Exercises: Characteristics of Earth That Support Life
List three characteristics of Earth that help living things survive. Choose from the following ideas: distance from the Sun, liquid water, and the gases in the…
List three characteristics of Earth that help living things survive. Choose from the following ideas: distance from the Sun, liquid water, and the gases in the atmosphere.
Name the two most abundant gases in Earth's atmosphere. Then tell which one most living things need in order to breathe.
Name the two most abundant gases in Earth's atmosphere. Then tell which one most living things need in order to breathe.
Earth is sometimes said to be in the "habitable zone" around the Sun. In your own words, define what this means, and state what form of water is most important for life.
Earth is sometimes said to be in the "habitable zone" around the Sun. In your own words, define what this means, and state what form of water is most important for life.
Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth, and its surface temperature is about $465\,^\circ\text{C}$. Mars is farther from the Sun, and its average surface temperature is…
Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth, and its surface temperature is about $465\,^\circ\text{C}$. Mars is farther from the Sun, and its average surface temperature is about $-60\,^\circ\text{C}$. Explain why liquid water is common on Earth's surface but not on the surfaces of Venus or Mars.
Mateo says, "The atmosphere does not matter for life. Only sunlight and water do." Give two reasons why Earth's atmosphere is important for living things. Include the…
Mateo says, "The atmosphere does not matter for life. Only sunlight and water do." Give two reasons why Earth's atmosphere is important for living things. Include the role of the ozone layer and of gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide.
Look at this data table. | Planet | Average distance from Sun (million km) | Main gas in atmosphere | Liquid water on surface | |---|---|---|---| | Venus | 108 | Carbon…
Look at this data table.
| Planet | Average distance from Sun (million km) | Main gas in atmosphere | Liquid water on surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 108 | Carbon dioxide | No |
| Earth | 150 | Nitrogen | Yes |
| Mars | 228 | Carbon dioxide (very thin) | No |
(a) How much farther from the Sun is Mars than Earth, in million km? (b) Using the table, name two differences between Earth and the other two planets that help explain why life exists on Earth.
Sofia and Marcus are arguing about which feature matters more for life on Earth: its distance from the Sun or its atmosphere. Sofia says distance is more important.…
Sofia and Marcus are arguing about which feature matters more for life on Earth: its distance from the Sun or its atmosphere. Sofia says distance is more important. Marcus says the atmosphere is more important. Write a short argument that uses evidence from at least two planets (for example, Venus, Mars, or Mercury) to show how the two features work together. State a conclusion about whether either feature alone is enough.
Scientists discover a new planet that orbits a star similar to the Sun. The planet is at nearly the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun, but it has no…
Scientists discover a new planet that orbits a star similar to the Sun. The planet is at nearly the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun, but it has no atmosphere and a very weak gravitational pull. (a) Predict whether liquid water could stay on its surface and explain your reasoning. (b) Describe two ways the surface conditions would differ from Earth's, such as temperature changes between day and night and exposure to harmful radiation. (c) Name one additional piece of evidence scientists would look for before saying the planet could support life.