Question

Explain the features on the planet Earth that allows living things to live on the planet.​

Answer 1

• Distance of the Earth from the Sun- The Earth and the Sun are equally important because without the Sun's heat and light, the Earth would be a lifeless ball of ice-coated rocks. It regulates the temperature of water bodies, weather patterns and provides energy to the growth of plants. The distance of the Earth from the Sun makes it a perfect reason for the life because it receives the perfect amount of heat and light to allow life to be created and to support it.
• Light on the Earth- Earth is the only planet that uses the Sun’s light as useful as a source of energy. That energy is used to convert elements, by living things, into a useable form. A plant uses the energy provided by the sun to drive photosynthesis and provide food to grow. As a by-product, oxygen is released which we then use as an energy source of our own.
• The Earth's Atmosphere- It is the layers of gases surrounding the earth that consists of exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere and troposphere. The air content and favourable atmospheric pressure also supported life of most creatures. The less air content of carbon dioxide helps to moderate the Earth's temperature and is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis to produce oxygen.
• The Ozone Layer- It is the Ozone layer that is a part of Earth's atmosphere situated in the stratosphere, which makes protects life on Earth from its potentially harmful effects of shorter wavelength and highly hazardous ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. The Sun emits enormous amounts of heat and light that also consists of ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). Only about 1% of the ultraviolet radiation that the Sun sends to Earth actually reaches the surface. Small amounts of exposure to UV rays are beneficial because they cause the body to produce Vitamin D, which has several health benefits. However, too much exposure to UV rays causes serious issues on our skin and health.

• Climate Conditions- The Earth has a suitable climate for the existence of all forms of life because of moderate amount of carbon dioxide, which is the driving factor for the survival of life forms.
• Water- Water is very important for life because it contains the oxygen needed for life and allows life-providing molecules to move around easily. It continually changes its form through the water cycle.
• Gravitational Pull on Earth- The Sun's gravitational pull keeps our planet orbiting the Sun and the Earth, which holds everything from topography to all forms of life. The force of gravity doesn’t just keep us anchored to the ground, but also affects our biological system. Hence, Earth is the only planet which hosts liquid water on its surface, allowing for a direct transfer of energy from the sun in order for photosynthetic life forms to evolve. It has an unique surface which is neither too hot nor too cold for the occurrence of complex biochemical process.