biosphere
BY-oh-sfeer
/ˈbaɪoʊsfɪr/
The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships; the zone of life on Earth.
Refers to the ultimate global envelope of life encompassing lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
The story behind the word. Coined by geologist Eduard Suess in 1875 to describe the place on Earth's surface where life dwells, modeled on existing terms like atmosphere and hydrosphere.
Word relationships
- ecosphere: Ecosphere stresses the planetary ecological web, whereas biosphere emphasizes the living layer itself.
Commonly confused with
- atmosphere: Atmosphere is the layer of gases around Earth, while biosphere is the entire global zone where life exists.
Word family
- biospheric (adjective): Relating to the biosphere.
Collocations
- global biosphere
- biosphere reserve
- protect the biosphere
Example sentences
- "Carbon dioxide moves constantly between the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms within the global biosphere." Global ecology
Memory hook
BIO (life) + SPHERE (globe) = the entire sphere of life on Earth. Earth's living skin.
When not to use
Do not use to describe small, local natural sites or isolated forest reserves.
Fun facts
- Biosphere 2 in Arizona was a famous 1990s closed experimental facility built to see if humans could survive in a synthetic mini-world.
Related words
Explore more words
terrestrial, biodiversity, biodiverse, symbiotic, sustainability
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