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Multiple Choice
Which ecosystem makes up approximately 70\% of the Earth's surface?
A
Grassland ecosystem
B
Forest ecosystem
C
Marine ecosystem
D
Desert ecosystem
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'ecosystem,' which refers to a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. Ecosystems can vary greatly in size and type, such as grasslands, forests, deserts, and marine ecosystems.
Step 2: Recall that the Earth's surface is primarily covered by water, with oceans accounting for the majority of this coverage. Oceans are part of the marine ecosystem, which includes saltwater environments like seas, coral reefs, and estuaries.
Step 3: Compare the coverage of other ecosystems. Grasslands, forests, and deserts occupy much smaller portions of the Earth's surface compared to marine ecosystems. For example, deserts cover about 20% of the Earth's land area, while forests cover approximately 31% of the land area.
Step 4: Recognize that marine ecosystems are unique because they span approximately 70% of the Earth's surface, making them the largest ecosystem by area. This includes not only the open ocean but also coastal areas and underwater habitats.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the marine ecosystem, as it is the ecosystem that makes up approximately 70% of the Earth's surface.