Chapter 1- Conditions For Life On Earth

Mass-prevents gases from escaping, atmospheric pressure is high enough to prevent liquid from boiling Distance from the sun- not too close or too far to prevent the presence of liquid Speed of rotation- 24 h period reduces temp. extremes Magnetic field- deflects the solar wind and prevents biologically damaging radiation

Involve reactants that are dissolved in water

4°c

The Goldilocks zone

• solvent water: ‘general physiological solvent’ most chem reactions in living organisms take place here • transport within organisms: water is the solvent in blood and sap- transports dissolved gasses, amino acids, mineral nutrients, waste products • Temp control: evaporation of water absorbs heat • Anomalous expansion on freezing: water cooler than 4°c floats- stopping the convection current that would cool the whole body • Aquatic habits • Absorption Of UV radiation:protected living organisms before the ozone layer developed

Carbon dioxide: photosynthesis & the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, & lipids Nitrogen: protein synthesis

Measures the reflectivity of a surface

Oxygen production: first produced by bacteria then algae and then plants Carbon sequestration: photoautotrophs absorb carbon dioxide- prevents temp rises Ozone layer: produced by chem reactions involving oxygen and ultraviolet light in stratosphere Biogeochemical cycles: linked by living organisms- prevents build up of waste Transpiration: plants return water to atmosphere which increased rainfall in other areas

• Lack Of sophisticated equipment • Lack Of data collection in many areas • Lack Of ancient historical data

• Collection Of long term data • Electronic monitoring equipment • Improved carriers for monitoring equipment: helium balloons, satellites

Non-living organisms that can influence where a living organism can live