chapter 1.2 Flashcards
systems
The systems approach is….
The systems approach says that when you see a system as a whole and how it interacts with its environment, only then you can understand it.
What is a system?
Systems are sets of interacting or interdependent components.
What are emergent properties and synergy?
Through synergy, individual components combine to forma new component which is known as emergent property.
What is the reductionist method?
Seeing how each individual component functions in a system.
Draw a systems diagram for fish
NA
Differentiate between transfers and transformations.
Transfers are when matter or energy moves from one place to another.
Transformations are when matter or energy change their state.
What are open systems?
Open systems are systems which exchange both matter and energy with their environment.
What are closed systems?
Closed systems are systems which exchange energy, but not matter with their environment.
What is a stable and a steady state equilibrium
A stable equilibrium is the condition of a system in which there is a tendency for it to return to previous equilibrium following disturbance
A steady state equilibrium is the condition of an open system in which flows are still occurring but inputs are constantly balanced output
Differentiate between unstable and stable equilibrium
In a stable equilibrium the system tends to return to the same equilibrium after a disturbance in an unsustainable equilibrium the system returns to new equilibrium after disturbance.
List and define the two types of feedback loops
Negative feedback loops occur when the output of a process inhibits a reverse is the operation of the same process in a such way as to reduce change. The stabilise the system and counteract deviation.
Positive feedback loops occur when a disturbance leads to an amplification of that disturbance which destabilise the system and drive it away from its equilibrium towards tipping point.
What is a tipping point
A tipping point is the minimum change in a system that destabilise it and shift the regime to a new equilibrium or stable state
Define resilience
The resilience of a system measures how it responds to disturbance. Resilience is the ability of a system to return to its initial state after a disturbance. If it has low resilience it will enter a new state.
List any three factors affecting resilience
Diversity
Species biodiversity
Genetic diversity
Geographic location
size of ecosystem
Climate
reproduction rate
Humans
what are models
a model is a simplified version of the real thing. models can be helpful to create generalisations of real life systems.
