unique earth

Question 1

whats a system

Answer 1

a network of relationships, parts elements and or components that interact and influence one another through the exchange of energy, matter and/ or information
- Function together to act as a whole
- Responds to inputs and outputs

Question 2

examples of systems on earth

Answer 2

• Processes that change landscape (e.g. erosion, substrate movement)
• Species interactions
• Cycle chemical interactions

Question 3

Two general types of systems

Answer 3

1. Open system—some energy or material moves into or out of system - has external interactions
2. Closed system—doesn’t exchange any matter with its surroundings

Question 4

whats an Average residence time

Answer 4

How long, on average, a quantity of something will remain in a reservoir of a system
- equal to the reservoir size divided by the rate of input (or output)

Question 5

whats a Negative feedback

Answer 5

an increase in output leads to a later decrease
* Moves the system in opposite direction
* Neutralizes and stabilizes the system
E.g. body temperature
* Too hot – sweat glands
* Too cold - shiver

Question 6

whats a Positive feedback

Answer 6

drives the system towards an extreme
* an increase in output leads to a further increase in the output
* Destabilizing
E.g. exponential growth (more individuals, more offsprings)

Question 7

what Animals expected to be most affected by climate change

Answer 7

*Species that are already vulnerable
*Small population
* Species with limited dispersal ability and/or that reproduce slowly
*Limited climatic range and restricted habitat
requirement
*Particular physiological or phenological traits (TDS)
*Utilize vulnerable habitat (e.g. low sand cays)

Question 8

3 uncertainties with climate change

Answer 8

• Climate-change projections?
• Ecological responses?
• Effectiveness of strategies in reducing the impacts from climate change ?