Ecosystems & Ecology
What is a biotic factor?
Living parts of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals, microbes). The branch of science that deals with the Earth and it's atmosphere.
What does sustainability mean?
Meeting today’s needs without harming future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
What does the word system mean?
A set of connected parts working together (e.g. ecosystem, city, body).
What is an environmental worldview?
A person’s beliefs and values about how humans should interact with the environment.
Name one human activity that affects the environment.
Examples: deforestation, pollution, overfishing, burning fossil fuels.
Name one abiotic factor that affects plant growth.
Non-living factors like sunlight, water, temperature, or soil.
Give one example of a renewable resource.
Examples: solar energy, wind, trees, water (if managed well).
What’s an example of input and output in a farm system?
Input: sunlight, water, seeds; Output: crops, waste, heat.
Give one example of how values affect environmental choices.
Example: someone who values economic growth may support development over conservation.
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?
Cutting forests releases carbon and reduces absorption of CO₂ by trees.
Explain what a food chain shows.
A food chain shows how energy moves from one organism to another.
Why is water considered a limited resource in some regions?
Water is unevenly distributed and often polluted or overused in dry regions.
Explain one feedback loop that happens in nature.
Example: Predator–prey loop — fewer predators → more prey → less food → prey drops → predator numbers fall → balance returns.
Why might two countries view the same issue (like deforestation) differently?
Each country has different needs and priorities (e.g. economy vs. forest protection).
What are the main causes of climate change?
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
How is a food web different from a food chain?
A food web shows many connected food chains in one ecosystem.
How could a community reduce its ecological footprint?
Use less energy, reduce waste, buy local, recycle, or conserve water.
What is a tipping point and why is it important?
A tipping point is when small changes push a system into a new, often irreversible state (e.g. coral bleaching).
How can cultural beliefs influence how we manage resources?
Beliefs and traditions can shape how resources are used or protected (e.g. sacred forests).
What actions can individuals take to reduce carbon emissions?
Use public transport, renewable energy, plant trees, reduce meat use, reduce, reuse, recycle.
How can changes in one species affect an entire ecosystem?
Changing one species can disrupt energy flow or balance (e.g. removing predators increases prey and affects plants).
Why might sustainability be harder to achieve in developing countries?
Developing countries may lack money, technology, or stable policies for sustainable management.
How can systems thinking help solve environmental problems?
It helps us see connections and design balanced, long-term solutions instead of quick fixes.
How can understanding different perspectives help solve global environmental issues?
Considering many views helps create fair, realistic, and cooperative solutions.
Why is international cooperation important for solving environmental problems?
Global problems need shared rules and teamwork (e.g. Paris Climate Agreement).