EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

QUARTER 1 – MODULE 1:
ORIGIN AND STRUCTURE OF THE
EARTH (PLANET EARTH)
 OBJECTIVES

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• 1. identify the characteristics of the Earth that supports life;
and
• 2. expound how the characteristics of the Earth sustain the
needs of a living organism.
QUESTION: What
can you say about
the picture?
Earth is the only planet in
the solar system known to
harbor life. Our planet has a
molten nickel-iron core
which gave rise to an
extensive magnetic field,
which, along with the
atmosphere, shields us from
harmful radiation coming
from the sun. In this module,
you will understand why this
planet is called the “living
planet.”
What do you think are the characteristics
of the planet Earth that make it different
from all the other planets?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KndSVsY5HWM
How is the story of Goldilocks related on the
characteristics of planet Earth that make it
different from other planets?
Based on the story, Goldilocks Therefore if the Earth is like
only take the things that is just Goldilocks, it will take the right
right for her. position in our solar system

That is why the Earth is in what

That is not too cold, not too hot. we call the “ Goldilocks Zone”
Just the right temperature.

likewise also not too big, not

too small. Just the right size
Earth: A Habitable Planet
 Factors that make a planet habitable
Factors Not enough of the Just right Too much of the Situation in the
factor Factor Solar System

Temperature Low temperatures Life seems to be At about 125oC, Surface: only the
influences how cause chemicals to limited to a protein and Earth’s surface is
quickly atoms react slowly, which temperature carbohydrate in this
and molecules interferes with the range molecules, and the temperature
move. reactions necessary of -15oC to genetic material range. Sub
for life. It can also 115oC. (e.g., DNA and surface:
cause the freezing In this range, RNA) the interior of the
of water, making liquid start to break apart. solid planets and
liquid water water can still Also, high moons may be in
unavailable. exist temperatures cause this temperature
under certain the quick range.
conditions. evaporation of
water.
 Factors Not enough of the Just right Too much of the Situation in the
factor Factor Solar System

Atmosphere Small planets and Earth and Venus Venus’s Of the solid planets
moons have are the right size atmosphere and moons, only
insufficient to hold a sufficient is 100 times Earth, Venus, and
gravity to hold an atmosphere. thicker than Titan have
atmosphere. Earth’s Earth’s. It is significant
The gas molecules atmosphere is made almost atmospheres. Mars’
escape to space, about 100 miles entirely of atmosphere is about
leaving the planet thick. It keeps the greenhouse 1/100th that of
or moon without surface warm and gasses, making Earth’s, too small
an insulating protects it from the surface too hot for significant
blanket or a radiation and for life. The four insulation
protective shield. small- to medium- giant planets are or shielding.
sized meteorites. completely made
of gas.
 Factors Not enough of the Just right Too much of the Situation in the
factor Factor Solar System

Energy When there is too With a steady Light energy is a Surface: The inner
little sunlight or input of either problem if it planets get too
too few of the light or makes a much sunlight for
chemicals chemical energy, planet too hot or life. The outer
that provide cells can run the if there are too planets get too little.
energy to chemical reactions many harmful Sub-surface: Most
cells, such as iron necessary for life. rays, such as solid planets and
or sulfur, ultraviolet. Too moons have energy-
organisms die. many energy-rich rich chemicals.
chemicals is not a
Problem
 Factors Not enough of the Just right Too much of the Situation in the
factor Factor Solar System
Nutrients Without chemicals All solid planets Too many Surface: Earth has a
used to make proteins and and moons have nutrients are not a water cycle, an
to build and carbohydrates, the same general problem. atmosphere, and
maintain an organisms cannot chemical makeup, However, too volcanoes to
organism’s grow. Planets w/o so nutrients are active a circulate nutrients.
body. systems to deliver present. Those circulation Venus, Titan, Io, and
nutrients to its with a water cycle system, such as Mars have nutrients
organisms (e.g., a or volcanic the constant and ways to
water cycle or activity can volcanism on circulate them to
volcanic activity) transport and Jupiter’s moon, organisms.
cannot support life. replenish the Io, Sub-surface: Any
Also, when nutrients Chemicals or the churning planet or moon with
are spread so thin required by living atmospheres of sub-surface water or
that they are hard to organisms. the gas planets, molten rock can
obtain, such as on a interferes with an circulate and
gas planet, life organism’s ability replenish nutrients
cannot exist. to get enough for organisms
nutrients.
What are the factors that What are the characteristics of
make the planet habitable? planet Earth that makes it habitable?

Extensive continental structure.

Temperature
Plate tectonic activity and volcanism.

Atmosphere Liquid water covering most of the

surface.
Energy
Oxygen-rich atmosphere.

Nutrients Relatively strong magnetic field. Life.

Intelligent life
Earth is the only place in the known universe confirmed to host life and
is the only one known for sure to have liquid water in the surface. These
are reasons why planet Earth is a unique one:

surface or lithosphere which

It has liquid water; includes the crust and the upper
mantle; and

It has atmosphere that shelters it

from the worst of the sun’s rays.
Earth is the only planet in the solar system
that has a large amount of liquid water.

About 70% of the surface of the Earth is

covered by liquid or frozen water. Because
of this, Earth is sometimes called “blue
planet.”

Planet Earth is habitable because it has the

right distance from the sun. It is kept warm by
an insulating atmosphere, and it has the right
chemical ingredients for life including water
and carbon.

It can provide water, oxygen, useful biological

products for human, and has suitable
weather and climate.
Earth, Venus, and Mars may have similarities: Earth, Venus, and Mars may have differences:
(1) They all are terrestrial planets,
made of solid rocks and silicates; (1) Venus has no water;

(2) They all have an atmosphere; (2) Venus and Mars don’t have oxygen; and

(3) They all almost have the same time to rotate on their axes; (3) Earth has life forms.

(4) Earth and Mars both have water;

(5) They all have carbon dioxide; and

(6 All have landforms.

Activity 1.1 Understanding Planet Earth
Compare and Contrast
How is planet Earth similar and different from Venus and Mars? Provide possible
explanations for your observations using the information in the table.
1. Which statement does not describe planet
Earth?
A. It has 70% water
B. It is rocky, terrestrial planet.
C. It has solid and active surface
D. It has atmosphere made of nitrogen alone.
2. Earth can support the survival of organisms. What
is/are the factor/s that make/s Earth habitable?
I. atmosphere III. temperature
II. energy IV. Nutrient

A. I
B. I, II
C. I, II, III
D. I, II, III, IV
3. Which statements best define planet
Earth?
A. It has gases.
B. It supports life.
C. It has rocky core.
D. It supports other planet.
4. What is the reason why every living thing on Earth
has the chance of survival?

A. Earth is covered with 65% water.

B. Earth thick atmosphere consisted mainly of carbon
dioxide.
C. Earth has active volcanoes similar with those that are
found in Venus.
D. Earth has ozone layer to protect living organisms
from harmful radiation.
5. In order for an organism to survive, nutrients are
What What
needed. makesareplanet
the Earth different from
nutrients
the otherthatplanets
planet Earth
in thecan offersystem?
solar for an
organism to exist?
A.It supports life.
A. Earth has an atmosphere and ozone layer.
B.It is mostly covered in water.
B. Earth has both water cycle and nitrogen cycle.
C.C.The atmosphere
Earth has holds gases.
natural activities to circulate nutrients.
D.D.All
All ofof
thethe above
above
6. Many studies have shown similarities of Earth
and Venus. What makes Earth similar with Venus?

A. Earth and Venus have the same orbit.

B. Earth and Venus have the same diameter.
C. Earth and Venus have the same atmosphere.
D. Earth and Venus are of the right size to hold a
sufficient atmosphere.
7.Planet Earth is considered uniquely different from any
other planets in the Solar system. Which among the
given choices correctly answers the statement?

A. Earth is the only planet that changes structure.

B. Earth is the only planet that turns around in space.
C. Earth is the only planet that is mostly covered with
water.
D. Earth is the only planet that is mostly made from
rocks.
8. It was found out that Earth’s surface is
covered with water. Approximately,
how many percent of water comprises
the Earth?

A. 45% water
B. 50% water
C. 60% water
D. 70% water
9. What makes human and other living organisms
capable to live on Earth?

A. Earth can provide food for the organism.

B. Earth can protect the organism from any possible
threat.
C. Earth’s temperature is mostly hot compared to
other planets.
D. Earth has the right amount of temperature, water,
good atmosphere, and favorable climate.
10. Which is not true about Earth when
compared to Mars?

A. It has life mechanism.

B. It has water and atmosphere.
C. It has carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
D. It has atmosphere that supports
oxygen.
Assignment

Determine the 4 subsystems of the Earth and its

characteristics