Topic -1.

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Mushfiqua Zabeen
Talk it Out

1. Does Lovelock consider Earth to be a living organism. Explain.

2. Define homeostasis.
3. Explain the role of the atmosphere in helping Earth maintain
homeostasis.
4. Why should we consider Earth as a large system?
5. List 1-2 possible consequences if the earth is unable to
maintain a stable temperature

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Systems Diagrams

Systems Approach & Systems

Diagrams

Describe the systems diagram of a

rainforest ecosystem.

What conclusions can be made

about the movement of matter and
energy in this ecosystem?

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Practice

Construct a systems diagram of a lit candle.

● Identify the stores in this system.

● List the inputs. List the outputs.
● Outline how energy flows into, through,
and out of this system.

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Transfers vs. Transformations
Classify the processes below as transfers or transformations of
energy & matter
Transfers Transformations

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Case Study: Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA

Goal: Construct a systems diagram that can be used to assess the

sustainability & health of an ecosystem.
Role: Environmental Manager
Audience: Local Government
Situation: You have been hired to assess the relative health &
possible sources of pollution of a local lake. Your findings may be
used to promote increased legislation and regulation of the area.
Product: Google Slide Presentation

Fact File Link

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Bellringer

A small glacier receives an input of 20 units of ice in the form of

snowfall each year. As the ice melts, 19 units are lost through
runoff, and 2 units through evaporation.

a) Draw a labelled flow diagram showing these processes and their

relationships [3]

b) State what would happen to the glacier if these inputs and

outputs were to remain constant for several years. [1]

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Case Study: Biosphere 2

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Case Study: Biosphere 2 Cont.
• textbook and answer the following questions (already typed in your
GN for Item #8):
• 1. Why do you think this was called Biosphere 2?
2. Biosphere 2 has been described as a ‘closed system’. What does this mean?
• 3. What were the major problems they encountered in the Biosphere 2? Were they
able to solve them?
• 4. How can the information learned from Biosphere 2 be utilized in society
(policies, technology, research, etc.)
• 5. Biosphere 2 was designed to include some of the major ecosystems of the
Earth. List the ecosystems and classify them as either terrestrial (land based) and
marine (sea-water based).
• 6. After listening to Jane’s talk, how would you describe her EVS philosophy?
Justify your answer.

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Virtual Lab: Daisy World

Complete with an elbow partner. Please link your shared document

into your guided notes.

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Bellringer 24.25 August

1. Outline why this lake may

be considered an open
system. [1]

2. Identify two outputs from

this lake. [1]

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