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Unit 0 APES
sustainability, systems, and energy laws
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Feedback Loops | relationship among several variables that come back to affect the original variable. |
Positive feedback | amplifies behavior, global warming, guitar amplifier. Direct relationship |
Negative Feedback | Stabilizes behavior, thermostat/furnace, human body temp. Inverse relationship |
Hierarchy | systems are part of a larger system |
Time Lag | separation in time between cause and effect |
Distance Effects | Separation of space between a cause and effect |
Separation makes it difficult to: | determine cause and effect and solve problem |
linear vs non-linear relationships | we tend to see the world on a linear bias, however non-linear relationships implies that a problem can increase suddenly even if the cause of the problem increase gradually. |
reductionism | learning something by breaking down concepts |
holism | idea that things should be explained by looking at the WHOLE not break down |
general systems theory | study relationships between variables, tries to understand the strength of relationships. computer modules are able to predict these complex interactions |
Principles of sustainability | sustainable, resource use, produce waste slower than in can be assimilated, use non-renewable resources slower than substitutes can be developed. |
ecosystems service | process that can regulate conditions needed for life, are typically free and difficult to replace with technology. |
responses for resource shortages | fight over it corporates and share |
elements | protons, neutrons and electrons that make up the universe |
nutrients | elements needed for life |
law of conservation of matter | matter cannot be created or destroyed but can change from one form to another |