What is the biosphere: layers and characteristics

The biosphere, also known as sphere of lifeis the area of ​​the land where life thrives and that contains the materials that move and move in cycles, always driven by the energy of the sun. The biosphere is the Earth’s Cortality Layer that occupies a greater surface and in which Water, air and floor They interact with each other with the help of energy from the Sun. In other words, the biosphere includes the part of the geosphere composed of living organisms and interacting with each other and with their environment. Therefore, the biosphere is the layer that surrounds the terrestrial globe and that includes in the air, the water (sweet and salty) and the soil.

As we have already indicated, the primary energy source that makes possible the dynamic functioning of the ecosystems that are developed in the biosphere is the sun. This solar energy It is absorbed by algae and plants and transformed into chemical energy during the process of photosynthesis and stored in the form of glucose and starch, which are subsequently consumed by animals and metabolized to obtain energy. This energy is used by animals in their biological processes.

In addition, the biosphere is a layer that has remained stable for millions of years, and this has allowed it to give way to the Evolution of life formsas we know them today. However, given that the biosphere is composed of biological populations and their physical environment, any transforming effect will affect both.

Some of the Main characteristics of the biosphere are:

• It covers everything that is alive or has been alive. Therefore, if something has life is part of the biosphere.
• The biosphere is as old as the first living organism and is estimated to be about 3.5 billion years old.
• It is estimated that this layer extends from 10 km above sea level, to 10 km under the ground and 7 under the oceanic depths.
• Life is only known inside the biosphere.
• Solar energy is its primary energy source.
• The life of the biosphere is interrelated. Thus, if an area is damaged, every living being is being affected.
• Mycorganisms are responsible for decomposing matter to be used by higher organisms.
• The products and waste of certain animals and plants are used by others for food.

The biosphere is subdivided, in turn, in the different Layers of the Earth where there is life. The layers of the biosphere are:

Lithosphere

The lithosphere includes the terrestrial zone of the biosphere. This area provides the support and minerals necessary to sustain life. Bacteria live in this layer to large mammals.

In this other post of ecology, we tell you what the lithosphere is with a simple definition.

Hydrosphere

This is the aquatic part of the biosphere. Unlike others, all its portions are compatible with life. In the aquatic environment almost all taxonomic groups of plants and animals

Atmosphere

This layer extends to 2,000 meters above the earth’s surface. Inhabit the birds and other forms of life. The atmosphere also has a very important role on the configuration of the biosphere, since its lowest regions contain the essential gases for breathing of plants and animals, diverts solar radiation and establishes climatic patterns.

Here you can learn more about the atmosphere and its layers.

The different Biosphere levels or components are:

• Biomes: They are the large ecological areas with their flora and fauna. They are defined by abiotic factors such as climate, geology, vegetation, soils or relief. You can house several ecosystems.
• Ecosystem: It includes all living beings that inhabit a certain area and interact with each other and with the non -living elements. Discover more about what an ecosystem is here.
• Community: group or association of populations that inhabit a geographical area in a given period. Learn more with this other Ecology Verde post on the ecological community: definition and characteristics.
• Population: Group of individuals of the same species that inhabit a geographical area in a certain period of time.
• Body: Individual way of life, such as an animal, a bacterium or a plant.

Really, any place where life develops it’s a Biosphere example. Thus we have the continents, reefs, oceans or even the garden of a house.

Thus, to give a simple example of a part of the Earth’s biosphere, in an ocean we have a perfectly organized biosphere where trophic interactions are established that allow and maintain life and its evolution over time.

The Biosphere function is to provide a favorable environment for all Species of life terrestrial and is important because:

• Provides organic matter.
• Allows life on earth.
• Clean the toxic atmosphere.
• It provides raw material and food.
• It allows to form food chains.
• Provides pharmaceutical compounds.
• It can serve to investigate pollution.

Earth, sea or air are often committed when Human beings exhaust their resources or pollute themreleasing harmful chemicals for the environment. Thus, activities such as the waste of resources, pollution or deforestation contribute to degrade the biosphere or, which is the same, to deteriorate the environment.

Here we explain more about this issue, because we give a simple definition of environmental deterioration, its causes and characteristics.

The Biosphere reserves entities looking for solutions for Biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of areas of coastal or terrestrial ecosystems. These entities have international recognition and are under control of the states to which they belong. Until 2016, there were about 670 biosphere reserves distributed in 120 countries.

Finally, here you can find more information about what biosphere reserves are with examples.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is the biosphere: layers and characteristicswe recommend that you enter our biology category.