Earth
Definition
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life. It is a terrestrial planet, meaning that it is made up of rock and metal. Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, and it is the largest of the four inner planets.
Earth is a very diverse planet. It has a wide range of climates, from the hot deserts of the Sahara to the frozen ice caps of Antarctica. Earth is also home to a wide variety of life, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whales.
Earth is a very important planet. It is the only planet that we know of that can support life. We need to take care of Earth so that it can continue to support life for many years to come.
Here are some of the unique features of Earth:
- Water: Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that has liquid water on its surface. Water is essential for life, and it covers about 71% of Earth's surface.
- Atmosphere: Earth has a thick atmosphere that protects us from harmful radiation from the Sun. The atmosphere also helps to regulate Earth's temperature, making it possible for life to exist.
- Magnetic field: Earth has a strong magnetic field that protects us from the solar wind. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles from the Sun that could damage Earth's atmosphere and surface if it were not for the magnetic field.
- Life: Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that is known to support life. There are billions of different species of plants and animals living on Earth, and we are still discovering new ones all the time.
Earth is a very special planet, and we need to take care of it. We can do this by reducing our pollution, conserving our resources, and protecting our environment.
How can the word be used?
The Earth is a living planet.
Different forms of the word
Noun: earth, terra, tellus, world, globe, orb.
Adjective: earthly, terrestrial, tellurian.
Verb: to earth, to ground.
Adverb: earthward, terrestrially.
Etymology
The word "Earth" comes from the Old English word "eorþe", which means "ground" or "soil". It is made up of the two Old English words "er" (ground) and "þe" (earth).
Question
What can be found on Earth?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the Earth's role as a unique and habitable planet in our solar system. Explain the factors that make Earth suitable for sustaining life, including its atmosphere, distance from the Sun, and presence of liquid water. Provide examples of the diverse ecosystems and species that thrive on Earth and the importance of understanding our planet's delicate balance for environmental conservation and future sustainability.
Answer:
Earth is a remarkable and habitable planet in our solar system due to a combination of factors that make it conducive to sustaining life. Its atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, shields us from harmful radiation and maintains a stable temperature range. The Earth's distance from the Sun is within the "Goldilocks zone," allowing for the presence of liquid water, a fundamental requirement for life as we know it.
The presence of diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to vast oceans and deserts, supports a wide variety of species. This biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of our planet's ecosystems.
Understanding Earth's delicate balance is crucial for environmental conservation and sustainability. Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, can disrupt this balance, posing significant threats to both the environment and our species. By recognising Earth's uniqueness and interconnectedness, we can work towards protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.