1.2 Systems

Flashcards about Systems and Environmental Issues

Systems

Sets of interacting or interdependent components connected through the transfer of energy and/or matter.

Definition of a System

Properties and functions not present in the individual components. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Synergy

When the combined effects of the components are greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Negative feedback loops

Stabilize the system.

Positive feedback loops

Can lead to rapid change.

Thresholds

Systems may have these beyond which they exhibit drastically different behavior, leading to irreversible changes.

Systems Approach

A holistic way of visualizing a complex set of interactions, applied to ecological or societal situations.

Interdisciplinary Nature of Systems Approach

Integrating knowledge from various fields such as ecology, economics, and sociology.

Applications of Systems Approach

Environmental impact assessments, resource management, and policy-making.

Emergent Properties

Unexpected properties arising from the collaborative functioning of a system but not belonging to any one part.

Flocking Behavior

Birds forming large flocks with complex, coordinated movements.

Ant Colonies

Exhibiting complex social behaviors like division of labor and nest construction.

Ecosystems

Predator-prey relationships, nutrient cycling, and energy flow.

Scale of Systems

Living or non-living, on any scale, from atoms to the universe.

Small Scale Systems

Easier to study and manage due to their limited scope and fewer variables.

Large Scale Systems

More complex and difficult to manage due to numerous interacting components and broader impacts.

Gaia Hypothesis

Living and nonliving things on Earth work together as one system to keep conditions stable.

Earth as an Integrated System

Encompasses the biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere.

Biosphere

The part of the earth where living organisms (life) exists.

Atmosphere

The layer of air surrounding the Earthʼs surface.

Hydrosphere

The layer of water on and near the Earthʼs surface, including frozen water.

Cryosphere

The layer consisting of frozen water, including frozen ground.

Geosphere

The layer that includes all the rocks and minerals from the center of the Earth to the non-living parts of the soil.

Anthroposphere

Encompasses total human presence, including culture, technology, built environment, and associated activities.

System Diagrams

Storages are represented as rectangular boxes, flows as arrows.

Flows

Processes that are either transfers or transformations within a system.

Transfers

Normally flow through a system and involve a change in location.

Transformations

Lead to an interaction within a system in the formation of a new end product or involve a change of state.

Open System

Exchanges both energy and matter across its boundary.

Closed System

Exchanges only energy across its boundary.

System Resilience

Tendency to avoid tipping points and maintain stability.

Biodiversity

Ecosystems with high biodiversity tend to be more resilient.

Ecosystem Structure

The physical structure (e.g., forests, wetlands) can enhance the ability to withstand disturbances.

Tipping Point

Minimum amount of change that will cause destabilization, leading to a shift in equilibrium.

Negative Feedback Loops

Output of a process inhibits or reverses the operation of the same process, reducing change.

Counteract Deviation

Stabilizing as they counteract deviation from equilibrium, promoting stability.

Examples of Negative Feedback Loops

Predator-prey relationships, regulate temperature (sweating and shivering).

Ecosystem Equilibrium

Ecosystem will normally exist in a stable equilibrium maintained by stabilizing negative feedback loops.

Positive Feedback Loops

A disturbance leads to an amplification of that disturbance, destabilizing the system.

Melting Ice Example

As ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces that absorb more sunlight.

Population Growth Example

More individuals lead to more births, increasing population size.

Consequences of Exceeding Tipping Points

Shift to a new state of equilibrium and loss of biodiversity.

Genetic Diversity

Variation within species can enhance the ability of populations to adapt.

Ecosystem Services

Intact ecosystems provide valuable services, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

Model

A simplified representation of reality used to understand how a system works and predict its response to change.

Definition of Model

Simulation that can be conceptual, physical, mathematical, diagrammatic, or based in software.

Transparency in Models

Model assumptions, limitations, and uncertainties should be clearly communicated.

Bias in Models

Models can reflect the biases of their creators, influencing results and interpretations.

Habitat Destruction

Reduces biodiversity and ecosystem complexity.

Pollution

Degrades environmental quality and reduces ecosystem health.

Resource Depletion

Overexploitation of natural resources can reduce storages.

Monoculture

Reliance on a single crop can increase vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Food Security

Diversifying food sources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can enhance food security.