Grade 8 Geography : Uniqueness of the Earth - Part 2

Earth harbors life and this is backed by many factors that are unique to this beautiful planet. We know that other planets in the solar system have extreme temperature on them and life can never exist nor survive on these planets. However, the earth has an average surface temperature of 150C and it is gifted with moderate conditions that support life. When its location is taken into account, it is found to be in a mid-location in the solar system and this too is a reason for the existence of favorable conditions that support life on the planet.  In contrast, planets like Venus, Neptune and etc. have harsh conditions inculcated with extreme temperature on their surfaces.

 

Our planet has many unique features that make it a home for living organisms. It should be noted that none of these unique features can be compared nor contrasted with those of the other planets. The earth has an atmosphere that is composed of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, water vapor and traces of other gases. Carbon di oxide and oxygen can be cited as the most significant gases for living organisms on earth.  We know that oxygen is a crucial need of animals and plants for their survival and we cannot imagine life without air or oxygen.

 

 

All living organisms and plants require the relevant gases to thrive on earth and without the atmosphere it is quite hard to think about life on Earth. Earth is the only planet confirmed to have water in liquid form up to date and it should be noted that 71% of earth is covered by water out of which 3% is fresh water. Water is also one of those basic requirements of living beings and its presence has enabled life to exist on the planet. The intermediate surface temperature on earth, its rotation and revolution play a role of paramount importance in harboring life on it. Earth has a gravity that supports life on it. Do you know that if it’s not for the gravitational power of our earth, we would gradually die as our biological systems will malfunction and our bones will become weak without gravity? Thus, it can be concluded that our planet is unique in many ways It is unquestionably a fascinating planet which is the only confirmed habitable world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Mekhala Egodawele

photo source : Internet