EXCERCISES

1 Here are some of the scientific disciplines linked to ecosystem science. Match each of them to the correct definition.
1. Landscape ecology ☐
2. Human ecology ☐
3. Biogeochemistry ☐
4. Aquatic ecology ☐
5. Soil science ☐
6. Hydrology ☐
7. Ecological economics ☐
8. Conservation biology ☐

a. It studies the interdependence of human economies and natural
ecosystems over time and space.
b. It studies the cycles of chemical elements and their interaction with
living things.
c. It studies the interaction between the temporal and spatial aspects of a landscape and the organisms within it.
d. It studies the effects of human activities on the physical environment.
e. It studies the nature and status of the Earth’s biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats and ecosystems.
f. It studies the evolution and biodiversity of aquatic organisms.
g. It studies the soil, its formation and properties.
h. It studies the movement, distribution and quality of water on Earth.

2 answer the questions.
1. What does the term “ecology” mean?
2. What is the difference between environment and ecosystem?
3. How would you define an ecosystem?
4. What are abiotic factors?
5. What are biotic factors?
6. Why is the relationship between these factors important?
7. How many ecosystems are there?
8. What is a biome?

images/60_b.webp
Global biosphere

3 Watch a video about the biosphere and say if the sentences are true or false. correct the false ones.
1. The biosphere supports ecosystems.
☐ T ☐ F
2. The term ‘biosphere’ was coined by Edward Suess in 1775.
☐ T ☐ F
3. Physical geographers say that there are three different spheres.
☐ T ☐ F
4. The lithosphere integrates all living organisms.
☐ T ☐ F
5. Oceans, lakes and rivers are parts of the hydrosphere.
☐ T ☐ F
6. Lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere work independently.
☐ T ☐ F
7. The distance between the Sun and the Earth has no relevance to the biosphere.
☐ T ☐ F
8. The biosphere does not change.
☐ T ☐ F
9. The biosphere may be affected by earthquakes and volcanoes, daily weather and climate.
☐ T ☐ F
10. People and living organisms are affected by different kinds of human activities.
☐ T ☐ F

INSERIRE VIDEO: What is the Biosphere – More grades 9-12 science on the learning Videos channel posted by Harmony Square


GLOSSARY

to imply : implicare
interchangeably : scambievolmente
surroundings : zona circostante