Glossary Flashcards
1
Q
System
A
An assemblage of parts, working together, forming a functional whole (has inputs, processes, outputs).
2
Q
Intrinsic Value
A
A measure of what an asset is worth.
3
Q
Extrinsic Value
A
Measures the difference between the market price of an option, called the premium, and its intrinsic value.
4
Q
Ecocentric
A
Puts ecology and nature as central to humanity and emphasises a less materialistic approach to life with greater self sufficiency of societies. An ecocentric viewpoint prioritises biorights, the importance of education and encourages self-restraint in human behaviour.
5
Q
Anthropocentic
A
An anthropocentric viewpoint argues that humans must sustainably manage the global system. This might be through the use of taxes, environmental regulation and legislation.
6
Q
Technocentric
A
Technological developments can provide solutions to environmental problems. Scientific research is encouraged in order to form policies and to understand how systems can be controlled, manipulated or changed to solve resource depletion. A pro-growth agenda is deemed necessary for society’s improvement.
7
Q
Deep Ecology
A
A need for spiritual revolution to fix environmental problems is at the core of all environmental issues. Nature is at the centre, equal rights for species (nature before humans).
8
Q
Environmental Managers
A
No radical political agenda but promote working to create change within the existing social and political structures. Current economic growth can be sustained if environmental issues are managed by legal means or political agreement. (They believe that the environment can be used if managed properly).
9
Q
Cornucopians
A
A perspective that doesn’t really see environmental issues as “problems” as humans have always found a way out of difficulties in the past.
10
Q
Linear Thinking
A
A systematic and analytical thought process that follows a known step-by-step progression similar to a straight line.
11
Q
Systems Thinking
A
A holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system’s constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems.
12
Q
Systems Approach
A
The systems approach dictates that you must look at the system as a whole, interacting with its environment, before you can fully understand it.
13
Q
Reductionist Approach
A
Looking at each individual part of a system.
14
Q
Biosphere
- Atmosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Lithosphere
A
The collection of biomes, and the portion of the Earth in which life can exist.
- Gaseous envelope surrounding Earth.
- Earth’s supply of water.
- Soil and rock of Earth’s crust.
15
Q
Economic Systems
A
A set of structures, institutions, and processes that determine how a society produces, distributes, and consumes goods and services in an environmentally sustainable manner. Takes into account the impact of economic activity and seeks to minimise negative environmental consequences.
16
Q
Social Systems
A
Refers to the ways in which a society is organised and the relationships between its various parts. It includes the institutions, norms, values, and patterns of behaviour that shape the functioning of a society.
17
Q
Interconnection Of A System
A
The direct connection of two or more information systems for the purpose of sharing data and other information resources.
18
Q
- Inputs
- Outputs
- Flows
- Stores
A
- Import material and energy across the system boundary.
- Export material and energy across the system boundary.
- Flows and pathways within the system along which the energy and materials pass.
- Storage areas within the system where energy and material can be stored for various lengths of time before being released back into the flows.
19
Q
Open System
A
Exchange of energy and materials freely across the system boundary (energy and matter can enter and leave). E.g. Forests, drainage basins, and lakes.
20
Q
Closed System
A
Exchange energy but not material across the system boundaries (energy can transfer in and out but matter cannot).
21
Q
Isolated System
A
No exchange of energy or material across the system boundaries, such systems don’t exist the natural world – it is a hypothetical concept. The entire cosmos could be considered to be an isolated system.
22
Q
Models
A
The graphic representation of systems. They:
- Use different symbols to represent each part of the system.
- Represent situations found in real systems, but in reality they can only be approximations and predictions.
23
Q
Transfer
A
Movement involves only a change in location of matter and energy.
24
Q
Transformation
A
Movement involves a change of form or state, or leads to an interaction within a system.
25
1st Law of Thermodynamics
Energy can be transferred but not destroyed or created.
26
2nd Law of Thermodynamics
“The Law of Increased Entropy” - Entropy in any system increases over time.
27
Entropy
A measure of the amount of disorder in a system. An increase in entropy (i.e. ‘chaos’) arising from energy transformations reduces the energy available to do work.
28
Equilibria
A state of balance that exists between different parts of any system.
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Steady-state Equilibrium
Fluctuations in the system, but these are within narrow limits whereby the system usually returns to its original state after disturbance.
30
Homeostasis
The tendency of a system, especially the physiological systems of living organisms, to maintain a stable, balanced, and constant internal environment. This internal environment is known as the homeostatic state.
31
Tipping Point
The minimum amount of change within a system that will destabilise it and cause it to reach a new equilibrium or stable state. (The point at which changes/disturbances tip the equilibrium over a threshold. Ecosystem experiences a shift to a new state, with significant changes to biodiversity).
32
Resilience Of A System
The tendency of a system to maintain stability and resist tipping points.
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Feedback Loops
When information that starts a reaction in turn may input more information which may start another reaction.
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Positive Feedback
Results in a change in the system that leads to more and greater change. It amplifies or increases change and leads to exponential deviation away from equilibrium and thus destabilises the system. (ex. Childbirth, fruit ripening, global temps).
35
Negative Feedback
Tends to damp down or counteract any deviation from an equilibrium and promotes stability. It stabilises the system to eliminate any deviation from the preferred conditions. (ex. Body temp, blood sugar levels, global temps, predator-prey interactions).
36
Sustainability
The use of resources at a rate that allows for natural regeneration and minimises damage to the environment.
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Sustainable Development
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
38
Natural Capital
The natural resources that can produce a sustainable natural income of goods or services. The world's stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things. (Provides natural income (goods and services)).
39
Natural Income
The yield obtained from these natural resources.
40
Systems:
1. Provisional Services
2. Supporting services
3. Regulation services
4. Cultural Services
1. What humans obtain from ecosystems.
2. Essentials for life. All other services depend on them.
3. Regulation of ecosystem processes.
4. Where people interact with nature.
41
Ecological Footprint
An ecological footprint is a measure of the area of land and water required to support a defined population at a given standard of living. Ecological footprints are greater than the biocapacity of a country (i.e. the ability of a biologically productive area to generate sustainable supply of resources) indicate unsustainability.
42
Pollutant
Pollutants are released by human activity and may be in the form of:
* Matter (gases, liquids, solids) - organic or inorganic
* Energy (sound, light, heat)
* Living organisms (biological agents or invasive species)
43
Pollution
Pollution is the addition of a substance or an agent to an environment through human activity, at a rate greater than that at which it can be rendered harmless by the environment, and which has an appreciable effect on the organisms in the environment.
44
Primary Pollutants
Primary pollutants are pollutants that are directly emitted into the atmosphere from a source. These pollutants are not the result of chemical reactions in the atmosphere and are not transformed from other pollutants. Primary pollutants include:
1. Particulate matter: Fine particles suspended in the air, such as dust, dirt, and soot.
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Secondary Pollutants
Secondary pollutants are pollutants that are not directly emitted into the atmosphere, but are formed through chemical reactions between primary pollutants and other substances in the atmosphere.
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Non-point Source Pollution
The release of pollutants from multiple unidentifiable sites.
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Persistent Organic Pollutants
Pollution that is resistant to environmental degradation. They can therefore collect in food chains and even top predators are at risk of the effects of some chemicals. Example: DDT.
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Biodegradable Pollution
Pollution that is able to be broken down by organisms. Most modern pesticides are biodegradable. E.g. Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) proteins are toxic to insects but are decomposed by sunlight.
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Acute Pollution
Produces its effects through a short, intense exposure, where symptoms are experiences within hours.
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Chronic Pollution
Produces its effects through low-level, long term exposure, and where disease symptoms develop up to decades later.
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Acute Effects
Health effects that usually occur rapidly, as a result of short-term exposure. (E.g. Asthma Attacks)
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Chronic Effects
An adverse effect on a human or animal body, with symptoms which develop slowly over a long period of time.
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Ecosystem
A community of living and nonliving things that work together.
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Ecology
The study of interactions among and between organisms and their environment.
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Abiotic Factors
The non-living, physical factors that influence the organisms and ecosystem — such as temperature, sunlight, pH, salinity, and precipitation.
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Biotic Factors
The living components of ecosystems. The interactions between the organisms—such as predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism, disease, and competition.
57
Species
A species is a group of organisms that share common characteristics and that interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
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Population
A group of organisms of the same species living in the same areas at the same time, and which are capable of interbreeding.
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Habitat
The environment in which a species normally lives.
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Niche
The particular set of biotic and abiotic conditions and resources to which an organism or population responds.
61
Fundamental Niche
Describes the full range of conditions and resources in which a species could survive and reproduce.
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Realised Niche
Describes the actual conditions and resources in which a species exists due to biotic interactions.
63
Limiting Factors
Factors which slow down growth of a population as it reaches its carrying capacity.
64
Competition
All organisms have an effect on every other organism in that ecosystem. Any resource exists only in a limited supply.
65
Intraspecific Competition
Between members of the same species, competing for limited resources.
66
Interspecific Competition
Between members of 2 or more different species for the same limited resources.
67
Predation
When one animal (the predators) eats another animal, the prey. The predator kills the prey.
68
Herbivory
Animals who feed on plants. They make up the primary consumers (2nd trophic level). They can be of harm or benefit and they drive adaptations in plants.
69
Symbiosis
Symbiosis is an intimate relationship between members of 2 or more species which may be benefited, harmed or unaffected by the relationship and are the result of coevolution. There are three types of symbiosis:
* Mutualism
* Commensalism
* Parasitism
70
Parasitism
One species (the parasite) lives in or on another (the host), gaining its food from it. Normally the parasites does not kill the host (only harms it) but it can happen. Parasites are eukaryotic.
71
Eukaryotic
Any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus.
72
Mutualism
When two or more organisms work together, each benefitting from the interaction. (E.g Plover birds pick leftover food from crocodiles teeth, this feeds the bird and cleans the croc’s teeth).
73
Commensalism
Relationship between two species, where one benefits while neither harming or benefiting the other.
74
Density-dependant Factors
Depend on how densely packed the population is.
75
Density-independent Factors
Do not depend on size or density of population.
76
Exponential Growth - J Curve
A "J" curve hits its carrying capacity and just continues causing a population explosion and competition for resources. A population curve which shows only exponential growth.
77
Logistic Growth - S Curve
In logistic growth, population expansion decreases as resources become scarce, and it levels off when the carrying capacity of the environment is reached, resulting in an S-shaped curve.
78
K-Strategists
Species who are adapted to exploit stable habitats. They produce a small number of offspring, survive in long-term climax communities, and increase their survival rate. (S-curve). CLIMAX SPECIES.
79
R-Strategists
Species who have been evolved to exploit unstable environments. They produce a large number of offspring, colonise new habitats quickly, make use of short-lived resources, and are more competitive. (J-curve). PIONEER SPECIES.
80
Community
A group of populations living and interacting with each other in a common habitat.
81
Photosynthesis
Green plants convert light energy into chemical energy in photosynthesis. This is a transformation from one energy state to another. This is done as plant leaves contain chloroplast with chlorophyll, in the chloroplast the energy from sunlight is used to split water and combine it with CO2 to make glucose.
82
Equation of Photosynthesis
Light energy
Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
Chlorophyll
83
Respiration
The process by which living organisms convert oxygen and organic matter (i.e. glucose) into a useful form of energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water in the process.
84
Equation of Respiration
Energy Released
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy as ATP
85
Biomass
Biomass is the mass of living biological organisms in a given area or ecosystem at a given time (plants and animals) - as you move up the trophic levels, the biomass and its production decreases.
86
Feeding Relationships - Trophic Levels
The position that an organism occupies in a food chain, or a group of organisms in a community that occupy the same position in food chains depending on their eating habits.
87
Ecological Pyramid
Ecological pyramids are graphical models and illustrate the quantitative differences that exist between the trophic levels of a single ecosystem.
88
Pyramid of Numbers
* Pyramids of numbers provide a diagrammatic representation of the number of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem at any one time.
* Generally, as the pyramid is ascended, the number of organisms decreases, but the size of each individual increases.
89
Pyramid of Biomass
* A pyramid of biomass shows the biological mass at each trophic level. Biomass is measured as dry weight (biological mass minus water).
* Each trophic level is measured in grams of biomass per square metre (gm-2) or kilograms per square metre (kgm-2).
* Because energy decreases along food chains (second law of thermodynamics) biomass decreases along food chains, so pyramids become narrower towards higher trophic levels.
90
Pyramid of Productivity
* Pyramids of productivity represent the rate of flow of energy through each trophic level of an ecosystem during a fixed time period (usually 1 year, to account for seasonal effects).
* Pyramids of productivity show the rate at which those storages are being generated.
* Productivity is defined by the amount of new biomass created per unit area per unit time. It is measured in units of flow (e.g. g m-2yr-1 / J m-2yr-1 /Kcal m-2yr-1).
91
Bioaccumulation
The build-up of persistent or non-biodegradable toxin within an organism or trophic level because they cannot be broken down.
92
Biomagnification
The increase in concentration of persistent or non-biodegradable toxin along a food chain.
93
Electromagnetic Energy
As solar radiation (insolation) enters the Earth's atmosphere, some energy becomes unavailable for ecosystems as this energy is absorbed by inorganic matter or reflected back into the atmosphere. Pathways of radiation through the atmosphere involves radiation through reflections and absorption.
94
Primary Productivity
Productivity of autotrophs (plants) AKA producers.
95
Secondary Productivity
Productivity of heterotrophs (animals).
96
Gross
The total amount of something made as a result of an activity, e.g. profit from a business.
97
Net
The amount left after deductions are made, e.g. cost of production.
98
Gross Primary Productivity
Total gain in energy or biomass per unit area per unit time by green plants. (Fixed energy).
* GPP = NPP + R
99
Net Primary Productivity
The gain in energy or biomass per unit area per unit time that remains after deduction due to respiration (biomass).
* NPP = GPP - R
100
Respiration
The amount of biomass consumed during cellular respiration to keep the producer alive.
101
Gross Secondary Product (GSP)
The total energy or biomass assimilated by consumers and is calculated by subtracting the mass of faecal loss from the mass of food consumed.
* GSP = food eaten – faecal loss
102
Net Secondary Productivity
The total energy/biomass per unit area per unit time assimilated by consumers after allowing for losses to respiration.
* NSP = GSP - R.
Note: NSP is what is passed on to the next trophic level. NSP is growth - which is correct because NSP is what is left after other life processes have taken place.
103
Dissolved Oxygen
A measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water - the amount of oxygen available to living aquatic organisms.
104
Sustainable Yield
The amount of biomass that can be extracted without reducing natural capital of the ecosystem.
105
Maximum Sustainable Yield
The amount of biomass which may be removed from an ecosystem without diminishing the natural income produced by that system each year.
106
Biome
A collection of ecosystems sharing similar climatic conditions, characterised by a dominant type of vegetation.
107
Climate
The weather conditions prevailing in an area, in general or over a long period.
108
Latitude
The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes.
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Altitude
The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
110
Air Pressure
The force exerted on a surface by the air above it as gravity pulls it to Earth.
111
Tricellular Model
The tricellular model is a simplified explanation of how atmospheric circulation patterns give rise to distinct weather and climatic conditions at various latitudes.
112
Precipitation to Evaporation Ratio
The relationship between evaporation and precipitation.
113
Latent Heat
When a change in state is associated with the taking in or giving out heat.
114
Zonation
Change in an ecosystem that occurs along an environmental gradient, due to changing abiotic factors.
115
Tree Line
The maximum altitude at which trees can survive.
116
Environmental Gradient
The change in vegetation with altitude.
117
Adiabatic Lapse Rate
The rate at which the temperature of an air parcel changes in response to the compression or expansion associated with elevation change, under the assumption that the process is adiabatic, i.e., no heat exchange occurs between the given air parcel and its surroundings.
118
Succession
The process of change over time in an ecosystem involving pioneer, intermediate and climax species to which life comes back.
119
Primary Succession
When a new patch of land is created or exposed for the first time. (E.g. lava cools and creates new rocks or Surtsey Island 1962).
120
Secondary Succession
Occurs when there is some kind of disturbance but the soil remains (e.g. forest fire). Life is ready to come back.
121
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
The source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level.
122
Energy Security
Ability to secure affordable, reliable, efficient energy for needs of a country.
123
Nuclear Fusion
Extracting heavy water from water and fusing 2 hydrogen atoms to make helium.
124
Bridge Fuel
Promoting natural gas consumption through oil/gas companies convincing govts to get the country off coal until renewables are developed.
125
Weather
Daily result of changes in temperature, pressure, and precipitation in the atmosphere.
126
Climate
Average weather patterns over many years for a location on Earth. (Usually 40 years).
127
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Relative measure of how much heat a known mass of GHG traps over a number of years compared to the same mass of CO2.
128
Mitigation
Prevention/reduction/stabilization of GHG emissions and their removal from the atmosphere.
129
Adaptation
Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
130
Demographics
Study of dynamics of population change.
131
Crude Birth Rate
Number of live births per 1000 of the population per year.
132
Crude Death Rate
Number of deaths per 1000 of the population per year.
133
Equation of Crude Birth Rate
(Number of live births/population) x 1000
134
Equation of Crude Death Rate
(Number of deaths/population) x 1000
135
Natural Increase
The rate of human growth
136
Equation of Natural Increase
(CBR - CDR)/10
137
Doubling Time
Time it takes in years for the population to double in size.
138
Total Fertility Rate
Number of children that a woman would have if she were to live to the end of her child-bearing years and bear children in accordance with age specific fertility rates.
139
Equation of TFR
5 x Σ(no. Of births per woman aged…/ no. Of women aged …) + (“ “/“ “)
140
Human Development Index (HDI)
A statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which is used to rank countries into 4 tiers of human development.
141
Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
A diagram that shows how the population of a country changes over time; it displays birth rates, death rates, natural increase, and total population levels. It can also symbolise the level of development within a country.
142
Stage 1 of DTM
High stationary (high birth due to no birth control, high infant mortality rates, large families due to cultural factors, high death rates due to famine and little medicine).
143
Stage 2 of DTM
Early expanding (death rate drops, disease reduces, lifespan increases, birth rate still high, child mortality falls).
144
Stage 3 of DTM
Kate expanding (birth rates fall due to contraceptives, education, empowerment, pop levels off, smaller families, low infant death rate).
145
Stage 4 of DTM
Low stationary, low birth and death rates, industrialized countries, stable pop).
146
Stage 5 of DTM
Declining, fertility rate low, problems of ageing workforce. (E.g. Japan, Estonia, Germany).
147
Renewable Natural Capital
Natural capital that can be generated/replaced as fast as it is being used.
148
Non-renewable Natural Capital
Natural capital that can either be either irreplaceable or only replaced over geological timescales (fossils, minerals).
149
Anaerobic Digestion
Biodegradable matter broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen.
150
Domestic Organic Waste
Any material that is biodegradable and comes from either plant or animal. (Domestic - waste produced from domestic activities).
151
Carrying Capacity
The maximum number of species or load that can be sustainably supported by a given area.
152
Percentage Change Equation
C = (X2 - X1)/X1
X1 - Initial value
X2 - Final value
153
Albedo Effect
154
Greenhouse Effect
155
Assimilation
Nitrogen compounds in various forms, such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and ammonium are taken up from soils by plants which are then used in the formation of plant and animal proteins.
156
Nitrogen Fixation
Atmospheric nitrogen occurs primarily in (N2) that few organisms can use; therefore it must be converted to an organic - or fixed - form in a process called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen is 'fixed' through biological processes.
First, nitrogen is deposited from the atmosphere into soils and surface waters, mainly through precipitation. Once in the soils and surface waters, nitrogen undergoes a set of changes: it forms ammonia (NH4+). This is done by microorganisms.
Two Types: (1) Physical Nitrogen Fixation (lightning) and (2) Biological Nitrogen Fixation. (by living things).
157
Nitrification
While ammonia can be used by some plants, most of the nitrogen taken up by plants is converted by bacteria from ammonia - which is highly toxic to many organisms - into nitrite (NO2-), and then into nitrate (NO3-). This process is called nitrification, and these bacteria are known as nitrifying bacteria.
158
Ammonification
When plants and animals die, or when animals emit wastes, the nitrogen in the organic matter reenters the soil where it is broken down by other microorganisms, known as decomposers. This decomposition produces ammonia which is then available for other biological processes.
159
Denitrification
Nitrogen makes its way back into the atmosphere through a process called denitrification, in which nitrate (NO3-) is converted back to gaseous nitrogen (N2). Denitrification occurs primarily in wet soils where the water makes it difficult for microorganisms to get oxygen. Under these conditions, certain organisms - known as denitrifying bacteria - will process nitrate to gain oxygen, leaving free nitrogen gas as a byproduct.
160
Albedo Effect
The ability of surfaces to reflect sunlight and heat from the sun.
*Light-coloured surfaces have high albedo.
*Dark-coloured surfaces have low albedo.
161
Greenhouse Effect
When GHGs cause some of the heat radiated from the planet’s surface to be trapped in the lower atmosphere. Earth is warmed by absorbing heat from the sun and cooled by radiating energy into space.
162
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the amount of biological or living diversity per unit are. It encompasses species, genetic and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is a mix of:
Ecosystem diversity - The variety of different habitats, communities and ecological processes.
Species diversity - The number and relative abundance of species found in a given biological organisation.
Genetic diversity - The biological variation that occurs within species.
163
Species Diversity
The number and relative abundance of species found in a given biological organisation. This takes into account species richness and evenness.
164
Habitat/Ecosystem Diversity
The variety and range of different habitats, communities and ecological processes in an ecosystem or biome.
165
Genetic Diversity
Genetic Diversity refers to the range of genetic material present in a gene pool or population of a species.
166
Simpson’s Index - Quantifying Diversity
D = N(N - 1) / Σn(n - 1)
N = Total number of organisms of all species
n = Total number of individuals of a specific species
167
Reductionist Approach
Looking at each individual part of a system
168
Systems Approach
Looking at the whole system and how everything works together
169
Gaia Hypothesis
The Earth is a planet sized organism and the atmosphere regulates and connects all the parts.
