Understanding of the Biosphere, These are the Factors That Influence It

InfoKekinian.com – When talking about biogeochemistry, of course we will come across the word biosphere. But do you actually know the meaning of the biosphere itself? Or maybe this is the first time you've heard of it?

Earth is home to all living thingswhether plant, animal or human. Many studies have attempted to understand the variables that make Earth the most comfortable place to live.

Therefore, there are many disciplines that investigate mundane phenomena, including geography. Geography is the study of the surface of a planet, be it climate, surface or population.

The biosphere is one of the objects studied by geography. The term biosphere is certainly familiar to some people.

The biosphere is a component of the earth and even contributes to its habitability through living organisms.

The study of the biosphere is often mentioned in earth-related educational subjects.

In fact, BMKG often use the term biosphere in conveying information to the public.

So, what is the meaning of the biosphere and what are the characteristics and factors that influence it? Watch this article to the end.

What Is the Biosphere?

Before getting to know the meaning of the biosphere, you must first know the word biosphere comes from.

Where the word biosphere comes from two words, namely bios which means life and sphere which means layer.

Meanwhile, etymologically, the biosphere is the layer containing living organisms or the entire space inhabited by living organisms.

This layer consists of land, water and air that support life and biotic processes.

The biosphere is the site of the global ecological system that incorporates all living things, including the interdependent interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, anthroposphere and Earth's atmosphere.

However, the biosphere is concerned only with the habitats of plant and animal species that live on land and water. The biosphere is the smallest layer of the earth compared to the other layers.

The biosphere layer is about 900m thick and it is this biosphere layer that is the place for the life of complex organisms.

Biosphere function

As previously mentioned, the biosphere is the layer of the earth that can support life. Which contains soil, water, and also air to sustain the life of living things.

This shows that the biosphere provides many advantages for the survival of living things.

Among the benefits that are a direct function of the biosphere itself are the following:

1. Food Source

As a vessel for life, the biosphere naturally functions to sustain life itself. The biosphere provides food for all life forms.

It has many species of plants and animals, some of which are edible by humans. Without plants and animals, humans would not be able to survive.

2. Research and Education Facilities

The biosphere also serves as a research and educational function. This biosphere study material will instill a sense of respect for nature in future generations.

Thus, future generations will still be able to feel and appreciate this earth.

3. Recreation

Another advantage of the biosphere is that it provides a way to relieve fatigue through recreation. By building a wildlife sanctuary, for example.

The location is intended to protect the original habitat of endangered flora and fauna.

With this wildlife reserve, humans can continue to enjoy its beauty, but they will not lose their home.

Komodo Island is one of the nature reserves in Indonesia. In addition, visitors to wildlife and nature reserves will be allowed to participate in informative tours.

Because they get new information about various types of wild plants and animals that once existed on Earth. Of course this will certainly be entertaining and informative.

Types of Biosphere

Considering the biosphere as the most complex layer, here are 3 types of biosphere:

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the highest layer of the earth and serves as a shield against large celestial bodies and stars.

It is through this layer that is known as the ozone, which plays an important role in sustaining life on Earth.

lithosphere

Understanding the lithosphere in a nutshell is the organization of biosphere rocks with different qualities based on their depth.

According to his research, the lithosphere could consist of dry magma or volcanic eruptions.

Hydrosphere

Hydrology is the arrangement of water in the biosphere, both in rivers, seas and oceans. Examination of the hydrosphere is particularly important given that it comprises more than 705% of the majority of Earth's mass.

From the previous list of types of biosphere, it can be seen that the third phrase is known as the biocycle or environment, indicating that this environment contains a number of soil and water components.

These biocycles are then separated into biomes, which are the smaller elements.

In biology and geography, a biome is defined as the characteristics of plants and animals that live within a certain definition based on climate and habitat, so that they are interdependent.

Factors Affecting the Biosphere

This biosphere is directly related to the unequal distribution of plants and other life forms on earth. Here are some factors that influence it:

1. Abiotic

The following is an explanation of the abiotic elements that affect the biosphere:

climatic

Climatic or climate that affects the biosphere can be observed through environmental temperature, according to the habitat of animals or plants that are relevant in this case.

For example, animals that inhabit arid plains will not be compatible with the conditions of tropical fauna in tropical regions such as Indonesia.

Edafik

This edaphic component contributes to a greater understanding of the influence of soil on the presence of plants and fauna in the biosphere.

This is due to the fact that few living organisms are capable of inhabiting soils with steep slopes.

When biosphere organisms inhabit the soil environment with a uniform distribution, then the conditions are different.

Physiography

What is meant by physiography is the altitude and landscape conditions that give a significant influence on the flora and fauna of the biosphere.

This theory is identical to explanation number two for turbulence in the abiotic biosphere.

2. Biotics

The second element affecting the biosphere is biotic, which has a major impact on the distribution of flora and fauna on Earth. The following are the types of biosphere that are included in the biotic factor:

Man

Humans are the most ideal living beings because they are endowed with reason. In their souls, humans can cultivate many species of flora and fauna and manage it as a business or hobby.

This effect can cause damage to endemic flora and fauna. Because it would be quite challenging and hard to tell the difference.

Therefore, anyone who threatens the growth of the ecosystem and its current balance will face adequate punishment and international ostracism.

Characteristics of the Biosphere

As previously stated, the biosphere is a habitat for plants and fauna. This biosphere study will later be related to wild plants and animals.

Therefore, this explanation will provide the characteristics of the biosphere associated with both of these.

The quality of the biosphere is classified into two categories, namely characteristics of flora and characteristics of animals. Here is the explanation:

1. Fauna Characteristics

Here are some types of fauna or animal characteristics:

Meadow

Herbivores dominate the prairie fauna. In addition to the presence of greenery, this area also has additional vegetation.

Grassland areas contain many sources of water sufficient for life. Thus making grass a readily available food source for local wildlife.

In addition to herbivorous species, carnivorous animals often roam the prairies. It is these creatures, which include lions, tigers, leopards, and others, that serve to control herbivore numbers.

And this whole thing can complete the food chain.

Desert

In this region, the air is very hot and there are no water sources. This region certainly feels arid and subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature. In fact, the temperature is extreme both during the day and at night.

Typically, the desert fauna consists of creatures that thrive in hot environments. Such as insects, lizards, scorpions, desert snakes and camels.

As you know, the desert itself is a hot and waterless area. This is the reason why there are only a few fauna in this dry region.

tundra

Ice and snow cover the tundra, which makes it a cold region due to its snow-covered surface. This location is the exact opposite of the desert area.

As a rule, the flora and fauna that inhabit this region are cold resistant. These creatures have thick fur and warm blood. Examples of tundra animals are polar bears and penguins.

Tropical rain forest

Herbivores are the dominant fauna in this region. However, there may also have been omnivores, and carnivores that inhabited this region.

There is penetration of sunlight throughout the year in this region. In addition, rainfall is sufficient for many plant food sources to survive.

taiga

Migratory birds inhabit the taiga region, where birds usually migrate when autumn arrives in their home area.

Polar Regions

The characteristics of the polar regions are almost identical to those of the tundra, where all surfaces are covered with snow. However, this arctic zone is much harsher for animal life.

Having thick fur is of course very important for the survival of animals in this environment.

2. Flora Characteristics

Here are some types of flora or plant characteristics:

Tropical rain forest

In tropical rainforests, relatively heavy rainfall is the most prominent characteristic.

Under these conditions, the sun also shines all year round. The height of the trees in this area ranges from 20 to 40 meters.

Tropical Season Forest

During the dry season, the abundance of deciduous trees is usually the most visible characteristic of the region.

Temperate Climate Forest

Temperate rain forests have additional features, such as their very tall vegetation. However, there are fewer tree populations than in tropical forests.

Pine trees are an example of vegetation that lives in this area. And from the Pacific coast of North America to the Washington region, temperate forests can be found.

Deciduous Forest

The trees in the deciduous forest were sturdy and towering. So usually, have wider leaves.

This area is rather dry compared to other forests. However, the quantity of available water remains considerable, although less than in tropical rainforests.

FAQs

Here we have summarized some frequently asked questions:

What Caused the Formation of the Biosphere?

The beginning of the formation of the biosphere due to the cooling of the earth's globe approximately to 2.25 billion years ago.

Why is the Biosphere Layer Only on Planet Earth?

Because the earth is the only planet that can support the survival of living things.

Conclusion

That's a little information about the meaning of the biosphere that you need to know, complete with the factors that influence it.

And it can be concluded that the biosphere is the outer part of the earth which includes land, water and air for the survival of life.