Core concepts and Main Ideas

Question 1

Interconnectedness of systems

Answer 1

the biosphere is a complex web of interactions between living
organisms, their environments, and the physical and chemical processes that sustain life

Question 2

Briefly explain the concept of adaptation and avolution

Answer 2

life evolves in response to environmental pressures, employing diverse
strategies to survive and thrive in dynamic ecosystems

Question 3

Briefly explain the concept of Human Impact and Anthropogenic Change

Answer 3

human activity has become a dominant force shaping
ecosystems, driving rapid changes that challenge natural processes and lead to unintended
consequences

Question 4

Briefly explain the concept of Natural Cycles

Answer 4

the movement of energy and matter (e.g., elements cycles) underpins ecological
processes and regulates Earth’s systems

Question 5

Briefly explain the concept of Scale of Change and Resilience

Answer 5

environmental change operates across spatial and temporal scales,
from paleoclimate shifts over millennia to the immediate effects of human-induced hyper-novelty,
impacting the resilience of ecosystems

Question 6

Briefly explain the concept of feedback loops and thresholds

Answer 6

systems are influenced by feedback mechanisms, which can
stabilize or amplify changes, sometimes crossing critical thresholds that lead to irreversible shifts

Question 7

Briefly explain the concept of sustainability and mitigation

Answer 7

balancing human needs with ecological limits requires sustainable
practices, innovative solutions, and global cooperation to mitigate environmental degradation and
adapt to ethical and social challenges