 |
Biosphere
It's Alive!
|
The biosphere is home to a diverse population of living things - including
human beings - that are dependent upon one another.
If you see something that's alive, you're in the biosphere. It includes
animals, plants, fungi, and even tiny one-celled organisms.
This sphere of life stretches from the deepest reaches of the ocean to
the top of the highest mountains. It probably includes tens of millions
of different kinds of life, but we have only identified about two million
of them.
Some animals, such as chameleons, can change their appearence in order
to blend in. Some plants, such as poison ivy, have irritating chemicals
for protection. These survival techniques are called adaptations.
Can you think of another example of an adaptation?
The biosphere is divided into biomes, such
as grasslands, deserts, and oceans. Biomes can further be divided into habitats. Coral reefs
are one type of habitat found in the ocean. The Florida
Everglades is a special grassland habitat. What natural habitats are
closest to your home?
The following environmental educational activities were developed by
students participating in the museum's UniTY
program:
| 
