Unit One Test Review Flashcards
Open System
Exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings.
Transfers in an Open System
Energy or matter flows and changes location but does not change its state
Transformations in an Open System
Energy or matter flows and changes its state, a chemical change, change in state, or a change in energy
Closed System
Exchanges energy but not matter with its environment. Extremely rare
Isolated System
Exchanges neither matter nor energy with its environment. Do not exist naturally, entire universe could be an isolated system.
Strengths of Models
Easier to work with than complex reality
Can be used to predict the effect of a change
Can be applied to other similar situations
Helps us see patterns
Can be used to visualize really small and large things
Weaknesses of Models
Accuracy is lost because the model is simplified
Our assumptions could be wrong, so the model could then be wrong
Predictions may be inaccurate
Equilibrium
Tendency of a system to return to its original state following a disturbance. At equilibrium, everything is balanced in components of an ecosystem
Steady-State Equilibrium
Continuous inputs and outputs of energy, but the system as a whole remains in a constant state
Static Equilibrium
No change over time, when disturbed it adopts a new equilibrium as a result
Stable Equilibrium
The system returns to the same equilibrium after a disturbance
Unstable Equilibrium
The system returns to a new equilibrium after a disturbance
First Law of Thermodynamics
Energy is neither created nor destroyed, total energy in a system is constant
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Energy is transformed through energy transfers and is lost as it goes up the food chain
Entropy
Measure of the amount of disorder in a system
Positive Feedback Loop
Amplify changes and drive the system toward a new equilibrium
Negative Feedback Loop
Returns to its original state after changes, stabilizes as it reduces change
Tipping Point
An ecosystem experiences a shift to a new state where there are big changes to its biodiversity and the services it provides
Sustainability
Use and management of resources that allows for full natural replacement of the resources used and full recovery to the ecosystem effected
Sustainable Development
Development that meets needs without compromising the future’s needs
Natural Capital
Goods and services the environment provides humans with to in order to provide income
Natural Income
Product/profit from natural capital
Ecological Footprint
Area of land or water required to sustainably provide all resources at the rate they are being consumed by a given population
Provisioning
Maintaining the supply of natural products; food, fuel, water
