Environmental Equilibrium Flashcards
1
Q
What is equilibrium?
A
A state of balance in an ecosystem
2
Q
What are the 4 types of Equilibrium?
A
- Stable equilibrium.
- Static equilibrium
- Steady-state equilibrium.
- Unstable equilibrium.
3
Q
What is a stable equilibrium?
A
- Things fluctuate but come back to equilibrium.
- Things return to the same equilibrium after a disturbance
4
Q
What is a static equilibrium?
A
- Equilibrium remains the same.
- There is no change over time.
5
Q
What is a steady-state equilibrium?
A
- Continuous inputs and outputs take place but the system as a whole remains ina more or less constant state.
(Eg. in open systems). - Very small fluctuations.
6
Q
Which type of equilibrium has small fluctuations but a constant state?
A
A steady-state equilibrium
7
Q
Which type of equilibrium has no change over time?
A
A static equilibrium
8
Q
Which type of equilibrium can have a small disturbance but it returns to the initial equilibrium?
A
A stable equilibrium
9
Q
Which type of equilibrium changes forever after a disturbance?
A
An unstable equilibrium
10
Q
What is an unstable equilibrium?
A
Things turn into a new equilibrium after a disturbance
