Question

Which of the following about the biosphere is true?
a.
It only interacts with the atmosphere.
b.
It includes oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater
c.
It can be considered a global ecosystem.
d.
It includes the core, mantle, and crust.

Answer 1

Correct answers: b and c.

- b is true: the biosphere includes all places where life exists, including oceans, lakes, rivers and groundwater (as well as soils and surface layers of the crust).
- c is true: the biosphere can be considered a global ecosystem — the sum of all ecosystems on Earth.
- a is false: the biosphere interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, not only the atmosphere.
- d is false: the biosphere does not include Earth's deep interior (core and mantle); it’s confined to surface and near-surface zones where life occurs.