Earth's Life Support

Tropical rainforests contain what fraction of the world's terrestrial plant and animal species?

• One third

• One quarter

• Half

• Two thirds

Answer explanation

Tropical rain forests are incredibly biodiverse, housing about half of the world's terrestrial plant and animal species. This makes them crucial for global biodiversity, supporting a vast array of life forms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What has destroyed or disturbed more than half of Earth's tropical rainforests?

• Natural disasters

• Human activities

• Animal migration

• Climate change

Answer explanation

Human activities, such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, have led to the destruction and disturbance of over half of Earth's tropical rain forests, far more than natural disasters or climate change.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

What is a challenge faced by local ecosystems as mentioned in the case study?

• Overpopulation

• Unique biodiversity

• Climate stability

• Lack of resources

Answer explanation

Unique biodiversity is a challenge for local ecosystems as it can lead to competition for resources and vulnerability to environmental changes, impacting the stability and health of these ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

What percentage of Earth's land surface is covered by tropical rainforests?

• 5%

• 7%

• 12%

• 20%

Answer explanation

Tropical rain forests cover approximately 7% of Earth's land surface. This unique ecosystem is vital for biodiversity and climate regulation, making the 7% figure significant in understanding global environmental health.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is the primary function of the hydrosphere?

• To provide a habitat for living organisms

• To contain all of Earth's water

• To support weather and climate

• To form the solid part of Earth

Answer explanation

The primary function of the hydrosphere is to contain all of Earth's water, which is essential for all life forms and various ecological processes. This makes it the correct choice among the options provided.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What are the four major spheres of Earth's life-support system?

• Lithosphere, Stratosphere, Hydrosphere, Ecosphere

• Geosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere

• Troposphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere

• Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Ecosphere, Biosphere

Answer explanation

The four major spheres of Earth's life-support system are the Geosphere (land), Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), and Biosphere (life). This choice correctly identifies these essential components.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

What process is essential for sustaining life on Earth?

• Cycling of light

• Cycling of nutrients and energy

• Cycling of sound

• Cycling of minerals

Answer explanation

The cycling of nutrients and energy is essential for sustaining life on Earth as it ensures the availability of vital resources for organisms to grow, reproduce, and thrive, forming the basis of ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

NGSS.HS-LS2-3

NGSS.HS-LS2-4

Which of the following is NOT a layer of the biosphere?

• Air

• Water

• Soil

• Core

Answer explanation

The biosphere consists of layers that support life, including air, water, and soil. The 'core' refers to the Earth's inner structure, not a layer of the biosphere, making it the correct answer.

What is the primary function of the geosphere?

• To provide air

• To support life

• To provide soil and rock

• To regulate temperature

Answer explanation

The primary function of the geosphere is to provide soil and rock, which are essential for supporting ecosystems and facilitating life. Other options relate to different Earth systems.

What type of system is Earth with respect to energy?

• Open system

• Closed system

• Isolated system

• Static system

Answer explanation

Earth is an open system because it exchanges energy with its surroundings, receiving energy from the sun and radiating heat back into space. This interaction characterizes it as an open system rather than closed or isolated.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4