Systems of the Biosphere Answers

Earth is a system comprised of interacting processes.

The atmosphere is unaffected by changes in the geosphere.

Human impact on one system leads to changes in more of Earth’s systems.

What is the main difference between negative and positive feedback?a.Positive feedback leads to system instability, while negative feedback leads to system stability.b.Positive feedback is caused by human impact, while negative feedback occurs naturally.c.Negative feedback ultimately leads to an increase in the first variable, while positive feedback ultimately leads to a decrease in the first variable. d.Positive feedback occurs at a much faster rate than negative feedback.

Positive feedback interactions in Earth’s systems are always a result of human action.

Which of the following best explains why the biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems?a.The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it is a common concept to many disciplines in science.b.The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because the seasonal cycles directly affect primary productivity.c.The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it helps drive the other systems by interacting with and exchanging matter and energy with the other spheres.d.The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it has evolved to create the chemical composition of the planet we know today.

Earth’s systems interact through _______.a.humansb.glacial episodesc.feedback mechanismsd.none of the above

The hydrosphere does not overlap with any other spheres.

Which is not an example of an earth system cycle?a.seasonsb.tsunamisc.food webd.day and night

Glacial episodes are an example of _______.a.positive feedbackb.negative feedbackc.the “Daisy model”d.the Gaia hypothesis