biosphere

Everyday

1. (science) All the parts of the Earth where living things exist, from deep in the sea to high in the air, together with all the life there. tree →
2. A large closed building made to hold living things and copy natural habitats (for example Biosphere 2 in Arizona). tree →
3. (UNESCO) A biosphere reserve: a protected area where people and nature live together. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons, the Earth is described in spheres: atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (rock) and biosphere (life). Pollution and climate change affect the whole biosphere.

Examples

• The biosphere includes oceans, forests, soil and air. tree →
• Plants and animals together make up the biosphere. tree →
• Scientists lived inside Biosphere 2 for two years. tree →
• The biosphere is only a thin layer around the Earth. tree →
• Pollution harms the whole biosphere. tree →
• The area is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. tree →

Note

Usually «the biosphere». «Bio-» means life, «sphere» means ball. Compare atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere.