Characteristics of the Earth that are Necessary to Support Life

Earth's age

4.543 billion years old

Size and distance from the sun

Affects the ability to hold the amount of atmosphere.

High temperature

Breaks down important biological molecules.

Greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide and methane

Position from the sun

Helps to harness enough energy from the sun.

Gravity

Helps to sustain atmosphere.

Water

Important for biological process.

Temperature

It influences how atoms, molecules or organisms move.

Atmosphere

Provides insulation and shields Earth from sun and meteorites.

Atmosphere

Provides nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Ozone layer

Shields Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Low temperature

Slows down chemical reaction and produces ice that makes water unavailable.

Energy

Supports biological process.

Greenhouse gases

Traps heat and avoid our planet from freezing.

Nutrients

Used to build and maintain body structure.

Processes that recycle nutrients

Water cycle, carbon and oxygen cycle, phosphate and nitrogen cycle, and volcanism

5 biological factors in order to live

Water, temperature, atmosphere, energy and nutrients