The Biosphere: Understanding Earth's Systems

Based on the image and text, what is "Biosphere 2" most likely used for?

• A shopping mall

• A scientific experiment to model Earth's biosphere

• A sports arena

• A residential building

Which of the following was NOT one of the aims of the Biosphere 2 experiment?

• Provide data for designing space colonies

• Test systems for recycling waste, producing food, oxygen, and clean water

• Study the migration of birds

• Create a miniature model of Earth's biosphere

Which of the following best describes what ecologists study?

• Only the weather patterns

• Only the chemical composition of soil

• Organisms and their environments on several levels, from individuals to the biosphere

• Only the genetic makeup of organisms

How does understanding ecology help humans?

• It helps us design sustainable economies and adapt to global changes

• It helps us build taller buildings

• It helps us travel faster

• It helps us create new languages

Which of the following is often the first step in asking ecological questions?

• Experimentation

• Modeling

• Observation

• Prediction

What is the main purpose of experimentation in ecological studies?

• To create mathematical models

• To test hypotheses by gathering supporting or rejecting data

• To observe natural environments only

• To make predictions about future events

What is an example of a mix of biotic and abiotic components in the environment?

• Sunlight shining on rocks

• Soil containing nonliving particles and decomposing organic material

• Wind blowing through trees

• Water currents moving fish

Why is it important to model the four interconnected global spheres when studying the biosphere?

• Because each sphere operates independently

• Because the biosphere only includes water

• Because understanding the biosphere requires knowledge of how it interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere

• Because the biosphere is not affected by other spheres

Which of the following is an example of a short-term weather change?

• The average rainfall over 50 years

• A drought lasting a few days

• The formation of mountains

• The extinction of a species

Why can weather be tough to predict?

• Because it is defined by long-term averages

• Because it changes rapidly from day to day or minute to minute

• Because it is controlled by the moon

• Because it never changes