Science Exam Preparation - Concepts on Water Cycle, Soil and Environmental Changes

Theme Three: Change and Stability

Unit 3: Water, Weather and Climate

• People frequently use weather applications to check weather conditions, influenced by factors like temperature, wind, and precipitation.
• Water cycle dynamics are crucial in understanding weather, including energy transfer processes.
• Understand the differences between weather (short-term conditions) and climate (long-term trends).

Concept 3.1: Energy Transfer Through the Water Cycle

• The Sun, wind, and water work together to drive energy transfer in the water cycle.
• Energy from the Sun causes evaporation (liquid to gas) and influences condensing (gas to liquid).
• Key processes: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Runoff, and Collection.
• Thermal energy plays a pivotal role in these transitions.

Concept 3.2: Heat and Weather Changes

• Changes in weather patterns can be attributed to temperature variations and moisture levels in the air.
• Meteorologists analyze air pressure, humidity, and temperature to predict weather changes.

Theme Four: Protecting Our Planet

Unit 4: Adapting to Change

• Adaptation: Organisms undergo structural and behavioral adaptations to survive environmental changes.
• Migration as a behavioral adaptation allows organisms, especially birds, to seek better living conditions.

Concept 4.1: Adapting to Survive

• Environmental factors like water and shelter are vital for survival, and genetic traits influence growth and development.
• Different types of soil affect the biodiversity and health of ecosystems by supporting various plant and animal species.

Concept 4.2: Soil and Environmental Change

• Soil's role in ecosystems is pivotal; it provides nutrients, supports plant life, and influences climate.
• Human activities such as deforestation and pollution lead to soil degradation, affecting the entire ecosystem.
• Methods for reversing damage include restoring nutrients and implementing sustainable practices in agriculture.

Summary of Key Terms:

• Habitat: Environment providing basic needs for organisms.
• Decomposers: Organisms that recycle nutrients from dead materials back into the ecosystem, vital for soil fertility.
• Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation or inappropriate agriculture.
• Abiotic vs. Biotic: Nonliving factors (abiotics) like soil and climate vs. living organisms (biotics) like animals and plants.