Unit 1 Study Guide Flashcards: Environmental Value Systems, Systems, and Thermodynamics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Topic 1.1 (EVS), Topic 1.2 (Systems and Models), and Topic 1.3 (Thermodynamics and Equilibrium) based on the Unit 1 Test study guide.

Unit 1 Test Date

Scheduled for 10/6/26, covering Sub-units 1.1 and 1.2.

Unit 1 Test Structure

Consists of 40 Multiple Choice, Short Answer, and Matching Questions (some containing graphics or "all of the above" / "none of the above" options), plus two discussion questions including drawing an ecosystem system diagram and writing a short essay.

Sub-unit 1.1 Topics

Focuses on H.D. Thoreau, Walden Pond, EVS (Environmental Value Systems), Aral Sea, and Global Environmental Disasters.

Sub-unit 1.2 Topics

Focuses on Systems, Energy, Thermodynamics, and Equilibrium.

Environmental Value System (EVS)

A worldview or paradigm that shapes how an individual or society perceives and evaluates environmental issues.

Ecocentric

A nature-centered environmental value system that prioritizes ecosystem integration, holistic ecological understanding, and self-restraint in human activity.

Deep Ecologist

An extreme ecocentric viewpoint that puts primary intrinsic value on nature and non-human life, advocating for rights of nature and major reduction in human interference.

Biocentric

A life-centered perspective that views all living things as having intrinsic value, regardless of their usefulness to human beings.

Self-reliant Soft Ecologist

An ecocentric position that emphasizes small-scale, local community action, self-sufficiency, and environmentally appropriate soft technologies.

Anthropocentric

A human-centered environmental value system where humans are managers of sustainable global systems through regulation, policy, and taxes.

Rapacious Industrialist

An extreme technocentric worldview that prioritizes economic growth, rapid resource exploitation, and industrial progress over environmental preservation.

Technocentric

A technology-centered environmental value system that relies on scientific research, technological innovation, and economic growth to solve environmental challenges.

Henry David Thoreau

An author and natural philosopher listed in Sub-unit 1.1 whose writings on simple living and nature at Walden Pond contributed to early environmental philosophy.

Walden Pond

A key location and reference point in Sub-unit 1.1 associated with Henry David Thoreau and foundational environmental thinking.

Aral Sea

A major case study listed under Topic 1.1 exemplifying global environmental disasters caused by human mismanagement.

Systems Diagrams (of ecosystems)

Visual models of ecosystems required on the test discussion section, illustrating inputs, outputs, storages, and flows of matter and energy.

Open System

A system that exchanges both matter and energy with its surrounding environment across its boundary.

Closed System

A system that exchanges energy with its surroundings across its boundary, but does not exchange matter.

Isolated System

A hypothetical system that exchanges neither energy nor matter with its environment.

Biotic Storages / Trophic Levels

Living storage components within an ecosystem diagram consisting of Producer (P), Consumer1 (C1), Consumer2 (C2), Consumer3 (C3), Decomposers and Detritivores, and Detritus.

Abiotic Storages

Non-living components acting as nutrient storage pools in an ecosystem, such as rocks and water.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in chemical compounds within ecosystems, explicitly including sugar, carbohydrates, and hydrocarbons.

Energy and Matter Transfers

Flows through a system where energy or matter moves position without changing its chemical or physical nature or state.

Energy and Matter Transformations

Flows through a system involving a change of state or transformation of form (e.g., light energy converted to chemical energy).

First Law of Thermodynamics

Also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy; states that energy can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Also known as the Law of Entropy; states that energy transformations increase overall entropy (disorder) in an isolated system, with useful energy often lost as heat energy.

Negative Feedback Loop

A stabilizing dynamic mechanism that counteracts changes away from equilibrium, dampening deviation and restoring system stability.

Positive Feedback Loop

A destabilizing dynamic mechanism that amplifies changes away from equilibrium, accelerating displacement toward a new state or tipping point.

Static Equilibrium

A condition in a system where there are no inputs or outputs of energy or matter, and no change occurs over time.

Steady-State Equilibrium

A dynamic equilibrium characteristic of open systems where constant inputs and outputs keep the system functioning around a stable average state.

Resilience

The capacity of a system to resist change, withstand disturbance, and recover back to its stable equilibrium state.

Tipping Point

A critical threshold in a system beyond which small additional changes cause drastic, rapid, and often irreversible shifts to a different operational state.

Sustainability

The use and management of natural resources at a rate that allows full natural replacement and long-term ecosystem health.