2.5 - What are systems and how do they respond to change?

Question 1

Parts of a system:

Answer 1

Input, Flows/Throughputs, Outputs

Question 1

System

Answer 1

a set of components that function and interact in some regular way.

Question 2

Feedback

Answer 2

any process that increases (positive feedback) or decreases (negative feedback) a change to a system

Question 2

Flows/Throughputs

Answer 2

matter and energy within the system at certain rates

Question 3

Feedback loop

Answer 3

occurs when an output of matter, energy, or information is fed back into the system as an input and leads to changes in that system.

Question 4

Positive Feedback Loop

Answer 4

causes a system to change further in the same direction
-Environmental degradation, pollution, etc.

Question 5

Negative/Corrective Feedback Loop

Answer 5

causes a system to change in the opposite direction from which it is moving.
-Recycling, thermostats, etc.

Question 6

Time delays

Answer 6

can also allow an environmental problem to build slowly until it reaches a threshold level, or tipping point

Question 6

Synergistic Interaction (Synergy)

Answer 6

occurs when two or more processes interact so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their separate effects.