Natural Systems (Booklet 1) Flashcards
What is a system?
A system is defined as a collection of interrelated components working together towards a common process or function, often with specific inputs, outputs, and interactions.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem describes the complex interactions and relationships between living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors) within a specific area e.g. a pond.
What is the universal systems model?
The universal systems model is a simple diagram is often used to show the different components (parts) of an ecosystem and the relationships or links (flows/transfers) between them. Energy is the power or driving force.
What is matter?
Matter is any physical substance involved in a system, e.g. water or carbon.
What is an input?
An input is matter or energy moving into the system from the outside (external environment) e.g. precipitation, leaf fall during the autumn or seeds carried by the wind and birds.
What is an output?
An output is matter or energy moving out of the system to the outside (external environment) e.g. water soaking through soil and rocks, evaporation, seed dispersal.
What are stores/components?
A store or component refers to the individual elements or parts that make up the system, such as water, soil, and living organisms.
What are flows/transfers?
Flows or transfers are the relationships and interactions between the components in a system, such as the processes of photosynthesis, water infiltration, and energy transfer.
What is an open system?
An open system allows for both inputs and outputs of energy or matter, facilitating the exchange and flow of resources across its boundaries.
What is a closed system?
A closed system is a system that has no inputs or outputs, but which cycles energy or resources around a closed loop.
What is an isolated system?
An isolated system is a system that has no interactions with anything outside of the system boundary. There is no input or output of energy or matter and neither matter nor energy can enter or leave but these aren’t found in nature.
What is positive feedback?
Positive Feedback is where the effects of an action are amplified or multiplied by its subsequent knock on or secondary effects, resulting in an intensified response.
What is negative feedback?
Negative Feedback is where the effects of an action are nullified by its subsequent knock on or secondary effects, stabilizing the system.
What is equilibrium?
Equilibrium refers to a state in which the inputs and outputs of a system are balanced, flows and transfers continue to happen but in the same way at all times leading to stability without overall change.
What is dynamic equilibrium?
Dynamic equilibrium represents a state of balance within a constantly changing system however in reality there are lots of small variations in the inputs and outputs (e.g. variations in the amount of precipitation), these variations are usually small so the inputs and outputs remain balanced on average and therefore it is in dynamic equilibrium.
