How does scientific knowledge change over time?
The accepted views of science knowledge can change over time. Changes can result from new science observations, but can also be affected by social, political or religious convictions. To develop a deeper understanding, students need to investigate the context of the time in which science ideas were developed.
How do living things change over time?
Evolution is a change in the characteristics of living things over time. As described by Darwin, evolution occurs by a process called natural selection. This is because they evolve adaptations. An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a given environment.
How do physical conditions affect the survival of living things?
The world contains a wide diversity of physical conditions, which creates a variety of environments where living things can be found. In all these environments, organisms interact and use available resources, such as food, space, light, heat, water, air, and shelter.
Is the part of Earth where all life exists?
The biosphere is made up of the parts of Earth where life exists—all ecosystems. The biosphere extends from the deepest root systems of trees, to the dark environments of ocean trenches, to lush rain forests, high mountaintops, and transition zones like this one, where ocean and terrestrial ecosystems meet.
Why is Earth full of life?
All living things on earth have adapted to our atmosphere, which means all living things need our mix of atmospheric gases. Life elsewhere would be specifically adapted to their own conditions. Water is a really important ingredient to sustain the kind of life we know on Earth.
Will life on Earth end?
By that point, all life on the Earth will be extinct. The most probable fate of the planet is absorption by the Sun in about 7.5 billion years, after the star has entered the red giant phase and expanded beyond the planet’s current orbit.