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biosphere

IPA:

Dictionary definition of biosphere

The part of the Earth that supports life, and includes all living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.
"The biosphere is essential for maintaining the balance of the Earth's ecosystem."

Detailed meaning of biosphere

It encompasses the entire planet, including the land, oceans, atmosphere, and even underground environments. The biosphere is made up of a diverse array of living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These organisms form complex ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, and deserts, that are interconnected and dependent on each other.

The biosphere is a dynamic and ever-changing system, with organisms adapting to new conditions and evolving over time. The biosphere also plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and maintaining the balance of the planet's natural resources. Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, have a significant impact on the biosphere and have led to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems.

In summary, the Biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, including the living organisms, their physical surroundings and the interactions between them. It is the layer of life on Earth and encompasses the entire planet, from the depths of the oceans to the highest peaks of the mountains.

Example sentences containing biosphere

1. The Amazon rainforest is a critical part of Earth's biosphere.
2. Biodiversity within the biosphere is essential for ecosystem health.
3. Ecologists study the intricate web of life in the biosphere.
4. Human activities can disrupt the delicate balance of the biosphere.
5. The biosphere encompasses the oceans, forests, and deserts.
6. A healthy biosphere provides essential ecosystem services.

History and etymology of biosphere

The noun 'biosphere' has its etymological origins in Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words, 'bios,' meaning 'life,' and 'sphaira,' meaning 'sphere' or 'ball.' Together, 'biosphere' refers to the sphere of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. The term was coined in the 19th century to describe the ecological concept that the Earth's surface is a self-regulating system where life thrives, and it is still used today in the context of environmental science and biology to refer to the part of the Earth that supports life. The etymology of 'biosphere' highlights its Greek roots, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life on our planet within a spherical framework.

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Further usage examples of biosphere

1. Conservation efforts aim to protect the biosphere's fragile ecosystems.
2. The biosphere's resilience is a testament to the adaptability of life.
3. The biosphere's biodiversity is a source of wonder and discovery.
4. Overpopulation poses challenges to the biosphere's sustainability.
5. The biosphere's interconnectedness highlights the importance of conservation.
6. Extinction threatens many species within the biosphere.
7. Researchers study the biosphere to understand its complex dynamics.
8. Pollution poses a threat to the biosphere's health.
9. The biosphere's ecosystems provide essential resources for humanity.
10. The biosphere's intricate food webs sustain life on Earth.
11. Understanding the biosphere is crucial for planetary stewardship.
12. The biosphere's beauty and diversity inspire scientists and conservationists alike.
13. The biosphere is the portion of the Earth that supports life.
14. The biosphere is made up of all living organisms and their environment.
15. Biosphere reserves are designated areas for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
16. Human activities have a significant impact on the biosphere.
17. The biosphere is a finite resource and must be protected for future generations.
18. Biosphere expeditions are used to study and research the Earth's ecosystems.
19. The biosphere is a complex network of living and non-living components.
20. Biosphere 2 was a large-scale experiment to study the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
21. The biosphere is constantly changing and evolving.
22. The study of the biosphere is known as biogeography.
23. The biosphere is a fragile and delicate system that requires careful management.