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How to Compare the Pandoran Biosphere with That of Earth

In the science fiction movie "Avatar," the moon Pandora orbits the planet Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. Located 4.37 light-years from Earth, this moon hosts a biosphere similar to, but richer than, Earth's. The blue humanoid inhabitants of the moon, called the Na'vi, exist as a part of this realm much like Native American tribes once existed with North American ecosystems. Pandora exhibits both novel and traditional biological features within its biomes.

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Instructions

- 1
  Compare the atmosphere of the two planetary bodies. While the two planets have comparable levels of oxygen, Pandora's atmosphere is 20 percent denser than Earth's and contains vastly higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). Earth's CO2 levels measure around 390 parts per million (ppm), while Pandora's levels hover around 180,000 ppm. This level is acutely toxic and fatal to humans, who must wear breathing apparatuses to survive in the Pandoran air. Other differences include significant quantities of xenon gas and trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide.
- 2
  Compare the geology of the two worlds. Both have water-based oceans and sandy beaches. Erosion on both worlds weathers rock layers to create waterfalls and loamy soil. Pandoran open-pit mining operations appear strikingly similar to Terran counterparts. Pandoran geology includes the valuable superconducting metal unobtanium. The strong magnetic properties of unobtanium cause floating mountains on Pandora, a unique geologic feature not replicated on Earth.
- 3
  Compare the vegetation found on the worlds' surfaces. Plants display similarities in shape, size and color, suggesting photosynthesis works similarly in both locations. Edible fruits grow abundantly on Pandora, suggesting similar reproductive strategies for Pandoran and Terran plants. Root networks on Pandora display information-transmitting capabilities not found on Earth, including the ability to transmit the consciousness of individuals between bodies. Most plants on Pandora exhibit bioluminescent qualities as well, lighting the night time with color.
- 4
  Compare the animal types of Earth and Pandora. Insects exist on both worlds, as do primates. Food chains include familiar plant-herbivore-carnivore progressions. Unlike Earth, many mammalian-like species on Pandora possess four articulated front limbs and two hind limbs. This skeletal structure implies a common ancestor in Pandora's evolutionary past with a similar body plan with radiated out over time into many Pandoran species.

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