Earth and Life Science: Characteristics of Earth and Subsystems

Vocabulary flashcards covering the position of Earth in the solar system, its habitability factors such as temperature and water, and its four primary subsystems.

Earth

The 3rd planet from the sun and the 5th largest planet in the solar system, known for being the only one for sure to have liquid water on its surface.

Solar System Planets

The eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Habitable Planet

A planet that has abiotic factors and characteristics that are just right for allowing life to exist.

Temperature Range for Life

The specific range of $-15^{\circ}C$ to $115^{\circ}C$ to which life is limited.

Earth's Temperature

Based on its distance from the sun, the Earth has a temperature of $0^{\circ}C$ to $100^{\circ}C$ which allows life to exist.

Presence of Liquid Water

A vital factor for life on Earth as organisms need it, nutrients must be dissolved in it, and most chemical activities occur within it.

Atmosphere

One of the four subsystems of Earth across whose boundaries matter and energy flow.

Biosphere

One of the four subsystems of Earth that consists of all living organisms.

Lithosphere

The solid outer part of Earth, identified as one of the four subsystems.

Hydrosphere

One of the four subsystems of Earth, encompassing all water found on the planet.

Photosynthesis

A key process mentioned in the context of Earth's biological and physical characteristics.