Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an example of a societal (human-made) system?
Which of the following is an example of a societal (human-made) system?
A reductionist approach focuses on examining individual components separately, while a systems approach emphasizes relationships and interactions within a whole system.
A reductionist approach focuses on examining individual components separately, while a systems approach emphasizes relationships and interactions within a whole system.
True (A)
What is an emergent property?
What is an emergent property?
An emergent property is a new behavior or characteristic that arises from the interactions of components within a system.
In a system diagram, ______ represent storages where matter or energy is kept.
In a system diagram, ______ represent storages where matter or energy is kept.
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Match the following examples to the type of system change they represent:
Match the following examples to the type of system change they represent:
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open system?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open system?
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The Gaia Hypothesis proposes that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system, maintaining balance through feedback loops.
The Gaia Hypothesis proposes that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system, maintaining balance through feedback loops.
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Give two examples of systems at different scales.
Give two examples of systems at different scales.
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Which of these is an example of a negative feedback loop?
Which of these is an example of a negative feedback loop?
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Static equilibrium is commonly found in natural systems.
Static equilibrium is commonly found in natural systems.
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What is the definition of a tipping point in environmental science?
What is the definition of a tipping point in environmental science?
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The ability of a system to resist or recover from disturbances is called ______.
The ability of a system to resist or recover from disturbances is called ______.
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Match the following examples with their respective feedback loop types:
Match the following examples with their respective feedback loop types:
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What is one benefit of using models in environmental science?
What is one benefit of using models in environmental science?
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Which of these is NOT a strength of using models in environmental science?
Which of these is NOT a strength of using models in environmental science?
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Emergent properties are characteristics that exist only at higher levels of organization within a system.
Emergent properties are characteristics that exist only at higher levels of organization within a system.
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Flashcards
What is a System?
What is a System?
A set of interdependent components functioning together.
Reductionist Approach
Reductionist Approach
Examines individual components separately.
Systems Approach
Systems Approach
Studies relationships and interactions as a whole.
Transfers vs Transformations
Transfers vs Transformations
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Open System
Open System
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Closed System
Closed System
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Earth as a System
Earth as a System
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Gaia Hypothesis
Gaia Hypothesis
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Negative Feedback Loop
Negative Feedback Loop
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Positive Feedback Loop
Positive Feedback Loop
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Tipping Point
Tipping Point
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Steady-State Equilibrium
Steady-State Equilibrium
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Emergent Properties
Emergent Properties
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System Resilience
System Resilience
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Static Equilibrium
Static Equilibrium
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Models in Environmental Science
Models in Environmental Science
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Study Notes
Systems in ESS 1.2
- Systems Defined: A system is a collection of interconnected components, functioning together. These can be natural (ecological) or human-made (societal). A systems approach is holistic, examining interactions as a whole.
Systems Approach vs. Reductionist Approach
- Reductionist: Focuses on individual components, studying them in isolation.
- Systems: Examines the relationships and interactions within a whole system, looking at how they influence behaviors and emergent properties.
- Emergent Properties: Unique characteristics resulting from interactions within a system. They are more than the sum of individual parts. A tree is not just its parts, it's the interactions between its leaves, roots, and its environment that enable it to function.
Systems Diagrams
- Storages: Boxes representing where matter or energy is held.
- Flows: Arrows showing the movement, inputs, and outputs of matter or energy.
- Example: A tree system diagram would show inputs (light, CO2, water), outputs (oxygen, heat, organic matter), and storage (biomass). A student should be able to interpret and create diagrams.
Transfers vs. Transformations
- Transfers: Movement of matter or energy without a change in form. Leaf litter falling to the ground is a transfer.
- Transformations: Changes in the form of matter or energy. Photosynthesis (light -> chemical energy) is an example.
Open and Closed Systems
- Open Systems: Exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings. The ecosystem receives sunlight, exchanges gases, and has migrating organisms.
- Closed Systems: Exchange only energy, not matter. The Earth system is mostly closed, with most matter recycled inside. Biosphere 2 is an example of an attempt at a closed system, but it faced challenges.
Earth as a System
- Earth is a complex system comprising the biosphere (life), hydrosphere (water), cryosphere (ice), geosphere (land), atmosphere (air), and anthroposphere (human activity).
- Gaia Hypothesis: Suggests that Earth functions like a self-regulating organism.
Systems at Different Scales
- Systems can be observed at various scales: from microscopic (bacteria in soil) to global (the Earth system as a whole).
Feedback Loops
- Negative Feedback Loops: Output reduces the original effect, promoting stability. Examples include predator-prey relationships, carbon dioxide regulation by vegetation, and gap filling in a rainforest.
- Positive Feedback Loops: Output amplifies the original change, driving the system away from stability. Global warming melting ice, overpopulation, or deforestation can be examples.
Equilibrium and Tipping Points
- Steady-State Equilibrium: A system fluctuating around a stable condition. The rainforest achieves this state.
- Unstable Equilibrium: A system potentially shifting to a new state after a disturbance.
- Tipping Points: Small changes leading to large, irreversible shifts in a system. Examples are permafrost melting, coral reef collapse, and Amazon rainforest conversion.
Models in Environmental Science
- Models used to understand and predict changes in complex systems. Models can be physical, mathematical, or computer-based. Simulations can predict climate change responses.
Emergent Properties & System Resilience
- Emergent Properties: New characteristics arising from interactions within a system. Trophic cascades (wolf removal impacting deer populations) is an example.
- System Resilience: The ability of a system to recover or adapt after a disturbance. Factors influencing resilience include biodiversity and resource availability.
Human Impact on Resilience
- Human activities (deforestation, overfishing, pollution) negatively affect systems' resilience impacting biodiversity and equilibrium.
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Description
Explore the concepts of systems within Environmental Science. This quiz covers the differences between systems and reductionist approaches, emergent properties, and the key components of systems diagrams. Test your understanding of how interconnected components function together in both natural and human-made systems.
