Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the role of redundancy in maintaining stability within an ecosystem from a cybernetics perspective?
Which of the following best describes the role of redundancy in maintaining stability within an ecosystem from a cybernetics perspective?
- Redundancy simplifies the ecosystem, making it less vulnerable to external shocks.
- Redundancy increases the rate of energy flow through the ecosystem, leading to instability.
- Redundancy reduces stability by increasing competition among species for resources.
- Redundancy ensures that multiple species can perform similar functions, providing a buffer against disturbances. (correct)
How do negative feedback loops contribute to homeostasis in an ecosystem?
How do negative feedback loops contribute to homeostasis in an ecosystem?
- By promoting exponential growth of populations in the ecosystem
- By breaking down the homeostasis of the system.
- By amplifying changes and pushing the ecosystem toward new states.
- By maintaining stability through the inhibition or slowing down of a process. (correct)
What is the primary difference between resistance stability and resilience stability in an ecosystem?
What is the primary difference between resistance stability and resilience stability in an ecosystem?
- Resistance applies only to abiotic factors, while resilience applies only to biotic factors.
- Resistance is the ability to remain unchanged under stress, while resilience is the ability to recover quickly. (correct)
- Resistance is the ability to recover quickly, while resilience is the ability to remain unchanged under stress.
- Resistance involves positive feedback loops, while resilience involves negative feedback loops.
According to the principles of cybernetics, how does the predator-prey relationship contribute to ecosystem stability?
According to the principles of cybernetics, how does the predator-prey relationship contribute to ecosystem stability?
How might human activities that introduce artificial controls into an ecosystem impact its natural homeostatic mechanisms?
How might human activities that introduce artificial controls into an ecosystem impact its natural homeostatic mechanisms?
What is the role of decomposition in maintaining homeostasis within an ecosystem?
What is the role of decomposition in maintaining homeostasis within an ecosystem?
How do positive feedback loops differ from negative feedback loops in their effect on ecosystem stability?
How do positive feedback loops differ from negative feedback loops in their effect on ecosystem stability?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates resilience stability in an ecosystem?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates resilience stability in an ecosystem?
How might a decrease in biodiversity affect an ecosystem's ability to maintain homeostasis?
How might a decrease in biodiversity affect an ecosystem's ability to maintain homeostasis?
What is the modern implication of cybernetics principles in addressing contemporary environmental issues?
What is the modern implication of cybernetics principles in addressing contemporary environmental issues?
Flashcards
Cybernetics
Cybernetics
A field that studies control and communication in living and non-living systems.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis
The ability of an ecosystem to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Inanimate Controls
Inanimate Controls
Control systems operating without living organisms, like air or water regulation.
Animate Controls
Animate Controls
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Redundancy in Ecosystems
Redundancy in Ecosystems
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Stability Through Feedback Controls
Stability Through Feedback Controls
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Resistance Stability
Resistance Stability
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Resilience Stability
Resilience Stability
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Predator-Prey Relationship
Predator-Prey Relationship
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Positive Feedback Loop
Positive Feedback Loop
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Negative Feedback Loop
Negative Feedback Loop
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Study Notes
- Cybernetics, formally defined by Norbert Wiener in 1948, is a field of study that bridges living and non-living systems.
- Norbert Wiener: Born November 26, 1894, Died March 18, 1964.
- Robert MacArthur proposed the idea of homeostasis in ecosystems in 1955.
- Robert MacArthur: Born April 7, 1930, Died November 1, 1972
- MacArthur's idea emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and ecological interactions for maintaining ecosystem balance.
Cybernetics
- Derives from the Greek word "kybernetes," meaning "steersman" or "governor."
- Encompasses both inanimate and animate systems.
- Inanimate controls: Systems operating without living organisms (e.g., air, water).
- Animate controls: Systems relying on living organisms (e.g., humans, animals).
- Ecosystems can self-maintain and self-regulate through complex cycles and energy/matter flow between living and non-living components.
- Redundancy: Multiple species performing the same role, promoting stability.
- Stability via feedback controls: Systems maintain themselves by integrating information feedback.
- Cybernetic systems have an ideal state or set point for operation.
- Cybernetic systems are inherently stable.
Stability
- Resistance stability: Ability to remain steady during stress.
- Resilience stability: Ability to recover quickly.
- Developing both simultaneously can be challenging.
- E.g., California redwood forests resist fire but recover slowly.
- E.g., California chaparral burns easily but recovers quickly.
Homeostasis
- Derived from the Greek words "home" (same) and "stasis" (standing), meaning "staying the same."
- Refers to the tendency of biological systems to resist change and maintain equilibrium.
- Achieved in ecosystems through biodiversity and ecological interactionsPredation: Interaction between predator and prey.
- Competition: Organisms vying for the same resources.
- Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter by decomposers.
- Predator-prey relationships regulate populations to maintain ecosystem balance via feedback loops.
Feedback Loops
- Output of a system is fed back into the input, creating a cycle.
- Positive feedback loops:
- Amplify or grow the output signal.
- Disrupt homeostasis.
- Less common (e.g., childbirth, fruit ripening).
- Negative feedback loops:
- Inhibit or slow down a process.
- Maintain homeostasis.
- More common, helping maintain bodily conditions (e.g., blood pressure, fluid content).
- Ecologists and agriculturists are attempting to use artificial controls for human benefit, but misuse of resources can degrade life quality and the environment.
- Establishing sufficient negative feedback controls is crucial.
- Cybernetics plays a significant role in ecosystems.
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