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The biosphere is defined as the global sum of all ecosystems. It is the zone of life on Earth, a closed system that encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
The concept of the biosphere has evolved over time, with early ideas of biogeography laid by scientists like Alexander von Humboldt in the 19th century, leading to our current understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
The biosphere can be classified into various biomes based on climatic conditions and predominant vegetation:
1. **Tropical Rainforests** - Characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity.
2. **Savannas** - Grasslands with scattered trees, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
3. **Temperate Forests** - Deciduous and coniferous forests found in temperate zones.
4. **Deserts** - Arid regions with scarce vegetation.
5. **Tundra** - Cold, treeless regions found in polar areas.
6. **Aquatic Biomes** - Including freshwater and marine ecosystems.
| Feature | Tropical Rainforest | Desert |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Climate | Hot and humid | Hot and dry |
| Biodiversity | High | Low |
| Vegetation | Dense, multi-layered trees | Scattered shrubs and cacti |
| Soil | Nutrient-poor (leached) | Sandy, nutrient-poor |
These developments show the interconnectedness of human activities and ecological systems, relevant for both current affairs and theoretical understanding in UPSC preparation.
Biosphere - The global sum of all ecosystems, it can also be termed as the zone of life on Earth.
Ecosystem - A biological community interacting with its physical environment.
Biogeochemical Cycles - The cycles through which elements are recycled in the biosphere, including the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles.
Trophic Levels - The levels in a food chain, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.
Primary Producers - Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, primarily green plants.
Consumers - Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on other organisms for nutrition.
Decomposers - Organisms that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.
Biodiversity - The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, crucial for ecosystem stability.
Tropical, Savannah, Temperate, Desert, Tundra, Aquatic = TSTDAA
Cows Never Wait = Carbon, Nitrogen, Water
PCTD = Producers, Consumers, Tertiary, Decomposers