ENVI SCI NOTES 1

What is the earth? EARTH IS THE THIRD PLANET FROM THE SUN AND THE ONLY ASTRONOMICAL OBJECT
KNOWN TO HARBOR LIFE

Earth, often referred to as the "Earth" or "the world," is the third planet from the Sun in our solar
system. It is the only known planet to support life and is the home of a wide variety of organisms,
including humans. Here are some key characteristics and features of Earth:

• Physical Characteristics: Earth has a diverse range of physical features, including continents,
oceans, mountains, valleys, deserts, and more. It is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly
spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator due to its rotation.
• Atmosphere: Earth has a relatively thin atmosphere composed mainly of nitrogen (about 78%)
and oxygen (about 21%), along with trace amounts of other gases. The atmosphere protects the
planet from harmful solar radiation and provides the air we breathe.
• Hydrosphere: Earth's surface is covered by approximately 70% water in the form of oceans, seas,
lakes, rivers, and glaciers. The oceans play a critical role in regulating the planet's climate and
supporting various ecosystems.
• Geological Activity: Earth is geologically active, with tectonic plate movement leading to the
formation of mountains, valleys, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Plate tectonics also
contribute to the continuous renewal of the Earth's crust.
• Life: Earth is the only planet known to harbor life. It is home to an incredible diversity of
organisms, ranging from microscopic bacteria to large mammals. The presence of liquid water
and a suitable atmosphere are essential factors that have enabled life to thrive.
• Ecosystems: Earth's ecosystems encompass a wide range of environments, including forests,
grasslands, deserts, oceans, and freshwater habitats. These ecosystems support various plants,
animals, and microorganisms, forming complex and interconnected webs of life.
• Climate and Weather: The interaction between the Sun's energy, the atmosphere, and the
Earth's surface gives rise to the planet's climate and weather patterns. Earth experiences
seasons due to its axial tilt as it orbits the Sun.
• Moon: Earth has a single natural satellite, the Moon, which orbits around it. The Moon's
gravitational influence causes ocean tides and has had a significant impact on Earth's cultural
and scientific history.
• Human Civilization: Earth is home to billions of humans who have developed advanced
civilizations, cultures, technologies, and societies. Humans have significantly shaped the planet's
landscape and ecosystems through agriculture, industry, and urbanization.

Understanding Earth and its various components is a fundamental area of study in fields such as geology,
meteorology, biology, and environmental science. The study of Earth's history, structure, processes, and
interactions contributes to our understanding of its past, present, and future.
WHAT KEEPS US AND OTHER ORGANISMS ALIVE? EARTH’S LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM CONSISTS OF FOUR
MAIN SPHERICAL SYSTEMS THAT INTERACT WITH ONE ANOTHER.

• Atmosphere: Earth's atmosphere contains oxygen, which is essential for the respiration of many
organisms, including humans. Oxygen is used in cellular processes to generate energy from food.
• Water: Water is a fundamental requirement for life. It serves as a solvent for biochemical
reactions, helps regulate temperature, transports nutrients and waste products within
organisms, and provides habitats for many species.
• Nutrients: Organisms need a variety of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins, and minerals, to maintain proper growth, energy production, and overall health.
• Sunlight: Sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis in plants, algae, and some
bacteria. During photosynthesis, these organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy,
producing oxygen as a byproduct.
• Temperature: Organisms have specific temperature ranges within which they can thrive.
Temperature affects metabolic rates, enzyme activity, and the overall functioning of biological
systems.
• Gravity: Earth's gravitational force holds everything on the planet's surface. Gravity helps
organisms stay anchored to their environments and affects physiological processes.
• Ecosystems: Interactions within ecosystems provide food, shelter, and resources for organisms.
Ecosystems include diverse habitats like forests, oceans, grasslands, and wetlands, each
supporting unique species.
• Reproduction and Genetics: The ability of organisms to reproduce ensures the continuity of their
species. Genetic diversity is crucial for adapting to changing environments and resisting diseases.
• Homeostasis: Organisms have mechanisms to maintain internal stability, known as homeostasis.
This involves regulating factors like temperature, pH, and nutrient levels to ensure proper
functioning.
• Microorganisms: Microorganisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and
symbiotic relationships. Some bacteria help digest food in the digestive tracts of animals, for
instance.
• Predation and Competition: Interactions such as predation and competition shape ecosystems
by controlling population sizes and maintaining ecological balance.
• Adaptation and Evolution: Over time, organisms undergo adaptations and evolutionary changes
that allow them to better survive and reproduce in their specific environments.

These factors collectively contribute to the complex web of life on Earth. The planet's diverse
environments and ecosystems have given rise to a wide variety of organisms, each adapted to its specific
niche. The delicate balance of these factors and interactions is essential for maintaining the health and
sustainability of life on Earth.
Troposphere:

• The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to an
average altitude of about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) depending on location and weather
conditions.
• It contains the air we breathe and is where most of Earth's weather processes occur. This is
where clouds, precipitation, and weather events like thunderstorms take place.
• Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere. This cooling effect
occurs because the ground absorbs solar radiation and heats the air near the surface, causing
warm air to rise and cool as it ascends.
• The troposphere is marked by a transition between the warmer, surface-level air and the cooler
air higher up. This boundary is known as the tropopause.

Stratosphere:

• The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere, extending from the tropopause to an
altitude of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the surface.
• One of the most notable features of the stratosphere is the presence of the ozone layer, which
absorbs and protects against a significant portion of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The ozone layer is primarily located within the lower portion of the stratosphere.
• Unlike the troposphere, temperature in the stratosphere generally increases with altitude. This
warming effect is due to the absorption of solar UV radiation by ozone molecules.
• The stratosphere is relatively stable and lacks the vertical mixing that characterizes the
troposphere. This stability is one reason why commercial aircraft often fly at cruising altitudes
within the stratosphere.

In summary, the troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface and is where weather
processes occur, while the stratosphere lies above the troposphere and contains the ozone layer that
absorbs UV radiation. The temperature profiles in these two layers differ, with the troposphere
generally cooling with altitude and the stratosphere warming with altitude. These atmospheric layers
interact and play critical roles in shaping Earth's climate, weather, and overall environmental
conditions.

BIOSPHERE

• The biosphere refers to the zone of Earth where life exists. It encompasses all living organisms
and their interactions with each other and with their environment. The biosphere is a dynamic
and interconnected system that includes ecosystems, habitats, and the various forms of life that
inhabit them. It is the sum of all ecosystems on Earth and spans the land, oceans, and the lower
part of the atmosphere.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT SUSTAIN THE EARTH’S LIFE?

• Sunlight: Solar energy from the Sun is the primary source of energy that fuels life on Earth. It
powers photosynthesis in plants, algae, and some bacteria, which produces oxygen and organic
compounds that serve as the basis of food chains.
• Water: Water is essential for all life forms. It supports biochemical reactions, serves as a solvent
for nutrients and waste products, regulates temperature, and provides habitats for aquatic
organisms.
• Atmosphere: Earth's atmosphere contains oxygen, which is crucial for the respiration of many
organisms, including humans. The atmosphere also protects the planet from harmful solar
radiation and stabilizes temperatures.
• Climate and Weather: The Earth's climate and weather patterns play a significant role in shaping
ecosystems and influencing the distribution of species. Stable climate conditions enable
organisms to adapt and thrive.
• Nutrients: Various elements and compounds, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and
minerals, are essential for the growth and development of living organisms. Nutrient cycling
ensures that these elements are available for use.
• Biodiversity: The incredible diversity of species and ecosystems contributes to ecosystem
resilience and stability. Biodiversity supports functions such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and
disease regulation.
• Ecosystems: Ecosystems provide habitats, food sources, and resources for various organisms.
They also regulate natural processes, such as water purification and carbon sequestration.
• Ozone Layer: The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs and protects against harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. This protection is critical for preventing damage to DNA
and other biological molecules.
• Gravity: Earth's gravitational force holds everything on its surface, allowing for the cycling of
nutrients and the maintenance of a stable environment.
• Evolution and Adaptation: Through the process of evolution, organisms have developed
adaptations that enable them to survive and reproduce in their specific environments.
Adaptation ensures that life can persist in various conditions.
• Carbon Cycle: The carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere,
oceans, soil, and living organisms. This cycle helps regulate the planet's climate by influencing
the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• Water Cycle: The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water through the
atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. It ensures the availability of fresh water for
plants, animals, and humans.
• Natural Cycles and Processes: Natural processes, such as erosion, volcanic activity, and plate
tectonics, contribute to shaping Earth's surface and creating diverse landscapes that support life.
• Regulation and Homeostasis: Organisms and ecosystems have mechanisms to maintain internal
stability and balance, known as homeostasis. This ensures that physiological processes function
optimally.

These factors are interdependent and create a complex web of interactions that sustain life on Earth. The
intricate balance among these factors is crucial for maintaining the health, diversity, and functionality of
ecosystems and the overall biosphere.
ECOLOGY

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between living organisms and their environment. It
encompasses the relationships between organisms and their surroundings, as well as the patterns,
processes, and dynamics that shape ecosystems, communities, populations, and individual organisms.
Ecology seeks to understand how organisms adapt to their environments, how they interact with each
other, and how they collectively influence and are influenced by their surroundings.

BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC

Biotic and abiotic factors are two categories that encompass the components of an ecosystem. Biotic
factors refer to living organisms and their interactions, while abiotic factors encompass non-living
physical and chemical elements of the environment. Here are examples of both biotic and abiotic
factors:

Biotic Factors (Living Organisms):

Plants: Trees, grasses, flowers, shrubs, and other vegetation.

Animals: Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other organisms.

Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa that play essential roles in nutrient cycling and
decomposition.

Herbivores: Animals that feed on plants, such as deer, cows, and rabbits.

Carnivores: Predatory animals that consume other animals, such as lions, wolves, and hawks.

Omnivores: Organisms that consume both plants and animals, such as humans, bears, and raccoons.

Detritivores: Decomposers that break down dead organic matter, including earthworms, fungi, and
certain insects.

Parasites: Organisms that live on or within another organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense,
like ticks and tapeworms.

Abiotic Factors (Non-Living Elements):

Sunlight: Solar energy is essential for photosynthesis, which drives ecosystems by providing energy for
plants and other producers.

Temperature: The average temperature and temperature fluctuations influence the metabolic rates and
behaviors of organisms.

Water: Availability of water affects plant growth, animal hydration, and the functioning of aquatic
ecosystems.

Soil: The composition of soil, including its texture, nutrients, and pH, affects plant growth and supports
various organisms.
Air: The composition of gases in the atmosphere, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, is vital
for respiration and photosynthesis.

Minerals: Essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are crucial for plant growth
and ecosystem health.

Topography: The physical features of the land, including mountains, valleys, and slopes, influence water
flow, erosion, and habitat distribution.

Climate: Climate factors, including precipitation, humidity, wind patterns, and seasonal variations,
influence the distribution of organisms.

Ecosystems are the result of complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors. The health and
functioning of ecosystems depend on the balance and interactions between these living and non-living
components.

WHAT ARE THE LIVING COMPONENTS OF ECOSYSTEM?

The living components of an ecosystem, often referred to as biotic factors, encompass all the living
organisms that interact within a specific environment. These organisms play essential roles in energy
flow, nutrient cycling, and the overall functioning of the ecosystem. The living components include a
wide range of organisms, from microscopic bacteria to large animals. Here are examples of the living
components within ecosystems:

Producers: Producers, also known as autotrophs, are organisms that can produce their own food through
photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain and provide energy for other
organisms. Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Consumers: Consumers are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. They can
be classified into different categories based on their feeding habits:

Herbivores: Animals that eat plants, such as rabbits, deer, and cows.

Carnivores: Predatory animals that consume other animals, such as lions, wolves, and eagles.

Omnivores: Organisms that consume both plants and animals, such as humans, bears, and raccoons.

Detritivores: Decomposers that feed on dead organic matter, including earthworms, beetles, and fungi.

Scavengers: Animals that consume dead animals or decaying organic matter, such as vultures and certain
insects.

Decomposers: Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter, recycling
nutrients, and returning them to the ecosystem. Examples include fungi, bacteria, and certain insects.
Predators: Predators are animals that hunt and consume other animals for food. They help regulate prey
populations and maintain ecosystem balance. Examples include lions, hawks, and spiders.

Prey: Prey organisms are hunted and consumed by predators. Their interactions with predators influence
population dynamics and predator-prey relationships.

Parasites: Parasites are organisms that live on or within another organism (the host) and obtain nutrients
from it. Examples include ticks, tapeworms, and fleas.

Mutualists: Mutualistic organisms engage in mutually beneficial interactions. They rely on each other for
resources or services. Examples include bees and flowers, where bees obtain nectar while aiding in
pollination.

Symbionts: Symbiotic relationships involve organisms living in close association, often to the benefit of at
least one of the organisms. Lichens, which consist of fungi and algae, are an example of a symbiotic
relationship.

Keystone Species: Some species, known as keystone species, have a disproportionate impact on the
ecosystem relative to their abundance. Their presence can influence the structure and function of the
entire ecosystem.

Niche Specialists: Niche specialists are organisms adapted to specific environmental conditions and
resources. They play unique roles in the ecosystem based on their specialized adaptations.

These living components interact in complex ways within ecosystems, contributing to energy transfer,
nutrient cycling, and the overall stability of the environment. Each organism's role contributes to the
ecosystem's balance and resilience.