Exploring Earth's Four Spheres

Jackson and Mia are working on a school project about Earth's natural resources. They need to identify which part of the Earth provides these resources and a place to grow food. Which part should they focus on?

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The geosphere includes the Earth's land and soil, which provide natural resources like minerals and a suitable environment for agriculture, making it essential for growing food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Aiden and Noah are discussing the importance of the atmosphere. What is the main function of the atmosphere for living beings on Earth?

• It provides a place to grow food.

• It supplies water for plants and animals.

• It protects us from the sun and allows us to breathe.

• It is where all living beings reside.

Answer explanation

The atmosphere is crucial as it protects living beings from harmful solar radiation and provides the oxygen necessary for respiration, making it essential for life on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During a science class, Isla and Ethan were discussing different parts of the Earth. Isla asked, "Which sphere includes all the water on Earth, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes?"

• Biosphere

• Atmosphere

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere encompasses all the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. It is distinct from the biosphere (life), atmosphere (air), and geosphere (land). Therefore, the correct answer is the hydrosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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Why is the biosphere important for life on Earth?

• It provides a solid surface for living beings.

• It includes all the water bodies on Earth.

• It is where all living beings depend on each other.

• It protects us from harmful solar radiation.

Answer explanation

The biosphere is crucial as it encompasses all ecosystems where living beings interact and depend on each other for survival, forming a complex web of life that sustains biodiversity and ecological balance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

During a geography class, Evelyn was asked: Which of the following is NOT a component of the geosphere?

• Mountains

• Rivers

• Rocks

• Soil

Answer explanation

Rivers are part of the hydrosphere, which includes all water bodies, while the geosphere consists of solid Earth components like mountains, rocks, and soil. Therefore, rivers are NOT a component of the geosphere.

How does the hydrosphere support life on Earth?

• By providing a solid surface for living beings.

• By supplying water necessary for plants and animals.

• By protecting us from the sun's harmful rays.

• By providing oxygen for breathing.

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere is crucial for life as it supplies water, which is essential for plants and animals to survive. Without water, life on Earth would not be possible.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Emma is conducting an experiment to understand how plants make their food. She wants to know which sphere is directly involved in the process of photosynthesis in plants?

• Atmosphere

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The biosphere encompasses all living organisms, including plants, which perform photosynthesis. This process converts light energy into chemical energy, making the biosphere directly involved in photosynthesis.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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During a science class, Olivia asked her teacher, "What role does the atmosphere play in protecting life on Earth?"

• It provides a habitat for all living beings.

• It supplies water for plants and animals.

• It shields us from harmful solar radiation.

• It provides minerals and nutrients.

Answer explanation

The atmosphere plays a crucial role in shielding life on Earth from harmful solar radiation, such as ultraviolet rays, which can damage living organisms. This protective barrier is essential for sustaining life.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the biosphere and the geosphere?

• The biosphere provides water for the geosphere.

• The geosphere provides a habitat for the biosphere.

• The biosphere protects the geosphere from the sun.

• The geosphere supplies oxygen for the biosphere.

Answer explanation

The geosphere, which includes the Earth's landforms and soil, provides a habitat for the biosphere, where living organisms thrive. This relationship is essential for supporting life on Earth.

During a science class, Sophia asked, "What is the significance of the hydrosphere in the Earth's system?"

• It provides a place for plants to grow.

• It includes all living organisms.

• It contains all the water necessary for life.

• It is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere is crucial as it contains all the water necessary for life, supporting ecosystems and biological processes. Without water, life as we know it would not exist.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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