The biosphere interacts with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere in these examples. These interactions illustrate how different Earth subsystems are interconnected and influence one another in the cycle of matter and energy.
In each example, the biosphere is interacting with another subsystem of Earth. Here are the other subsystems involved in each scenario:
1. Marine life adds carbon dioxide to ocean water during respiration:
- The other subsystem involved is the hydrosphere, which refers to the Earth's water bodies such as oceans, seas, and lakes. In this example, marine life interacts with the hydrosphere by adding carbon dioxide to the ocean water through their respiration process.
2. Plants on land release oxygen during photosynthesis:
- The other subsystem involved is the atmosphere, which is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth. In this example, plants interact with the atmosphere by releasing oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
3. Bacteria living underground convert ammonia to nitrates:
- The other subsystem involved is the geosphere, which refers to the solid Earth, including rocks, soil, and landforms. In this example, bacteria living underground interact with the geosphere by converting ammonia (a compound found in the soil) into nitrates.
4. The waste from livestock adds nitrogen to the soil:
- The other subsystem involved is also the geosphere. In this example, the waste from livestock, such as manure, interacts with the geosphere by adding nitrogen to the soil. The nitrogen in the waste becomes available for plants to use as a nutrient.