NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

mcqeasy

What is the term used for the narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere that supports life?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABiosphere
BEnvironment
CBiome
DEcosystem

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Biosphere

Explanation

The Earth is composed of four major domains: the Lithosphere (land), Hydrosphere (water), Atmosphere (air), and Biosphere (life). The Biosphere is the distinct domain that arises from the interaction of the other three, creating the conditions necessary to sustain life.

Option Analysis

Ecosystem is incorrect: An Ecosystem is a functional unit consisting of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. While it exists within the biosphere, the term refers to the system of interaction rather than the physical zone of contact.
Biosphere is correct: The Biosphere is specifically defined as the narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships with the elements of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Biome is incorrect: A Biome is a large geographical area characterized by specific climatic conditions and distinct communities of flora and fauna (e.g., Desert, Tundra, Rainforest). It is a subdivision of the biosphere, not the zone itself.
Environment is incorrect: The Environment refers broadly to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It includes both biotic and abiotic factors but does not specifically denote the "narrow zone of contact" definition used in physical geography.

Key Takeaway: The Biosphere is the unique, narrow zone on Earth where the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact to support life.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?