1.3 Equilibria

Question 1

Equilibrium

Answer 1

State of balance among the components of a system

Question 2

Stable equilibrium

Answer 2

System returns to its original equilibrium stage following disturbance

Question 3

Unstable equilibrium

Answer 3

New equilibrium is formed in a system following a disturbance

Question 4

Steady state equilibrium

Answer 4

Equilibrium state does not change over long term in a system but there are many short term oscillations

Question 5

Resilience (of a system)

Answer 5

Ability to maintain a steady state equilibrium and avoid tipping points

Question 6

What factors can affect the equilibrium?

Answer 6

Rich biodiversity makes a system less dependent on individual species; stock of system can balance lack of in and out flows of a system; humans can impact the resilience of a system by altering biodiversity, stock, exploitation of resource

Question 7

Positive feedback

Answer 7

Increases change and promotes deviation from equilibrium

Question 8

Negative feedback

Answer 8

Counteracts any changes and deviation from equilibrium

Question 9

Tipping point

Answer 9

Dramatic change to a system equilibrium