what are the characteristics of the earth that support life?
20065
What makes the Earth habitable? It is the right distance from the Sun, it is protected from harmful solar radiation by its magnetic field, it is kept warm by an insulating atmosphere, and it has the right chemical ingredients for life, including water and carbon.
417687
Scientific research in the earth and life sciences is wide-ranging and relevant to current issues. Earth and life sciences cover all aspects of life on earth such as the complex and dynamic processes in solid earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, the natural world and organisms, including humans.
1156915
["Location: Position on the Earth's Surface (Absolute/Relative). ... ", 'Place: Physical and Human Characteristics. ... ', 'Human/Environment Interactions: Shaping the Landscape. ... ', 'Movement: Humans Interacting on the Earth. ... ', 'Regions: How They Form and Change.']
247829
The atmosphere protects life on earth by shielding it from incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation, keeping the planet warm through insulation, and preventing extremes between day and night temperatures. The sun heats layers of the atmosphere causing it to convect driving air movement and weather patterns around the world.
287518
["Temperature. One of the most important benefits the atmosphere provides is maintaining the Earth's temperature. ... ", 'Radiation. The atmosphere serves as a protective shield against radiation and cosmic rays. ... ', 'Physical Protection. ... ', 'Weather and Water.']
1169583
Earth is one special planet. It has liquid water, plate tectonics, and an atmosphere that shelters it from the worst of the sun's rays. But many scientists agree our planet's most special feature might just be us.
658944
Some of the characteristics scientists are looking for when they search for other Earth-like planets are planets that have many of the same physical features as Earth itself. These characteristics include liquid water, rocks, and other complex chemistry available that can support life.
178909
The Earth's atmosphere protects and sustains the planet's inhabitants by providing warmth and absorbing harmful solar rays. In addition to containing the oxygen and carbon dioxide, which living things need to survive, the atmosphere traps the sun's energy and wards off many of the dangers of space.
235954
The Earth's axis of rotation is at a constant tilt with respect to its orbit around the Sun, resulting in the change of seasons. The physical characteristics of the Earth include its size and composition. The Earth also has gravity and magnetic force fields.
1342441
Based on what we know about life on Earth, the only place we know life exists for sure, we can determine at least 3 major requirements: Energy. Warmth to allow liquid water to exist (or liquid methane?) Energy is needed to fuel chemical reactions (metabolism)
991335
Earth is well equipped as a planet and ideally placed in our solar system and galaxy to support life as we know it. The product of some 4.6 billion years of cosmic construction, our planet is flush with life thanks to a fortuitous set of conditions. ... Earth is tilted with respect to the sun, and teeters as it spins.
1382185
["Latitude. A location's distance from the Equator helps determine its temperature and climate; farther north, cooler it gets.", 'Elevation. The higher up a place is, the cooler its temperature will be.', 'Ocean Currents. ... ', 'Nearness to the Ocean. ... ', 'Land Forms/Shapes.']
627990
['Water. Rivers carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth. ... ', "Habitats. Rivers provide excellent habitat and food for many of the earth's organisms. ... ", 'Transport. Rivers provide travel routes for exploration, commerce and recreation.', 'Farming. River valleys and plains provide fertile soils. ... ', 'Energy.']
361438
All groups of living organisms share several key characteristics or functions: order, sensitivity or response to stimuli, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, and energy processing. When viewed together, these eight characteristics serve to define life.
571803
Properties of Life. All living organisms share several key characteristics or functions: order, sensitivity or response to the environment, reproduction, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, and energy processing.
151340
The physical characteristics of a place make up its natural environment and are derived from geological, hydrological, atmospheric, and biological processes. They include land forms, bodies of water, climate, soils, natural vegetation, and animal life.
361501
Earth and life sciences cover all aspects of life on earth such as the complex and dynamic processes in solid earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, the natural world and organisms, including humans.