The biosphere encompasses all life on Earth and the parts of the planet where life exists. So, it's not about enclosing something, but rather encompassing it.

Here's a breakdown:

* Living organisms: All plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other living things.

* Earth's environments: This includes:

* Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

* Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

* Lithosphere: The Earth's crust and upper mantle, where rocks and soil are found.

The biosphere is essentially the zone of life on Earth, where living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Here are some key aspects of what the biosphere *encompasses*:

* Ecosystems: The interconnected web of living organisms and their physical environment.

* Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, from microscopic organisms to giant whales.

* Biogeochemical cycles: The movement of matter (like carbon, nitrogen, and water) through the biosphere.

* Evolutionary processes: The changes in living organisms over time.

So, instead of being enclosed, the biosphere is a dynamic and interconnected system that encompasses all life on Earth and the environments where life thrives.