Propaedia Outline of Knowledge

Part Three III › Division V V › Section 351 351

Basic Features of the Biosphere

Subject Outline

AThe extent of the biosphere
- 1Preconditions of the biosphere: the Earth as an ideal medium for life [see 312.A.2.]
- 2The levels of organization within the biosphere: the biocycle, the ecosystem, the community, the population [see 352.A. and C.; 354]
- 3Energy flow in the biosphere
- 4Cycling of matter in the biosphere
  - aThe general pattern of chemical cycles in nature [see also 214.C.]
  - bThe carbon and oxygen cycles
  - cThe nitrogen cycle
  - dThe sulfur cycle
  - eThe water cycle [see also 222.D.]
  - fThe sedimentary cycles of essential minerals
- 5The concept of the noosphere: mankind's place in the biosphere [see 355.B.]
BThe ecosystem: a collection of integrated communities and their environment
- 1Definition of an ecosystem
- 2The biotic components of the ecosystem
  - aProducers
  - bConsumers
  - cDecomposers
- 3The abiotic components of the ecosystem
  - aPressure and temperature [see 223.E.1.]
  - bRadiation
  - cIllumination
  - dWater and soil characteristics, salts
  - eWave action: wind and water
  - fFire as a limiting factor
- 4The conditioning of the abiotic environment by living organisms
- 5The effect of microenvironments on the ecosystem
- 6Processes that determine the nature and productivity of the ecosystem

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Cross references from other sections (3)

Part Two: The Earth

Division II: The Earth's Envelope: Its Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

Division III: The Earth's Surface Features

232.B.1 Features Produced by Geomorphic Processes Acting on the Earth’s Surface