Biosphere
Outline
14.1 BIOSPHERE AND ITS LIMIT
I. Introduction to the Biosphere
A. Definition: The narrow zone of Earth where all life exists.
B. Importance of the biosphere: The presence of land (lithosphere), air (atmosphere), and
water (hydrosphere) in the right mix.
II. Characteristics of the Biosphere
A. Vertical limits of the biosphere:
1. Extends upward into the atmosphere (~10 km).
2. Reaches downward into ocean depths (~10.4 km).
3. Includes Earth's surface (~27,000 ft where life is most abundant).
B. Extremes of life forms:
1. Algae: Thrive in hostile environments like Antarctica.
2. Thermophilic bacteria: Found in deep-sea volcanic vents with temperatures exceeding 300°C.
III. Evolution and Expansion of the Biosphere
A. Early biosphere (700 million years ago):
1. Narrow and discontinuous zone limited to shallow oceans.
B. Gradual evolution:
1. Possible expansion beyond the upper troposphere in the future.
2. Horizontal coverage: Entire globe, though life is restricted in extreme hot and cold regions.
IV. Photosynthesis and Its Role in the Biosphere
A. Narrow band supporting life:
1. Most life forms are confined to regions supporting photosynthesis.
2. Extends from ~180-200 ft below sea level to snowlines of tropical/sub-tropical mountains
(~6,550 m).
B. Beyond these regions:
1. Life forms become highly limited.
V. Key Takeaway
A. The biosphere is a dynamic and evolving zone.
B. Its expansion and boundaries are determined by physical and environmental conditions
essential for life.
14.2 COMPONENTS OF BIOSPHERE
I. Introduction to the Components of the Biosphere
A. Overview of three basic components:
1. Abiotic (physical and inorganic components)
2. Biotic (organic components)
3. Energy components
II. Abiotic Components
A. Definition: Non-living elements essential for life.
B. Key abiotic components:
1. Lithosphere:
- Solid part of Earth’s crust.
- Reservoir of mineral nutrients in soils and sediments.
2. Atmosphere:
- Chief reservoir of essential gases.
3. Hydrosphere:
- Chief reservoir of liquid water (e.g., oceans).
C. Fertile zones for life:
1. Upper layers of soil: Permit gas penetration and moisture percolation.
2. Shallow parts of oceans: Enable sunlight penetration and mixing of dissolved gases and
nutrients.
III. Biotic Components
A. Definition: Living organisms that constitute the biosphere.
B. Three sub-systems:
1. Plants:
- Primary producers (autotrophs).
- Produce organic matter through photosynthesis.
- Cycle and recycle organic matter and nutrients.
2. Animals:
- Primary consumers (heterotrophs).
- Roles:
a. Consume organic matter from plants as food.
b. Transform food into energy.
c. Utilize energy for growth and development.
3. Micro-organi[Link]
- Decomposers (e.g., fungi, bacteria).
- Function:
a. Break down dead plants, animals, and organic matter for food.
b. Separate complex organic matter for reuse by plants.
IV. Energy as a Component
A. Definition: Vital for all biological processes.
B. Role of energy:
1. Supports generation and reproduction of life.
2. Enables organisms to function like machines.
C. Source of energy:
1. Sun as the primary energy source.
2. Essential for biosphere existence.
V. Key Takeaway
A. Interdependence of components: Abiotic, biotic, and energy components interact to sustain
life.
B. Importance of energy and resource cycles in maintaining a functional biosphere.
14.3 Ecology and Ecosystem
Definition of Ecology
Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. Ecologists
recognize that organisms and the environment are interconnected and function systematically.
Organisms can be part of each other’s environment, and they can modify and influence the
environment. This interrelationship is why the term ecosystem, first introduced by A.G. Tansley
in 1935, is used to describe such systems. An ecosystem is a system of regularly interacting
and interdependent components forming a unified whole. Examples range from small
ecosystems like ponds to the largest ecosystem, the biosphere.
The study of ecosystems focuses on two primary aspects:
1. Interaction among components and sub-components.
2. Energy flows within the system, which determines the functioning of biological
communities.
Key Concepts in Ecosystem Study
(a) Flow of Energy in the Ecosystem
Energy flow in an ecosystem involves interactions between biotic and abiotic components.
Energy transfer occurs through trophic levels:
● Trophic Level I: Plants (autotrophs) store energy from the sun.
● Trophic Level II: Herbivores consume plants and gain stored energy.
● Trophic Level III: Carnivores consume herbivores for energy.
● Trophic Level IV: Omnivores consume both plants and animals, deriving energy from all
levels.
This flow results in a food pyramid, where the number of organisms decreases with each
successive trophic level, maintaining the balance of nature.
(b) Food Chain and Food Web
A food chain represents the transfer of energy across trophic levels. It begins with the sun’s
energy supporting plant growth, which is consumed by herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
● Simple food chains are rare; instead, ecosystems often have food webs, where multiple
interconnected food chains exist.
(c) Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical cycles describe the circulation of nutrients through biotic and abiotic
components. They ensure the stability of ecosystems by maintaining the flow and recycling of
elements. Key cycles include:
1. Hydrological Cycle: Driven by solar energy, it involves water evaporation, cloud
formation, precipitation, and groundwater movement. This cycle supplies fresh water to
ecosystems.
2. Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen, essential for life, is exchanged within ecosystems.
Microorganisms play a crucial role by transforming nitrogen into soluble compounds or
converting soil nitrates into nitrogen gas through denitrification.
3. Carbon Cycle: Carbon moves among the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere.
The ocean, a major carbon reservoir, regulates atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
These cycles operate in balance, supporting life on Earth. Disturbances to these systems can
lead to negative consequences for the biosphere.
14.4 Types of Ecosystems
1. Introduction
● Ecosystems can be classified on various bases, with the most common and simple
classification being by habitat.
● Habitats have distinct physical environmental conditions influencing the nature and
characteristics of biotic communities.
● Spatial variations in biotic communities arise due to these conditions.
2. Main Types of Ecosystems
● Terrestrial Ecosystems
○ Covers 29% of the Earth’s surface.
○ Major source of food and raw materials for humans.
○ Greater diversity in plant and animal communities compared to aquatic
ecosystems.
○ Greater tolerance range for land organisms.
○ Water can sometimes act as a limiting factor.
○ Generally more productive than aquatic ecosystems.
○ Subtypes:
■ Upland or mountain ecosystems: Biodiversity decreases with altitude due
to reduced oxygen and atmospheric pressure.
■ Lowland ecosystems: Maximum diversity of life forms.
■ Desert ecosystems: Adapted to minimal water availability.
● Aquatic Ecosystems
○ Covers 71% of Earth’s surface in various forms (oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds).
○ Major divisions:
■ Freshwater: Rivers, lakes, and ponds.
■ Estuarine: Transition zones between rivers and seas; most productive
aquatic ecosystem.
■ Marine: Oceans and seas; shallow continental shelves are more
productive than open oceans.
○ Variations influenced by abiotic factors (light penetration, nutrient availability,
oxygen concentration).
3. Key Factors in Aquatic Ecosystems
● Limiting Factors:
○ Sunlight penetration depth.
○ Availability of nutrients.
○ Dissolved oxygen concentration.
● Productivity:
○ Estuarine ecosystems: Highest productivity among aquatic systems.
○ Open oceans: Least productive despite vast area, analogous to deserts in
terrestrial ecosystems.
4. Adaptability and Diversity in Aquatic Ecosystems
● Life forms adapted to aquatic habitats:
○ Exclusively aquatic: e.g., fishes.
○ Amphibians: e.g., frogs, crocodiles, hippopotamus, aquatic birds.
● Water-specific adaptability:
○ Freshwater-only organisms: e.g., Rohu, Catla fish.
○ Saline-water-only organisms: e.g., Echinoderms, Coelenterates.
○ Organisms adaptable to both freshwater and saline water: e.g., Hilsa fish.
5. Why Variations Exist
● Variations arise due to:
○ Physical environmental differences (e.g., salinity, depth, temperature).
○ Abiotic factors shaping habitat conditions.
○ Biotic factors and community interactions.
14.5 Global Climatic Change
Introduction
● Earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere have maintained a chemical balance for billions of
years.
● Natural mechanisms stabilize and regulate global climate:
○ Plants and animals maintain carbon dioxide balance, acting as a global
thermostat.
○ Water bodies play a key role in climate regulation.
● Human activities (population growth, resource consumption, extravagant lifestyles)
disrupt this balance, accelerating climatic changes.
A. Greenhouse Effects and Global Warming
1. Definition and Causes
○ Gradual atmospheric temperature rise due to human actions.
○ Greenhouse effect explained using the analogy of a physical greenhouse.
○ Greenhouse gases: CO₂, CH₄, NOₓ, CFCs.
2. Sources of Greenhouse Gases
○ CO₂: Fossil fuel combustion, industrial emissions.
○ CH₄: Agriculture (rice paddies, livestock), waste, coal mining.
○ NOₓ: Chemical industries, deforestation.
○ CFCs: Refrigerants, aerosols.
3. Consequences
○ Rising temperatures lead to melting ice caps, sea-level rise, flooding of coastal
areas.
○ Increased cyclones, hurricanes, and flooding from early snowmelt.
○ Shifts in agricultural zones and decreased ocean productivity.
4. Control Measures
○ Reduce fossil fuel consumption.
○ Develop alternative energy sources (hydropower, solar energy, biogas).
○ Regulate industrial emissions and promote afforestation.
○ Encourage sustainable urban practices (e.g., limited driving days).
B. Ozone Layer Depletion
1. Overview
○ Ozone (O₃) is a critical protective layer in the stratosphere.
○ Absorbs ultraviolet radiation, safeguarding life on Earth.
2. Causes
○ Human activities release ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, halons, methyl
chloroform).
○ These chemicals break down ozone into oxygen.
3. Effects
○ Increased UV radiation leads to skin cancer, cataracts, immune suppression,
reduced crop yield, and aquatic food chain disruption.
○ Persistent ozone holes over Antarctica and Arctic regions.
4. Preventive Measures
○ Global initiatives like the Montreal Protocol (1987) and London Conference
(1992).
○ Research and development of CFC substitutes.
C. Acid Rain
1. Definition
○ Deposition of acidic materials from the atmosphere (rain, snow, fog, or dry
particles).
○ Formed from sulfuric and nitric acids resulting from industrial and vehicular
emissions.
2. Measurement
○ Acidity measured on the pH scale (0-14).
○ Acid rain noticeable below a pH of 5.6.
3. Effects
○ Damage to aquatic ecosystems (reduced biodiversity, fish population decline).
○ Negative impacts on forests, soil fertility, and built structures.
4. Key Examples
○ Acidification documented in lakes and streams in Europe and North America
(e.g., Norway, Canada).
Key Takeaway
● Global climatic changes are predominantly human-induced.
● Collective and individual actions, supported by international cooperation, are crucial for
mitigating climate-related issues.
14.6 Sustainable Development
I. Introduction
● Overview of global progress driven by technological advancement and energy
consumption.
● Dependence on technology in agriculture, industry, transport, communication, and
domestic life.
● Ecological concerns arising from rapid consumption and pollution.
● Depletion of natural resources and endangerment of renewable resources.
● Example: Pollution of Yamuna water in Delhi affecting aquatic life and usability.
● The dilemma of development versus environmental sustainability.
II. Historical Background
● Formation of the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development
(UNCED) chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland.
● Publication of the report “Our Common Future”.
● Initial blame game between developed and developing countries.
● Consensus on balancing ecology, economics, and technology.
● Definition of sustainable development: “Meeting the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
III. Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development
1. Reviving Growth
○ Addressing poverty to reduce environmental degradation.
○ Examples: Forest cutting for fuel and desert expansion due to overgrazing.
○ Need for skills, training, and education for sustainable livelihoods.
2. Ensuring a Sustainable Level of Population
○ Managing population growth, especially in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle
East.
○ Impact of population explosion on resources and government services.
3. Meeting Essential Human Needs
○ Importance of food security, adequate housing, clean water, and healthcare.
○ Addressing malnutrition and building immunity to prevent diseases.
4. Changing the Quality of Growth
○ Shift from materialistic and energy-intensive growth to equitable development.
○ Linking economic growth with social development (education, health, sanitation).
5. Conserving and Enhancing the Resource Base
○ Moral responsibility to preserve resources for future generations.
○ Economic need to balance environmental protection with poverty alleviation.
○ Emphasis on finding alternatives to non-renewable resources and low-waste
technologies.
6. Reorienting Technology and Managing Risk
○ Innovation in developing countries and technology transfer from developed
nations.
○ Integration of environmental considerations in technological advancements.
○ Risk management to minimize environmental impacts.
7. Merging Environment and Economics in Decision Making
○ Unifying economics and ecology as complementary disciplines.
○ Incorporation of environmental sustainability in international relations.
IV. Key Takeaway
● Recognition of sustainable development as a shared global responsibility.
● Necessity of balancing growth with ecological preservation for a sustainable future.
● Call to action for collective efforts in achieving sustainability across nations.
What You Have Learnt
I. Introduction
● Earth as the only planet supporting life.
● Definition of the biosphere: the narrow zone of Earth where life exists.
● Factors enabling life: the right mix of land, air, and water.
II. Components of the Biosphere
● Abiotic Components: Examples include soil, air, water.
● Biotic Components: Includes plants, animals, and microorganisms.
● Energy Component: Sun as the primary energy source sustaining the biosphere.
III. Ecology and Ecosystems
● Ecology: Study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
● Ecosystem Definition: A system of interdependent components forming a unified
whole.
● Functional Aspects of Ecosystems:
○ Energy flow.
○ Food chains and pyramids:
■ Sequential energy transfer across trophic levels.
■ Formation of a food pyramid based on successive levels.
○ Diversity patterns (spatial and temporal).
○ Biogeochemical cycles:
■ Cycles include hydrological, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.
○ Evolution and control mechanisms.
IV. Types of Ecosystems
● Terrestrial Ecosystems:
○ Forests, grasslands, deserts, etc.
● Aquatic Ecosystems:
○ Freshwater and marine ecosystems.
● Biosphere as the largest ecosystem:
○ Undisturbed for billions of years.
○ Recent human-induced damages.
V. Environmental Challenges
● Global phenomena caused by human activities:
○ Global warming.
○ Ozone layer depletion.
○ Acid rain.
○ Rising sea levels.
● Irreversible damages threatening the biosphere's balance.
VI. Sustainable Development
● Response to environmental challenges:
○ UN Commission on Environment and Development's report, "Our Common
Future."
○ Definition: "Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising
future generations' ability to meet their own needs."
● Strategies for Sustainable Development:
○ Reviving growth.
○ Meeting essential human needs.
○ Ensuring sustainable population levels.
○ Changing growth quality.
○ Conserving and enhancing resources.
○ Re-orienting technology and managing risks.
○ Integrating environment and economics in decision-making.
VII. Conclusion
● Recap of key learnings:
○ Importance of the biosphere and ecosystems.
○ Human-induced environmental challenges.
○ Necessity and strategies for sustainable development.
○ Understanding ecosystems and biosphere balance is crucial.
○ Human actions must align with principles of sustainable development to ensure a
thriving planet for future generations.
