Match the following columns and choose the appropriate option:

Sphere of the Earth		Feature
(a)	Lithosphere	(i)	Plant and Animal Kingdom
(b)	Hydrosphere	(ii)	Made up of rocks and minerals
(c)	Atmosphere	(iii)	Various sources of water
(d)	Biosphere	(iv)	Thin layer of Air

The correct answer is: (a)-(ii), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(i)'

Key Points

• Lithosphere:
  • The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth, made up of rocks and minerals. It includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
  • It is significant for its role in plate tectonics, which causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.
• Hydrosphere:
  • The hydrosphere encompasses all water bodies on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
  • It plays a critical role in the water cycle, supporting life, and influencing climate and weather patterns.
• Atmosphere:
  • The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.
  • It is essential for life as it provides oxygen for respiration and protects the planet from harmful solar radiation.
• Biosphere:
  • The biosphere includes all living organisms on Earth, from the deepest parts of the oceans to the highest mountains.
  • It interacts with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere to support life through biogeochemical cycles.