Understanding Ecosystems and Biodiversity

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Network of Nature' refer to?

The interconnectivity of ecological systems

Define Biodiversity.

All the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area

Name the two categories within an ecosystem.

Biotic and Abiotic

List one cause of biodiversity loss.

Climate Change Signup and view all the answers

What is pollution in the context of ecosystems?

Introduction of contaminants into the natural environment Signup and view all the answers

Explain what overexploitation refers to.

Harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways to protect and restore biodiversity?

Protecting and restoring natural habitats, supporting local farms, and climate change mitigation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of Earth's system?

Atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What does democratic intervention refer to?

Ways in which a government regulates or interferes with activities or decisions made by individuals or organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin and meaning of the word 'Democracy'?

The word 'Democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' meaning 'the people' and 'kratein' meaning 'to rule.' Signup and view all the answers

Name two fundamental elements of democracy.

Rule of law and separation of power. Signup and view all the answers

What are basic rights and freedoms that are essential in democracy?

Human rights Signup and view all the answers

What are civil rights?

Rights to own property and enjoy privileges accorded to being a citizen of a country. Signup and view all the answers

Define freedom of association.

The right to join any association. Signup and view all the answers

What is libel?

A crime characterized by publishing an article that may be detrimental to a person's character. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of pluralism.

Pluralism ensures citizens can voice agreement, disagreement, criticism, and proposals to their government. Signup and view all the answers

What does the dimension of 'representation' in democracy involve?

The use of representatives who are authorized to make decisions for the common good of the people. Signup and view all the answers

Describe political rights.

Rights that protect individuals' freedom from infringement by government, social institution, and private individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of direct democracy?

Citizens coming together to decide on issues or pass laws through a vote Signup and view all the answers

How is power distributed in a constitutional monarchy?

Ruling power is divided between two heads Signup and view all the answers

In which form of government do people elect leaders to act as their representatives?

Indirect democracy/representative democracy Signup and view all the answers

What does federalism entail in terms of governance?

Sharing governing power between a central government and regional/local government Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of despotism?

Government where people are treated as slaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept behind socialism in governance?

Government governing businesses involved in production and basic utilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Network of Nature and Ecosystem

Interconnectivity of ecological systems and numerous networks
Geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms work together to form a bubble of life
Biotic: living things within an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria)
Abiotic: non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem

Biodiversity

All the different kinds of life in one area
Species and organisms work together in ecosystems like an intricate web
Causes of biodiversity loss:
- Climate Change: changes in air temperature, weather patterns, and sea levels
- Pollution: introduction of contaminants into the natural environment
- Habitat Destruction: massive destruction of natural habitats
- Overexploitation: harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns
- Invasive species: non-native organisms that establish themselves and rapidly reproduce within an ecosystem
Solutions to biodiversity loss:
- Habitat Protection and Restoration
- Support Local Farms
- Climate Change Mitigation

Climate System

Atmosphere: a mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth
Lithosphere: the solid, outer part of Earth (including the mantle and crust)
Hydrosphere: the total amount of water on a planet
Biosphere: made up of parts of Earth where life exists (all ecosystems)
Cryosphere: the frozen water part of the Earth system

Democratic Intervention

Refers to the ways in which a government regulates or interferes with activities or decisions made by individuals or organizations
Democracy: originated from the Greek words "demos" (by the people) and "kratein" (to rule)

6 Fundamental Elements of Democracy

Rule of law: no one is above the law
Separation of power: equal distribution of power for checks and balances
Basic Rights and Freedoms:
- Human Rights: rights that belong to every person (e.g., right to life, right to be secured in one's person)
- Civil Rights: rights that protect individual freedoms (e.g., right to own property, right to enjoy privileges)
- Political Rights: rights that protect individual freedoms from government infringement (e.g., right to run for elective office, right to suffrage)
- Freedom to worship: the right to worship any God
- Freedom of association: right to join any association
- Freedom of speech
Pluralism: ensures that citizens can voice their opinions, criticisms, and proposals to the government

4 Dimensions of Democracy

The people: a collective group of individuals with varying political and religious beliefs
Equality: equal in the eyes of the law
Common good: what is good for the people
Representation: the use of representatives to take actions that benefit the common good

Types of Democracy

Direct/Pure Democracy: citizens come together to decide on issues or pass laws through a vote
Indirect Democracy/Representative: people elect leaders to act as their representatives in the government

Other Forms of Government

Aristocracy: ruled by the nobility
Capitalism: people are allowed to own property
Communism: equal distribution of wealth or classless society
Constitutional Monarchy: ruling power is divided between two heads
Despotism: government where people are treated as slaves
Dictatorship: the ruler has the power of the three branches
Federalism: governing power is shared between a central government and regional/local government
Monarchy: power is passed down to the monarch's children
Oligarchy: government is ruled by a few individuals
Republic: government ruled by a president
Revolutionary: existing government is forcibly thrown
Socialism: businesses that involve production and basic utilities are governed by the government
Timocracy: leaders are chosen by their honor
Plutocracy: power is held by the wealthy
Tyranny: ruled by a wealthy person who wields power to rule by overthrowing those who are in power

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Description

Explore the concepts of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interconnectivity of nature. Learn about biotic and abiotic components, as well as the different types of life found in various ecosystems.