Earth Science

Quarter 1 – Module 1.2

Characteristics of the Earth and Its Subsystems

OVERVIEW
This module describes the characteristics of Earth that are necessary to
support life, particularly the essential components of this planet that drives all living
things (biotic components) such as plants, animals and microorganisms to exist. It
also emphasizes on the different subsystems (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere,
and biosphere) that make up the Earth and how these systems interact and affect
the planet Earth that we live in today.

This module will aid you in understanding the key concepts on topics that will
help you answer the questions related to our very own planet Earth.

This module has two (2) lessons:

 Lesson 1- Characteristics of Earth that are Necessary to Support Life
 Lesson 2- The Four Subsystems that Make Up the Earth

OBJECTIVES
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. describe the characteristics of Earth that are necessary to support life and
2. explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries
matter and energy flow
 What I Know

ACTIVITY 1
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: _________________
Directions: Read carefully each item and encircle the letter of the correct answer.

__1. Which of the following describes a habitable Earth?

A. has a weak magnetic field
B. right distance from the Sun
C. dominant presence of solid ice
D. presence of oxygen in the hydrosphere
__2. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why the hydrosphere is important?
A. It sustains various life forms
B. It helps in regulating the atmosphere
C. It plays an important role in ecosystems
D. It plays a major role in the movement of tectonic plates
__3. Which of the following is NOT a correct description of oxygen gas (O2)?
A. use by animals for respiration
B. taken in by plants for photosynthesis
C. converted to carbon dioxide during respiration
D. a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas essential to living organisms
__4. Which of the following describes a Goldilocks Zone?
A. a zone composed mainly of frozen water
B. a region where life is impossible to exists
C. a zone composed only of rocks and other celestial debris
D. an area where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold
__5. Which of the following is an important characteristic of earth in sustaining life?
A. Earths’ position beyond the Goldilocks Zone
B. The atmosphere that blocks the rays of the sun from reaching Earth
C. The abundant nitrogen in the atmosphere made life possible on Earth
D. The presence of liquid water which plays a vital role for cell’s metabolism
__6. Which of the following is the reason for the importance of Earth’s subsystems?
A. The subsystem influence Earth’s encounter with space objects.
B. The subsystems solely determine the survival of different organisms
C. The subsystems contribute scarcely in flow of matter and energy
D. The subsystems influence the climate, geological processes, and life on Earth.
__7. Why is the ozone layer important in sustaining life on earth?
A. It is where Earth satellites orbit and auroras show.
B. It influences hydro-meteorological phenomenon such as storms.
C. It shields the Earth the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and keeps the planet warm.
D. It is where celestial objects get burned and disintegrated upon entering Earth.
__8. Which subsystem helps regulate the temperature of the Earth so we do not experience
too much hotness or coldness.
A. Biosphere B. Lithosphere C. Atmosphere D. Hydrosphere
__9. Which subsystem do bodies of water surround the Earth a part of?
A. Hydrosphere B. Geosphere C. Biosphere D. Atmosphere

__10. In which subsystem are gases such as oxygen gas, water vapor, and nitrogen gas
found?
A. Hydrosphere B. Geosphere C. Biosphere D. Atmosphere
 Characteristics of Earth that
Lesson Sustain Life
1

What I Need to Know

Earth is unique. It is termed as “planet of life” where matter and energy continue
to flow. Most of the cell’s processes requires energy from the Sun which is the main
source of energy. Since Earth is a closed system, energy flows to all of its living
components to continue various life processes and functions. The different forms of
energy also allow the recycling of matter needed for life. What are the characteristics of
Earth that make life possible? What makes Earth different from the rest of the planets
and other heavenly bodies in the Solar System?
In this lesson, you are tasked to describe the characteristics of Earth that
supports life.

a. b

Figure 1a. Planet earth Figure 1b. Living things thriving on earth

Take a look at the pictures. Reflect on it. What do you see? Can you describe
Earth’s characteristics through these illustrations?
 Guess What?

ACTIVITY 2
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: _________________

Directions: The picture in each item depicts a certain characteristic of Earth as a planet
of life. Fill in the missing letters to form the words or phrases implied. Analyze each
picture and given clue letters to answer this activity.

1. L __ __ U __ __ W __ T __ __

2. P__ __ S __ __ __ E of __ X__G __ N

3. D __ S __ __N __ E of E __R T __ from the __ U N

 4. I __ F __ U __ N __ E of M __ O __ on E _RT __

5. E __ R__ H’S A T __ O __ P H __ R __

What Is It

Earth is unique in our solar system because it has liquid water on its surface. In
fact, most of Earth’s surface is about 75 percent and covered with water. Water is
present in the atmosphere, ground, freshwater lakes, rivers, streams; and even in the
polar ice caps. Water is also found in all living things. Some plants, for example, are as
much as 90–95 percent water by weight. Adult humans are about 60 percent water by
weight. Water is important for the many life functions carried out by cells, tissues, and
organs. It helps dissolve certain nutrients and carry them throughout an organism.
Water is also important for disposing of bodily wastes.
Scientists sometimes speak of Earth as having “Goldilocks” conditions—in other
words, Earth is “just right” for life as we know it. Earth’s place in the solar system as the
third planet from the Sun, places it in an area of space, that is not too hot and
not too cold. If the Sun is closer to Earth, liquid water would not be possible on this
planet as all of it would evaporate and life forms will not exist. If it were a little farther
away, it would be colder and liquid water would always be solid ice. Earth’s
temperatures range from about –88˚C to 58˚C. All organisms on the planet are adapted
to temperatures within this range.
 Earth has enough gravitational force to keep most gases close to its surface.
These gases make up the atmosphere. The planet’s atmosphere is approximately 21%
oxygen, a gas which is produced mostly by plants needed in respiration. Earth’s
atmosphere also traps heat and protects the Earth from the damaging rays of the Sun.

The moon, the only satellite of Earth also plays important role for life. The moon’s
gravitational pull causes tides. In some instances, the moon also plays a role in the
distribution of life forms, like in birds for migration and navigation. It also has an effect
on the planet’s polar shifts.

ACTIVITY 3

What’s More
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ______________
A. Fill me In.
Directions. Encircle the word within the parenthesis that best completes each
statement. (20 points)

Some characteristics of (Earth, Venus) that allow it to sustain life is the oxygen
(rich, poor) atmosphere and (polar ice cap, liquid water, water vapor) that is located
on the surface of the earth. Both oxygen and water are the (keys, not necessary) to
life as we know it. Oxygen is used by (animals, plants) during aerobic (respiration,
fermentation). Oxygen is (essential, not needed) for animals to adhere to their basic
needs. Surface (water, ocean) is also a basic need for all living things. Water keeps all
living things (hydrated, dry) as well as help control the (climate, weather) which affect
each organism’s survival.

Earth is surrounded by a (thin, thick) atmosphere that contains nitrogen,

oxygen, and other (trace, tiny) gases. This atmosphere provides the (air, fumes) that
we breathe. It also helps to (regulate, estimate) the temperature so that we do not
experience extreme (hot or cold, good or bad). Earth’s atmosphere also contains a
layer of (ozone, helium) a molecule consisting of three oxygen (atoms, molecules)
which provides protection from harmful solar (radiation, eclipse). Finally, three-
quarters of Earth's surface is covered by (water, oxygen) a necessary ingredient for
life. Earth is the only (planet, heavenly body) in the solar system that contains liquid
water.
B.
Directions: Put a check ( ⁄ ) mark for statements that describes the uniqueness of
Earth.

__________1. Presence of oxygen in the atmosphere has no effect on the Earth’s

life forms.

__________2. There is a continuous flow of energy within the Earth’s system.

__________3. Earth’s water is in the form of ice and is readily available for
organisms.

__________4. The energy of the sun drives all life processes on Earth.

__________5. Earth is positioned in the Goldilocks zone.

What Is It

What makes earth habitable? The following are the factors that make our planet
capable of sustaining varied life forms which thrive in the various ecosystems. Try to
read and understand the factors that make our planet habitable.

1. Temperature – This will influence how quickly atoms and molecules move. Most
living things are limited to a temperature range of minus 15˚C to 115˚C. Given
this temperature range, H2O may still exist in liquid form being crucial to life.
Among the other planets, only Earth’s surface has this temperature range.
2. Water – This matter dissolves and transports materials in and out of the cell.
Only Earth has the right chemical materials like liquid water that could support
life.
Right Atmospheric Conditions - The earth’s
atmosphere is capable of trapping heat and
houses the important atmospheric gases such as
carbon dioxide and oxygen which cause the earth to
warm. It shields the surface from harmful
radiation through the ozone layer and Earth has
the right size to hold a sufficient-sized
atmosphere. Earth’s atmosphere is about 100
miles thick.
3. Energy – Living things use light or chemical
energy to run essential life processes. With the
Figure 2. Earth’s ozone layer
availability of sufficient energy, organisms can
perform different metabolic reactions through the cells. The inner planets such as
Earth, get too much sunlight for life. The outer planets get too little.
 4. Right Distance from the Sun – Earth is in the
Goldilocks Zone. A region with the just the right
temperature to sustain life – not too cold not too
hot.
5. Strong magnetic field - It shields us from the
electromagnetic radiation coming from the Sun.
The magnetic field deflects the radiation that
may destroy the ozone layer.
6. Nutrients – These are materials that build and
maintain an organism’s body. The inner planets
including Earth and moons have the same
general chemical components which makes Figure 3. Earth’s magnetic field
nutrients easily available in the environment.

There are various biogeochemical cycles and geologic processes that facilitate the
transport and replenishment of the chemicals and nutrients required by the biotic
factors. Examples include water cycle and volcanism. The presence of volcanoes,
cycle of water and atmosphere, contribute to the flow of nutrients within earth’s systems.

Figure 4: The Water Cycle

Figure 5: Volcanic Activity

 7. Greenhouse Gases - Without the greenhouse
effect, Earth would be frozen, more than 60º F
colder. As mentioned above, the atmosphere is
capable of trapping heat because of greenhouse
gases. Examples of greenhouse gases are water
vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.

8. It is protected by the plate tectonics from the

very hot temperature of the core – The earth’s Figure 6. Greenhouse gases
core causes the convection currents in the mantle absorbing heat
causing the overlaying lithosphere to move.
However, the surface is protected from heat from the core by the lithospheric
plates.

What’s More

ACTIVITY 4
Directions: Describe the earth as a planet of life based on the specifications written
inside the left boxes. Write your descriptions on the right boxes.

Surface Features of Earth

Atmospheric Features

Relative Distance from

the Sun

Presence of Water

Influence of its moon

Other Factors
 What’s New

ACTIVITY 5

Name: ________________________________________________ Section: ___________________

Direction: Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is a Goldilocks Zone?

_____________________________________________________________
2. What conditions need to exist in order for life to survive?
_____________________________________________________________
3. What temperature range is good for life?
_____________________________________________________________
4. What sort of atmosphere do living things need to survive?
_____________________________________________________________
5. Do living things need water to survive? Why?
_____________________________________________________________
6. What do organisms get from the food they eat? What is its use?
_____________________________________________________________
7. Is light necessary for living things? How?
_____________________________________________________________
8. How does the earth’s magnetic field affect life on earth?
_____________________________________________________________
9. Does it matter how massive the planet is? Why?
_____________________________________________________________
10. Describe three characteristics that make Earth suitable for life?
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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