UNIT 1: Systems 1.2

Question 1

System

Answer 1

Interconnected parts working together to function as a whole.

Question 2

Stable Equilibrium

Answer 2

When a system returns to its previous state after a disturbance.

Question 3

Open system

Answer 3

Requires material/energy input

Question 4

Flows

Answer 4

Pathways within the system in which the energy and material can be transferred or transformed

Question 4

Closed system

Answer 4

Only input is it’s energy and is self sustaining

Question 5

Feedback Loop

Answer 5

A cycle where information triggers a reaction that leads to further reactions.

Question 6

Positive Feedback Loop

Answer 6

A disturbance amplifies changes, moving the system away from equilibrium.

Question 7

Negative Feedback Loop

Answer 7

A process where outputs reduce changes, stabilizing the system.

Question 8

Tipping Point

Answer 8

The minimum change that shifts a system to a new state of equilibrium.

Question 9

Albedo

Answer 9

The measure of how much a surface reflects, with higher values indicating more reflection. Low albedo meaning more absorption

Question 10

Keystone Species

Answer 10

Species with a large influence on ecosystems, whose loss significantly alters the environment.

Question 11

Input

Answer 11

Import material + energy across the system boundary

Question 12

Output

Answer 12

Export material + energy across the system boundary

Question 13

Reductionism

Answer 13

The approach of breaking down complex systems into simpler, smaller parts to understand them better.

Question 14

Model

Answer 14

A simplified representation or simulation of a system, used to understand, explain, or predict its behavior.

Question 15

Transfer

Answer 15

it can refer to the movement of energy, information, or materials between systems.

Question 16

Transformation

Answer 16

The process of changing or converting something into a different form or state. In science, it often refers to a significant alteration in structure, function, or appearance within a system.

Question 17

Isolate system

Answer 17

A system that does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings. It is completely closed off from external influences, allowing only internal processes to occur.

Question 18

Gaia Theory

Answer 18

The Gaia Theory suggests Earth and its living systems function as a self-regulating, interconnected organism that maintains conditions suitable for life.

Question 19

Daisy Chain

Answer 19

A series of interconnected interactions in an ecosystem where each part influences and regulates the others, maintaining balance in the system.