction

The biological constituent of the earth system is known as a biosphere, which is also referred as the ecosphere. The biosphere is comprised of all living organisms and their associations, including their relations with the components of geosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere as well as dead organic matter generated by all living things on the earth.

Answer to Problem 1TQ

The biosphere is comprised of all living organisms on Earth, together with their physical surroundings. It is essential to human survival, and acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings, and it is a web of interconnected ecosystems.

Therefore, the option (e) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reasons for the correct statement:

The biosphere is comprised of all living things and their inhabiting physical space on the earth.  It encompasses inorganic chemicals such as water, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, and all the living organisms. The biosphere is essential to our survival and well-being. This is because, human beings depend on the biosphere for food and their resources. Every ecological interaction happens in the biosphere.

Option (e) is given as “all of the above”.

Hence, the option (e) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “all organisms on Earth, together with their physical environments”.

The biosphere is comprised of all organisms on Earth, together with their physical atmospheres but also essential for survival of human being. It acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings, and it is a web of interconnected ecosystems.  Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “crucial to human survival and well-being”.

The biosphere is essential for human survival and well-being but also comprised of all organisms on Earth, together with their physical atmospheres. It acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings, and it is a web of interconnected ecosystems.  Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “a source of food and raw materials for human society”.

The biosphere acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings, but also it is essential for human survival and well-being. It comprised of all organisms on Earth, together with their physical atmospheres, and it is a web of interconnected ecosystems.  Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “a web of interconnected ecosystems”.

The biosphere is a web of interconnected ecosystems, but also acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings. It is essential for human survival and well-being, comprised of all organisms on Earth, together with their physical atmospheres. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The biosphere is comprised of all living things and their inhabiting physical space on the earth. It is essential for human survival, and acts as a source of food and raw materials for human beings, and it is a web of interconnected ecosystem.