Terrestrial biosphere

Definition

The terrestrial biosphere refers to the global sum of all ecosystems found on land, where living organisms interact with each other and their environment. It plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle by sequestering carbon through processes like photosynthesis and respiration, impacting climate change and biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The terrestrial biosphere is responsible for absorbing approximately 30% of anthropogenic carbon emissions annually, helping to mitigate climate change.
2. Different ecosystems within the terrestrial biosphere, such as forests, grasslands, and deserts, have varying capacities for carbon storage and release.
3. Deforestation and land-use changes can significantly reduce the ability of the terrestrial biosphere to sequester carbon, exacerbating climate change effects.
4. Soil health is crucial for the terrestrial biosphere as it stores a significant amount of carbon; healthy soils contribute to greater biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
5. Climate change impacts, such as altered precipitation patterns and temperature shifts, can disrupt the balance of the terrestrial biosphere, affecting its ability to function effectively.

Review Questions

• How does the terrestrial biosphere interact with the global carbon cycle?
  • The terrestrial biosphere interacts with the global carbon cycle primarily through processes like photosynthesis and respiration. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it into organic matter while releasing oxygen. This organic matter is then part of food webs and contributes to soil organic carbon when decomposed. The balance between these processes determines whether ecosystems act as carbon sinks or sources, influencing overall atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Evaluate the impact of land-use changes on the health of the terrestrial biosphere and its role in climate regulation.
  • Land-use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, significantly disrupt the health of the terrestrial biosphere. These activities reduce vegetation cover, leading to decreased carbon sequestration capacity. As forests are cut down or converted into agricultural land, not only is carbon stored in trees released back into the atmosphere, but the loss of biodiversity also weakens ecosystem resilience. Consequently, these changes can undermine the biosphere's ability to regulate climate effectively.
• Synthesize how climate change and human activities threaten the functions of the terrestrial biosphere in maintaining ecological balance.
  • Climate change combined with human activities poses a substantial threat to the functions of the terrestrial biosphere. Rising temperatures can alter species distributions and disrupt seasonal cycles critical for growth and reproduction. Simultaneously, human-induced pressures like pollution, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation further exacerbate these effects by reducing biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. As a result, essential services provided by ecosystems—such as carbon sequestration and water regulation—become compromised, ultimately affecting ecological balance and human well-being.

Related terms

photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, storing carbon dioxide in the form of organic compounds.

carbon sequestration:

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in various natural systems, including forests, soil, and oceans, to mitigate climate change.

ecosystem services: The benefits that ecosystems provide to humans, including carbon storage, water purification, and habitat provision, which are vital for maintaining environmental health.