Questions and Answers
What is essential for ensuring a continuous supply of resources?
Why is every organism considered invaluable in the ecosystem?
What principle highlights the interdependence of all components within an ecosystem?
Which type of change is characterized by a consistent pattern over time?
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What describes resources that cannot be replenished through natural processes?
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What does the term 'biotic factors' in an ecosystem refer to?
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Which layer of the atmosphere contains the gases essential for life?
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What does the lithosphere primarily consist of?
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Which of the following best describes the function of decomposers in an ecosystem?
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Which principle emphasizes that nature is the best teacher in environmental education?
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Study Notes
Environmental Concepts and Principles
- "Environment" originates from the French word "environ," meaning "surrounding."
- Surroundings encompass biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in an ecosystem.
- Biotic factors include producers (e.g., plants), consumers (e.g., animals), and decomposers (e.g., beetles, worms, bacteria).
- Decomposers recycle waste from producers and consumers.
- Abiotic factors consist of chemical elements (e.g., water, soil, rocks) and physical conditions (e.g., temperature, weather) that influence ecosystems.
Major Components of the Environment
- Hydrosphere: All water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and oceans; operates through the hydrological cycle.
- Lithosphere: Comprises the Earth's crust and its layers—crust, mantle, core; includes soil, rocks, and mountains.
- Atmosphere: A gaseous layer protecting Earth; contains oxygen and carbon dioxide; consists of five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere.
- Biosphere: The life layer encompassing all organisms and their interactions with air and water.
Seven Environmental Principles
- Nature Knows Best: Humans must align with natural processes for sustainable resource supply.
- All Forms of Life Are Important: Each organism has a unique role; all are essential for ecosystem balance.
- Everything Is Connected: Ecosystem components are interdependent; disturbances can cause imbalances.
- Everything Changes: Change is constant; environmental conditions evolve over time; human activities can exacerbate these changes.
- Everything Must Go Somewhere Else: Waste and emissions remain in the environment and can affect ecosystems in various ways.
- Ours Is a Finite Earth: Resources are limited; renewable resources can be depleted if mismanaged, unlike non-renewable resources that cannot be replenished.
- Nature Is Beautiful; We Are Stewards: Humans are responsible for caring for the environment, as destruction threatens survival.
Environmental Law
- Encompasses treaties, statutes, and regulations addressing human impact on the environment.
- Serves as a foundation for sustainability amid increasing environmental challenges.
Major Environmental Laws in the Philippines
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of 1978: Introduced by Presidential Decree 1586 to balance socio-economic development with environmental protection.
- Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990: Regulates hazardous chemicals and prohibits dangerous waste entry into the Philippines.
- Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999: Aims to maintain clean air and adhere to national air quality standards.
- Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000: Establishes a comprehensive waste management program to protect public health and the environment.
- Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004: Protects water bodies from pollution and promotes an integrated pollution prevention strategy.
- Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008: Mandates integration of environmental education into school curriculums across all levels to promote awareness.
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Description
Test your knowledge of environmental concepts and principles in this quiz designed for GE1801. Explore the factors that influence ecosystems, including both biotic and abiotic components. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the environment.
