c1.2 ess systems

• What is a system?

  A system is made up of individual parts that work together to perform a particular function.
• What are the two major components of a system?


  Elements and processes.
• What are examples of elements in a system?

  Trees, shrubs, herbs, birds, insects, and light intensity.
• What do processes in a system do?

  Processes change elements from one form to another.
• How does a systems approach benefit the study of ecological or societal situations?

  It provides a holistic way of visualizing complex interactions.
• What is represented as rectangular boxes and arrows in system diagrams?

  Storages are represented as rectangular boxes and flows as arrows.
• What is the difference between transfer and transformation in a system?


  Transfer is a change in location of energy or matter, while transformation creates a new product.
• What type of system exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary?


  An open system.
• What is an example of a closed system?


  Biosphere 2.
• What does the Gaia Hypothesis propose?


  That the world acts like a single biological being made up of interconnected units.
• What are negative feedback loops?


  Negative feedback loops occur when the output of a process inhibits or reverses the operation of the same process as a way to reduce change, stabilizing the system.
• What is the role of positive feedback loops?


  Positive feedback loops amplify disturbances, destabilizing the system.
• How does the Daisyworld model relate to the Gaia hypothesis?

  Daisyworld demonstrates how life can regulate climate through feedback loops, supporting the Gaia hypothesis.
• What is the significance of albedo in feedback loops?

  Albedo affects the amount of heat/light energy reflection, influencing global temperature feedback loops.
• What is succession in an ecosystem?


  Succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time.
• What is an example of a stable equilibrium in an ecosystem?

  A forest ecosystem under normal conditions.
• How does a forest fire affect the feedback response of a forest ecosystem?

  A forest fire can lead to a positive feedback response, but the forest can eventually return to its previous equilibrium.
• What are the types of feedback loops in systems?

  • Negative Feedback Loops:
  • Stabilize the system by counteracting changes.

  
  

  • Positive Feedback Loops:
  • Amplify disturbances, destabilizing the system.
• How does the Gaia Hypothesis explain Earth's systems?

  • Proposes Earth acts as a single biological entity.
  • Interconnected units regulate climate and environmental conditions.
  • Introduced by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis.
• What happens to temperature when incoming solar radiation decreases?

  Temperature decreases
• What is succession in an ecosystem?

  Succession is the process by which the mix of species and habitat in an area changes over time
• Is a forest considered a closed or open system?

  A forest is considered an open system
• What type of equilibrium does a forest typically maintain?

  A forest typically maintains a stable equilibrium
• What type of feedback response does a forest fire lead to?

  A forest fire leads to a positive feedback response
• Is the forest able to return to its previous equilibrium after a fire?

  The forest is able to return to its previous equilibrium
• What happens to the land after a forest fire?

  The land becomes clear but fertile due to organic matter from debris of the forest fire
• What starts the negative feedback in a forest ecosystem?

  The negative feedback starts after the initial changes caused by the fire
• What is a tipping point in an ecosystem?

  A tipping point is the minimum amount of change that will cause destabilization within a system
• How does succession relate to tipping points?


  Succession experiences tipping points due to events like forest fires
• What are alternative stable states in an ecosystem?

  Alternative stable states are multiple states that may exist for one ecosystem, each with its own equilibrium
• What do positive feedback loops tend to do in a system?

  Positive feedback loops tend to drive the system towards a tipping point
• What factors contribute to the resilience of a forest ecosystem?


  Resilience, diversity, and stability contribute to the forest's ability to undergo different types of succession
• What are trophic cascades?

  Trophic cascades are powerful indirect interactions that can control entire ecosystems
• How do predators influence trophic cascades?

  Predators limit the density and/or behavior of their prey, enhancing the survival of the next lower trophic level
• What is the significance of Lovelock's Daisyworld simulation?


  Daisyworld demonstrates how emergent properties can develop from the interaction between non-living and living components of a system
• What is a model in the context of ecosystems?


  A model is a simplified representation of reality used to understand how a system works and predict responses to change
• What is the impact of simplification on models?

  Simplification can make a model less accurate causing misinterpretation, uncertainty and not reliable
• What are emergent properties in systems?


  Emergent properties arise from interactions between components in systems, leading to new patterns that do not occur in isolated components
• what is resilience of a system ?


  Resilience refers to a system's capacity to avoid tipping points and maintain stability
• What factors contribute to the resilience of a system?

  Resilience is linked to the size of storages and diversity within a system