Final answer:
The geosphere is the solid part of Earth and the correct answer to what is perched on the geosphere is trees and rivers. These are integral parts of the geosphere and are affected by human activities such as deforestation, which has environmental consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geosphere refers to the solid part of the Earth, consisting of rock, soil, and minerals. Addressing the question of what two things are perched on the geosphere, the correct answer is d) Trees and rivers. Trees are rooted in the soil, which is part of the geosphere, while rivers lay on top of the surface, carving paths through various landscapes as part of the Earth's hydrologic cycle.
The Earth's crust consists of a number of separate plates whose movements are responsible for creating earthquakes and volcanic activity, exemplified by most mountain ranges, such as the Andes in South America. These geological features, along with the rich vegetation like the Amazon Rainforest, highlight the dynamic interface between the geosphere and the thriving ecosystems it supports. However, human actions such as deforestation can severely impact this balance. Cutting down trees for resources like firewood and building materials, especially at an unsustainable rate, can lead to severe environmental consequences, such as soil erosion, changes in weather patterns, and the loss of habitats.