biosphere
n.the part of the Earth where life exists. It includes all the living things and the parts of the planet they need to survive, like air, water, and soil.
n.the global ecological system consisting of all the living organisms and the parts of the Earth where they live. It encompasses the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
“The biosphere includes all the plants, animals, and microbes on Earth.”
“Scientists are studying how rising temperatures might affect the biosphere and the delicate balance of life within it.”
“The concept of the biosphere highlights the interconnectedness of all living organisms and their physical environment, suggesting that no species exists in isolation from the global ecosystem.”
“The evolution of Earth's biosphere is perhaps one of the most captivating stories we have uncovered from the fossil record.”
“On the other side of the island is the Unesco-designated Hara Biosphere Reserve, home to vital habitats for marine life and migratory birds.”
Borrowed from German Biosphäre, coined by Austrian geologist Eduard Suess in 1875. By surface analysis, bio- + -sphere.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.