Unit 1.2 Systems and Models Flashcards
What is a systems approach in the study of environmental issues?
- Systems are made of different parts.
- Each part performs a specialized function.
- The parts interact and work together.
- The focus in the systems approach is on interactions.
- A systems approach can help visualize complex environmental issues.
What is the 1st rule of ecology?
“Everything is linked to everything else!” — Barry Commoner
How does focusing on interactions help in understanding systems?
- Focusing on interactions, rather than individual parts, allows us to see the ‘big picture’ of how the world works.
- Simplifies complex issues by providing a holistic view.
What are emergent properties in a system?
- Emergent properties occur when the system as a whole can do things that individual parts cannot.
- Each part has a specialized function, and groups of similar parts coordinate functions to produce these emergent properties.
How can the concept of a system be applied?
- Systems can be applied at different scales, such as ecological or societal interactions.
- Systems help visualize complex interactions between parts.
What are the characteristics of flows in systems?
- Flows provide inputs and outputs of energy and matter.
- Flows can be either transfers (change in location) or transformations (change in chemical nature, state, or energy).
What is the difference between transfers and transformations in flows?
Transfers: A change in location (e.g., water flowing through a river).
Transformations: A change in energy or chemical nature (e.g., light energy turning into chemical energy in photosynthesis).
How are system diagrams constructed?
- Storages are usually represented as rectangular boxes.
- Flows are shown as arrows, with the direction indicating the flow’s direction.
- The size of boxes and arrows may represent the magnitude of storage or flow.
What are the types of systems based on energy and matter exchange?
Open
Closed
Isolated
Open system
Exchanges both energy and matter with it’s surroundings (e.g., ecosystems).
Closed system
Exchanges energy but does not exchange matter with it’s surroundings (e.g., Earth’s geochemical cycles nitrogen,carbon,hydrological).
Isolated system
Exchanges neither energy nor matter with it’s surroundings
Doesn’t exist in nature
What is a model in the context of systems?
- A model is a simplified version of reality.
- Models are used to understand how systems work and predict responses to change.
What are the limitations of models?
- Models involve approximations, which can lead to loss of accuracy.
- Ecosystems are complex, and simplifying systems means leaving out important parts, affecting the emergent properties.
- The simplifications may lead to errors or inaccurate predictions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using models?
Advantages:
Simplifies complex issues.
Can predict potential outcomes.
Easier to understand and manipulate.
Disadvantages:
May be incomplete or inaccurate.
Prone to human error.
Results might not be fully reliable.
What are the components of a system?
Inputs
Processes
Outputs/feedback
Inputs
Input identifies the elements that go into the system in order for there to be processes, outputs and feedback.
Processes
Act on the inputs and transform them into outputs.
Outputs
the flows of matter and energy that leave the system.
What are “stores” in a system?
Stores are parts of a system that hold energy and matter
What are “flows” in a system?
Flows refer to the movement of energy or matter between stores in a system.
What is the fundamental difference between energy and matter?
Energy flows through systems, while matter cycles through them.
What is a systems diagram useful for?
A systems diagram shows stores as boxes and flows as arrows, indicating the movement of matter and energy.
Transfers
simply move energy or matter from one place to another without changing it in any way.
