Biosphere

bahy-uh-sfeer

/ˈbaɪ.ə.sfɪər/

Noun

Meaning

  • The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.
  • It includes all living organisms and their relationships with the lithosphere (rocks), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air).

Examples

  • The Earth's biosphere is a fragile system that supports all life.
  • Pollution can have devastating effects on the global biosphere.
  • Scientists study the biosphere to understand how life interacts with the environment.
  • Life exists in every corner of the biosphere, from deep oceans to high mountains.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
Ecosystem Environment Ecosphere Nature No direct (contrast: Lifelessness, Vacuum)

Word Forms

  • Biospheres (plural)
  • Biospheric (adjective)

Origin / Etymology

From Greek bios, meaning “life,” and sphaira, meaning “sphere.” The term was coined by geologist Eduard Suess in 1875.

Grammar Information

  • Singular noun
  • Usually used with "the" (e.g., the biosphere)

Translations

  • Hindi: जीवमंडल (Jeev-mandal)
  • Spanish: biósfera
  • French: biosphère
  • German: Biosphäre
  • Chinese: 生物圈

More B Letter Words