CHAPTER 3

Change in the biosphere

3.1 THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

The earth has lived for 4.45 billion year and during

that time there have been many changes with human

activity.

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The lithosphere is one of the most changed things

on earth. Tectonic plates move the continents about

2 cm per year.

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Other ways that the lithosphere changes is

weathering and erosion over many years. For

example, the Grand Canyon is the effect of erosion

by the Colorado River

3.1 THE HYDROSPHERE

The hydrosphere is another part of the earth that

is constantly changing. Oceans and seas all around

the world never stay the same.

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The ice age is one of the times when the

hydrosphere has changed dramatically. The earth

was covered with many glaciers that helped form the

present day earth.

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Another change in the hydrosphere is the El Nino.

This is a stretch of warm water that runs along the

coast along the South American coast and it is in

effect for only a few weeks.

3.1 THE ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere also has a series of changes that

happen all year round.

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The atmosphere can change by the rotation of the

axis and also simpler things like volcanic eruptions.

3.2 NEEDS OF ORGANISMS

Organisms have many needs to live and survive in

the environment.

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Water is one of the most important factors in life.

Water is needed for plants and animals to stay

hydrated.

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Another need for life is food and energy. When

animals eat food they obtain certain nutrients that

are needed to live.

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All animals need living space. Their living space is

called territory and it gives animals shelter and

other safe reasons.

3.3 THE ECOSYSTEM

Species- a group of organisms so similar to one so that they can breed.

Habits- specific environment in which a species live in.

Geographical range- total area in which a species can live

Population- all members of a species that live in the same geographic

area

Community- all the different populations that live and interact in the

same area

Ecosystem- includes all communities in an area

Biodiversity- variety of species in an ecosystem