1.02 Systems and models Flashcards
Holistic view
Seeing a picture as a whole and not breaking it down into parts, but rather how the parts work together.
The system approach
Visualizing a complex set of interactions in ecology, society or another system (holistic view).
System
Components working together, their relationships allowing them to form a functioning whole.
What has outputs and inputs?
A system
Biomes
Groups of ecosystems with similar climates
What are the components of a system?
- Storages
- Flows
- Inputs
- Outputs
- Processes
Emergent properties
Features of a system that are present when components come together, not in individuals - like an orchestra
Biosphere
Part of earth that is inhabited by organisms. From upper atmosphere to depths of earth.
Reductionist view
Opposite of holistic view. Look at individuals instead of their relationships with each other.
Open system
Almost all living systems. They exchange energy, new matter and wastes with the environment.
Closed system
Mostly artificial and do not exist naturally. Only energy, not matter is exchanged with the environment. Most do not survive as they become unbalanced. Oxygen or food runs out or waste matter builds up to toxic levels.
Isolated system
Doesn’t exist. There is no exchange. Maybe the universe?
Transfer
Energy and matter pass through an ecosystem (flow) without any change in form or state
Transformation
When flow involves a change in form or state. Or if it leads to an interaction within the system. (photosynthesis)
