Topic One - Earth's Place in the Universe and What Makes Life on Earth Possible

Question

1. Describe the location of Earth in the universe that makes life on Earth possible.
2. Explain how Earth's rotation and revolution about the sun affects life on Earth.
3. Explain how the sun contributes to life on Earth.

Answer 1

Earth's position in our galaxy in known as the "Goldilocks Zone" meaning that we are in an ideal position in our solar system as the third planet from the Sun in which we get liquid water and habitable temperatures for life to exist. We also are in a calm region within the Milky Way which also allows us to be safe from radiation intensity.

The Earth's rotation and revolution affects life on Earth because our rotation creates a day and night cycle which distributes solar energy and balances overall temperature in order to support a variety of ecosystems. Our revolution or the orbit around the sun allows for seasons to occur due to our elliptical orbit and axial tilt-resulting in agricultural cycles that are influenced by weather and climate.

Lastly, the sun contributes to life on Earth because the Sun is our energy source as it is key to photosynthesis in plants, which we all need within the food chain. The sun also heats up water and makes it liquid which is essential for marine life.