Between the main features of the biosphere highlights the fact that it shelters all living beings on the planet, from the most microscopic to the most giant.
The biosphere is a relatively thin layer, about 20 kilometers. However, recent studies have shown that there may still be living species that are unknown.
These are microorganisms that develop under conditions previously thought to be unfavorable, and which are evidence that the biosphere is still in the process of being discovered.
The species that make up the terrestrial biosphere are very varied, and interact among them and among other non-living elements of other ecosystems. This interaction allows living things to develop and the biosphere to thrive.
In some cases, man has participated in a negative way in this relationship with other living beings, so that actions have been taken to promote sustainable development.
One of the ways protect the biosphere has been the creation of reserves, which seek to protect the living beings in certain places, and to lay the groundwork for a human participation 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 uncovered a new solar system that groups seven planets with features that could facilitate the generation of life.
However, there is still no official information on the existence of living beings on other planets, which makes the terrestrial biosphere a unique element.
2- Covers up to 6 km above sea level
The biosphere includes within itself all 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. Examples are camelids, specifically llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, mammals that live at heights of up to 5,000 meters.
Foxes and pumas are also able to live on the heights, as they do, for example, in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, located in Argentina, about 4,300 meters high.
Regarding birds, among the most outstanding is the Indian gannet, 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 includes the life that is generated in the marine depths, reason why it reaches to include to the organisms that are to about 7,000 meters of depth.
At this depth live, for example, some crustaceans, bromate fish and eels, which were seen interacting in a moat in New Zealand, 7,200 meters deep.
There is even research indicating that there is extensive microscopic life at depths close to 11 kilometers deep.
Scientists immersed themselves in the Marianas Trench, in the Pacific Ocean, and determined the existence of species capable of living in total darkness, at very cold temperatures and with high pressures.
4- Has diversity of species
The biosphere is home to all life forms on Earth; therefore, it is the scene in which the great diversity of species that exists in the planet coexists.
The biosphere includes microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and also to large organisms, such as the fungus called Armillaria Ostoyae , also known as"honey mushroom", which can have a diameter of up to 4 kilometers.
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 bond that exists between the different living species of the Earth. This is how, for example, microorganisms help to 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 indicative of the importance of the interaction between the beings that make up the biosphere.
6- There is interaction with other ecosystems
Not only does it generate an intimate relationship 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 has no life, but shelters life) because it is vital for different species of living organisms on the planet.
The same happens with the atmosphere, temperature, light and soil.
7- It has about 3.5 trillion years
The biosphere is as old as the first living terrestrial organism known. Studies have determined that the first species that formed the terrestrial biosphere could develop without need of oxygen, billions of years ago.
As a result of the generation of photosynthesis in certain species, oxygen became present and the biosphere varied its characteristics, allowing the emergence of plants and other more complex beings, such as mammals.
8- There are over 500 reservations
The biosphere is very important, since it shelters all existing life 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 Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB).
This program seeks to achieve a harmonious and sustainable relationship between the environment and man, with the intention of protecting the biosphere.
There are now more than 500 biosphere reserves worldwide.
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