Lesson 1:

Characteristics of Earth that

Sustain Life
Earth is unique. It is termed as “planet of life” where matter and energy
continue to flow. Most of the cell’s processes requires energy from the
Sun which is the main source of energy. Since Earth is a closed system,
energy flows to all of its living components to continue various life
processes and functions. The different forms of energy also allow the
recycling of matter needed for life. What are the characteristics of Earth
that make life possible? What makes Earth different from the rest of the
planets and other heavenly bodies in the Solar System?

In this lesson, you are tasked to describe the characteristics of Earth that
supports life.
• Earth is unique in our solar system because it has liquid water on
its surface.
• In fact, most of Earth’s surface is about 75 percent and covered
with water. Water is present in the atmosphere, ground, freshwater
lakes, rivers, streams; and even in the polar ice caps. Water is also
found in all living things. Some plants, for example, are as much
as 90–95 percent water by weight. Adult humans are about 60
percent water by weight. Water is important for the many life
functions carried out by cells, tissues, and organs. It helps
dissolve certain nutrients and carry them throughout an organism.
Water is also important for disposing of bodily wastes.
• Scientists sometimes speak of Earth as having “Goldilocks”
conditions—in other words, Earth is “just right” for life as we know
it. Earth’s place in the solar system as the third planet from the Sun,
places it in an area of space, that is not too hot and not too cold. If
the Sun is closer to Earth, liquid water would not be possible on this
planet as all of it would evaporate and life forms will not exist. If it
were a little farther away, it would be colder and liquid water would
always be solid ice. Earth’s temperatures range from about –88˚C to
58˚C. All organisms on the planet are adapted to temperatures within
this range.
• Earth has enough gravitational force to keep most gases close
to its surface. These gases make up the atmosphere. The
planet’s atmosphere is approximately 21% oxygen, a gas
which is produced mostly by plants needed in respiration.
Earth’s atmosphere also traps heat and protects the Earth
from the damaging rays of the Sun. The moon, the only
satellite of Earth also plays important role for life. The
moon’s gravitational pull causes tides. In some instances, the
moon also plays a role in the distribution of life forms, like in
birds for migration and navigation. It also has an effect on the
planet’s polar shifts.
Fill me In.

Directions. Encircle the word within the parenthesis ( ) that best

completes each statement. (20 points)
 Some characteristics of (Earth, Venus) that allow it to sustain life is the
oxygen (rich, poor) atmosphere and (polar ice cap, liquid water, water vapor)
that is located on the surface of the earth. Both oxygen and water are the
(keys, not necessary) to life as we know it. Oxygen is used by (animals, plants)
during aerobic (respiration, fermentation). Oxygen is (essential, not needed)
for animals to adhere to their basic needs. Surface (water, ocean) is also a basic
need for all living things. Water keeps all living things (hydrated, dry) as well as
help control the (climate, weather) which affect each organism’s survival.
Earth is surrounded by a (thin, thick) atmosphere that contains nitrogen,
oxygen, and other (trace, tiny) gases. This atmosphere provides the (air, fumes)
that we breathe. It also helps to (regulate, estimate) the temperature so that
we do not experience extreme (hot or cold, good or bad). Earth’s atmosphere
also contains a layer of (ozone, helium) a molecule consisting of three oxygen
(atoms, molecules) which provides protection from harmful solar (radiation,
eclipse). Finally, threequarters of Earth's surface is covered by (water, oxygen) a
necessary ingredient for life. Earth is the only (planet, heavenly body) in the
solar system that contains liquid water.
Directions: Put a check ( ⁄ ) mark for statements that describes the
uniqueness of Earth. Write your answers in sheet of paper.

__________1. Presence of oxygen in the atmosphere has no effect on

the Earth’s life forms.
__________2. There is a continuous flow of energy within the Earth’s
system.
__________3. Earth’s water is in the form of ice and is readily available
for organisms.
__________4. The energy of the sun drives all life processes on Earth.
__________5. Earth is positioned in the Goldilocks zone.
What makes earth habitable? The following are the factors that make our
planet capable of sustaining varied life forms which thrive in the various
ecosystems. Try to read and understand the factors that make our planet
habitable.

1. Temperature – This will influence how quickly atoms and molecules

move.
• Most living things are limited to a temperature range of minus 15˚C to
115˚C. Given this temperature range, H2O may still exist in liquid
form being crucial to life. Among the other planets, only Earth’s
surface has this temperature range.
2. Water – This matter dissolves and transports materials in and out of
the cell. Only Earth has the right chemical materials like liquid water
that could support life.
Right Atmospheric Conditions - The earth’s atmosphere
is capable of trapping heat and houses the important
atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen
which cause the earth to warm. It shields the surface from
harmful radiation through the ozone layer and Earth has the
right size to hold a sufficient-sized atmosphere. Earth’s
atmosphere is about 100 miles thick.
3. Energy – Living things use light or chemical energy to run
essential life processes. With the availability of sufficient
energy, organisms can perform different metabolic reactions
through the cells. The inner planets such as Earth, get too
much sunlight for life. The outer planets get too little.
4. Right Distance from the Sun – Earth is in the Goldilocks
Zone. A region with the just the right temperature to sustain
life – not too cold not too hot.
5. Strong magnetic field - It shields us from the
electromagnetic radiation coming from the Sun. The magnetic
field deflects the radiation that may destroy the ozone layer.
6. Nutrients – These are materials that build and maintain an
organism’s body. The inner planets including Earth and moons
have the same general chemical components which makes
Figure 3. Earth’s magnetic field nutrients easily available in
the environment.
7. Greenhouse Gases - Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be
frozen, more than 60º F colder. As mentioned above, the atmosphere is
capable of trapping heat because of greenhouse gases. Examples of
greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.

8. It is protected by the plate tectonics from the very hot

temperature of the core – The earth’s Figure 6. Greenhouse gases core
causes the convection currents in the mantle absorbing heat causing the
overlaying lithosphere to move.
• However, the surface is protected from heat from the core by the
lithospheric plates.
QUIZ NO. 1
1. What is a Goldilocks Zone?
2. What conditions need to exist in order for life to survive?
3. What temperature range is good for life?
4. What sort of atmosphere do living things need to survive?
5. Do living things need water to survive? Why?