ESS Topic 1.2

What is a system in the context of environmental science?

• A single component working independently

• A static entity with no interactions

• An assemblage of parts working together as a whole

• A random collection of unrelated elements

What does the Gaia Hypothesis propose?

• The Earth is a collection of isolated components

• The Earth functions as a single, self-regulating system

• The Earth is a static and unchanging entity

• The Earth is unaffected by human activities

Which of the following is an example of a closed system?

• The Earth

• A lake

• A city

• A forest ecosystem

What is the primary characteristic of a negative feedback loop?

• It leads to a new equilibrium

• It amplifies changes in the system

• It stabilizes the system by counteracting changes

• It has no effect on the system

What is an emergent property?

• A property that arises from the interaction of system components

• A property that is irrelevant to system analysis

• A property that is static and unchanging

• A property that individual components have

What is the role of storages in a system diagram?

• They signify where energy or matter is held

• They are irrelevant to system analysis

• They indicate the direction of processes

• They represent the flow of energy

Which of the following is a characteristic of an open system?

• It is isolated from external influences

• It exchanges feedback with its external environment

• It is static and unchanging

• It does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings

What is the significance of diversity in a system's resilience?

• Diversity makes a system more complex but less resilient

• Diversity increases a system's resilience

• Diversity decreases a system's resilience

• Diversity has no impact on resilience

What is a tipping point in an ecosystem?

• A critical threshold leading to significant changes

• A minor fluctuation with no long-term effects

• A gradual change in the ecosystem

• A point where the ecosystem becomes static

What is the main difference between positive and negative feedback loops?

• Positive feedback loops have no effect, while negative feedback loops stabilize systems

• Positive feedback loops amplify changes, while negative feedback loops counteract changes

• Positive feedback loops stabilize systems, while negative feedback loops destabilize them

• Positive feedback loops are irrelevant, while negative feedback loops are crucial