AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The geosphere includes all the rocks that make up Earth, from the partially melted rock under the crust, to ancient, towering mountains, to grains of sand on a beach. Both the geosphere and hydrosphere provide the habitat for the biosphere, a global ecosystem that encompasses all the living things on Earth.

Detailed explanation-2: -The geosphere includes the rocks and minerals on Earth – from the molten rock and heavy metals in the deep interior of the planet to the sand on beaches and peaks of mountains. The geosphere also includes the abiotic (non-living) parts of soils and the skeletons of animals that may become fossilized over geologic time.

Detailed explanation-3: -Earth has three layers: the crust, the mantle, and the core. The crust is made of solid rocks and minerals.

Detailed explanation-4: -The geosphere has four subcomponents: lithosphere (solid Earth), atmosphere (gaseous envelope), hydrosphere (liquid water), and cryosphere (frozen water) (fig. 2). Each of these subcomponents can be further subdivided into elements: for exam-ple, the oceans are an element of the hydro-sphere.

Detailed explanation-5: -Geo means “earth.” The Earth’s geosphere (sometimes called the lithosphere) is the portion of the earth that includes rocks and minerals. It starts at the ground and extends all the way down to Earth’s core. We rely on the geosphere to provide natural resources and a place to grow food.