The biosphere comprises a unique combination of atmospheric gases, water, nutrients and solids which provide a habitat for all life forms on this planet.
As far as physicists and astronomers can tell, our biosphere is unique to planet earth (Folsom, 1979). It certainly is not replicated in any of the other planets of our solar system although there may be similar combinations of gases, liquids and solids in other parts of our galaxy.
The biosphere is vital for a number of reasons:
(a) It provides a ‘safe’ habitat for life forms in that it is the source of food and shelter for organisms. Within its protection all life forms fulfill their life history.
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(b) The biosphere has provided the functions outlined in (a) for approximately 1.4 x 109 years. The biosphere has not remained static but has fluctuated between extreme conditions. These extreme situations have not been inimical to life forms; indeed biosphere change may have assisted the evolutionary process.
(c) The biosphere will remain the home of mankind and all plants and animals for the foreseeable future. It is possible that space travel will become a reality and will allow mass migration to a new and unused, biosphere. Until that time we must use our biosphere and its resources with care for without its protection life is not possible.
(d) The biosphere is a self-regenerating resources which draws its energy from the sun. Material resources are contained within the biosphere and are recycled on time scales ranging from a few days (water vapour and carbon) to many millions of years (sedimentary cycles).