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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 |