1.2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
model
simplifies representation of structures, relationships and processes
strengths of models
-we can understand most important components
-make predictions about the future
-recognise patterns in world
-understand things that are too small or too large to see
limitations of models
-they can leave out certain info which can lead to wrong conclusions
structure of systems
they have parts and connections between them, function or purpose and exhibit emergent properties
taking systems approach
exploring connections and interdependencies
system boundaries
like that separates the system you want to study from external environment that is not part of the system
open system
exchanges both matter and energy. most of natural systems
closed system
only exchanged energy
isolated system
hypothetical. no energy or matter exchanged
storages/ stocks/ stores
accumulation of matter, energy and info in the system
głowę
movement of matter, energy or info between storages
inflow
causes the storage to increase
outflow
causes storage to decrease
transfers
change in location of energy or matter without changing its state or form
transformations
change in nature, state or energy of energy or matter
steady-state equilibrium
continuous inputs and outputs of energy or matter that may result in sort term changes or imbalances, however the system remains in relatively constant state over time
stable equilibrium
the tendency in a system for it to return to a previous equilibrium co diction following storage
succession
changes in the long term development of a species in response to changes in its external environment
negative feedback
balancing feedback loop. output of a storage or system returns as an input in a way that inhibits or reversed the operation of the same process
albedo
proportion of light that is reflected by a material or surface
positive feedback loop
when the output returns as a way that amplifies change, destabilises the system and drives it away from its equilibrium leading either an increase or a decrease in a system component
tipping point
minimal amount of change that will cause destabilisation of a system
resilience
systems ability to recover after a disturbance. resilient systems can avoid tipping points and stay stable due to a balance of positive and negative feedback loops
diversity
-increases species interactions, forming a deep web of connections for quicker feedback response
-results in redundancy allowing one species to substitute another
-genetic diversity- some members of the species have a better chance to survive and reproduce after a major disturbance
