Final answer:
The 'atmosphere' refers to the air that envelops the Earth, consisting of various gases and layers that are essential for sustaining life and influencing weather.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Atmosphere” is a fancy way of saying the air that covers the Earth. So, the correct answer to the question is A) Air.
The atmosphere consists of a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (77%) and oxygen (21%), with trace amounts of argon, helium, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
It plays a vital role in supporting life by providing necessary gases such as oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, in addition to being part of the water cycle. The atmosphere comprises several layers including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and the exosphere, each with unique characteristics and roles in Earth's climate system and weather patterns.