Environmental Systems Study Portfolio



Environmental Systems Study Portfolio                                   

Due Date: _____________                               Name: _______________________

The purpose of this study portfolio is for you to use as a study guide for the IB exam (in other words, these are your notes).  It must contain all information as requested by the questions.  The portfolio will be marked on organization, presentation, and content of material.  This question sheet must be included as a coversheet to each section of the portfolio.

1.         Topic 1:  System and Models

1.1. System and Models

1.1.1.       Outline the concept and characteristics of systems.

1.1.2. Apply the systems concept on a range of scales.

1.1.3.       Define and use the terms open system, closed system and isolated system.  Use examples of real systems to characterize these terms.

1.1.4.       Describe and using real examples how the first and second laws of thermodynamics are relevant in environmental systems.  Show how these laws transform and maintain order in any living system.

a.      First Law: Conservation of energy.

b.      Second Law: In an isolated system entropy tends to increase spontaneously.

1.1.5.       Explain the nature of equilibrium.  In your answer, describe the nature of static or steady state, and dynamic equilibrium.  Illustrate each answer with an example.

1.1.6.       Define and explain the principles of positive and negative feedback.

1.1.7.       Define and distinguish between transfer and transformation processes.

1.1.8.       Define flows (2 types: inputs and outputs), storages (stock), and sustainable yields with respect to a system.

1.1.9.       Construct and analyze quantitative models involving flows and storages in a system.

1.1.10. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of models.

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