Difference between Biosphere and Atmosphere
Biosphere and atmosphere are two terms that are commonly used when talking about the environment.
The main difference is that the biosphere is composed of living and non-living things whereas the atmosphere is composed entirely of gases.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Biosphere and Atmosphere:
- Biosphere: Biosphere refers to the sum total of living organisms and organic matter on the surface of the earth that interact with the physical and chemical elements of the non-living environment to support life.
- Atmosphere: Atmosphere refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth that acts as a protective shield by absorbing harmful radiation from the sun and regulating the planet’s temperature.
Also check:
Now, let’s move to Biosphere vs Atmosphere:
Major differences between Biosphere and Atmosphere
| Biosphere | Atmosphere |
|---|---|
| The atmosphere is primarily composed of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. | The biosphere is made up of living organisms like animals, plants, and microorganisms. |
| The atmosphere protects the Earth from harmful radiation and solar winds by absorbing and reflecting them back into space. | The biosphere provides the essential conditions for life to exist. |
| The atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature and composition. | The biosphere is divided into different habitats such as forests, oceans, plains, and deserts. |
| The atmosphere is a vast expanse that spans the entire planet. | The biosphere exists within the atmosphere and is limited to specific regions of the Earth’s surface. |
| The atmosphere is constantly changing due to natural processes such as weather patterns and human activities such as pollution. | The biosphere is also constantly evolving due to natural selection and ecological processes. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Biosphere and Atmosphere”.
Also see:
- Difference between Olympics and Common Wealth Games
- Difference between Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics
- Difference between Olympics and Paralympics
Final words
The biosphere and atmosphere are both critical components of the environment, they differ in terms of their composition, function, structure, scale, dynamics, and interdependence.
Understanding these differences is crucial for gaining a better appreciation of the complexity and interconnectedness of the natural world.
You can view other “differences between” posts by clicking here.
If you have a related query, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
Also, kindly share the information with your friends who you think might be interested in reading it.
