6. Biogeochemical Processes

Biogeochemical processes include those in the Earth’s biosphere (shell of the Earth, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and upper part of the lithosphere [Earth’s crust]) which occur with the participation of living organisms. Selective absorption of chemical elements in accordance with their physiological needs leads to biogenic differentiation of organisms in the environment. A biont is mortal, but life in the form of continued generations is eternal. The effect of organisms on the environment has lasted about four billion years without interruptions. Despite the fact that living organisms are an insignificant part of the mass of the outer shells of the Earth, the total effect of their geochemical activity, with regard to the time factor, is of great planetary importance. The formation of sedimentary rocks results from the activity of living organisms, and metamorphic rocks, minerals, Earth’s landscapes, and the atmosphere are formed with the partial participation of living organisms.