IB ESS Paper 1 Quick Study Flashcards

Flashcards for quick review of IB ESS Paper 1 topics

What is a system?

Set of interacting parts that form a whole (e.g., ecosystem).

What is an open system?

Exchanges both matter and energy with surroundings (e.g., forest).

What is a closed system?

Exchanges energy, not matter (e.g., Earth as a whole).

What is an isolated system?

Exchanges neither energy nor matter (theoretical only).

What is equilibrium?

Balanced state of a system.

What is steady-state equilibrium?

Dynamic, fluctuates around a stable average.

What is static equilibrium?

No change over time (rare in nature).

What is a feedback loop?

Circular process of cause and effect.

What is a positive feedback loop?

Amplifies change (e.g., melting ice → less albedo → more warming).

What is a negative feedback loop?

Stabilizes system (e.g., predator-prey relationships).

What is resilience?

Ability of a system to recover after a disturbance.

What is a tipping point?

Threshold where a system shifts to a new, irreversible state.

What is sustainability?

Use of resources in a way that doesn't deplete them for future generations.

What is natural capital?

Natural resources with value (e.g., forests, water, soil).

What is natural income?

Yield from natural capital (e.g., fish caught sustainably).

What is an EIA?

Study done before a development project to assess environmental impact.

What is an ecological footprint?

Area needed to sustain a person/population’s lifestyle.

What is the carrying capacity?

Maximum number of organisms an area can support sustainably.

What is pollution?

Addition of harmful substances to the environment.

What is point-source pollution?

Pollution from a single, identifiable source (e.g., pipe).

What is non-point source pollution?

Pollution from multiple diffuse sources (e.g., runoff).

What is acute pollution?

Sudden, large amount of pollution (e.g., oil spill).

What is chronic pollution?

Long-term, low-level pollution (e.g., smog).

What does biodegradable mean?

Breaks down naturally (e.g., food waste).

What does persistent mean in the context of pollution?

Does not break down easily (e.g., plastic, DDT).

What is bioaccumulation?

Build-up of a substance in an organism.

What is biomagnification?

Increased concentration of pollutants up the food chain.

What does STEER stand for in the context of natural capital?

Support, Transport, Energy, Economic, Regulating

What does TRAP stand for in the context of pollution management strategies?

Technology (filters), Regulation (laws), Awareness (education), Penalties (fines)

What does POPCORN stand for regarding the principles of sustainability?

Preservation, Optimization, Precautionary principle, Carrying capacity, Opportunity cost, Renewables, Natural capital