THE 8 MOST OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIOSPHERE - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

Among the main characteristics of the biosphere, the fact that it is home to all living beings on the planet, from the most microscopic to the most gigantic, stands out.

The biosphere is a relatively thin layer, about 20 kilometers long. However, recent studies have shown that there may still be living species that are unknown.

These are microorganisms that thrive in conditions that were previously thought to be unfavorable, and are proof that the biosphere is still in the process of discovery.

The species that make up the terrestrial biosphere are very varied, and interact with each other and with other non-living elements of other ecosystems. This interaction allows living things to develop and the biosphere to prosper.

In some cases, man has participated negatively in this relationship with other living beings, so actions have been carried out that seek to promote sustainable development.

One of the ways to protect the biosphere has been the creation of reserves, which seek to protect the beings that live in certain places, and lay the foundations for human participation that is respectful and harmonious with the environment.

The 8 most outstanding characteristics of the biosphere

1- It is unique in the known universe

So far, no life has been found on other planets in the known universe. This makes the Earth's biosphere the only one capable of generating and harboring life.

Recent research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has discovered a new solar system that groups seven planets with characteristics that could facilitate the generation of life.

However, there is still no official information on the existence of living beings on other planets, an aspect that makes the terrestrial biosphere a unique element.

2- Covers up to 6 km above sea level

The biosphere includes within itself every space that harbors life. Therefore, the biosphere extends up to 6 kilometers above sea level.

There are several animals that live and develop in the heights. An example of this are camelids, specifically llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, mammals that live at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters.

Foxes and pumas are also capable of living in the heights, as they do, for example, in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, located in Argentina, at about 4,300 meters high.

Regarding the birds, among the most outstanding is the Indian goose, which is capable of rising to 9,100 meters in height. Black swans reach 8,000 meters, and hawks, vultures and eagles reach over 7,000 meters.

3- Covers up to 7,000 meters deep

The biosphere also encompasses life that is generated in the deep sea, so it even includes organisms that are found at a depth of 7,000 meters.

In this depth live, for example, some crustaceans, brotula fish and eels, which were seen interacting in a trench in New Zealand, at 7,200 meters deep.

There is even research that indicates that there is extensive microscopic life at depths close to 11 kilometers deep.

Scientists dived into the Mariana Trench, in the Pacific Ocean, and determined the existence of species capable of living in total darkness, at very cold temperatures and with high pressure.

4- It has a diversity of species

The biosphere houses all the life forms that exist on Earth; therefore, it is the scenario in which the great diversity of species that exists on the planet coexist.

The biosphere includes microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and also large organisms, such as the fungus called Armillaria Ostoyae, also known as “honey fungus”, which can be up to 4 kilometers in diameter.

5- There is interaction between living beings

Since all the living beings that exist on the planet are found in the biosphere, this is also the space for the interaction between these beings.

Life develops thanks to the link that exists between the different living species on Earth. This is how, for example, microorganisms help generate nutrients so that soils are more fertile and more plants can be grown.

On the other hand, flowers are the platform for pollination, which allows the fertilization of plants and, as a consequence, the protection of biodiversity.

These cases are an example of the importance of the interaction between the beings that make up the biosphere.

6- There is interaction with other ecosystems

Not only is an intimate relationship generated between living beings that are part of the biosphere. These living beings are also intimately linked with non-living beings that make up other ecosystems.

Water, for example, is an abiotic element (which does not have life, but houses life) because it is vital for different species of living organisms on the planet.

The same is true of the atmosphere, temperature, light, and soil.

7- It is about 3.5 billion years old

The biosphere is as old as the first known living terrestrial organism. Studies have determined that the first species that made up the terrestrial biosphere could develop without the need for oxygen, billions of years ago.

As a result of the generation of photosynthesis in certain species, oxygen was present and the biosphere changed its characteristics, allowing the emergence of plants and other more complex beings, such as mammals.

8- There are more than 500 reservations

The biosphere is very important, since it houses all the life that exists on the planet. This importance has led societies to recognize the great value of this ecosystem and to seek ways to protect it.

Thanks to this need for protection, in the 1970s the United Nations approved the Program on Man and the Biosphere (MAB).

Through this program it is sought to achieve a harmonious and sustainable relationship between the environment and man, with the intention of protecting the biosphere.

There are currently more than 500 biosphere reserves around the planet.

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