Systems consist of interacting elements that form a complex whole. Systems can be open, closed, or isolated depending on whether they exchange matter, energy, or both. Energy flows through systems and is lost during transformations from one form to another, as stated by the second law of thermodynamics. Ecosystems are open systems that maintain dynamic equilibrium through negative feedback loops, with energy driving materials through processes of transfer and transformation.

1. Systems on EarthSystem: A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.Synergy:The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.System > Sum of its Parts

2. CellsTissuesOrgansOrgan SystemsIndividualsPopulationsCommunitiesEcosystemsSystems on Earth

3. The Gaia HypothesisJames LovelockIndependent scientistEarth made of different functioning units that interact with each otherChanged focus of environmental movement

5. SystemsAll systems haveInputsOutputsProcesses

6. Scale of Systems

7. Types of SystemsOpenClosedIsolated

8. Open SystemExchange of matter and energy

9. Closed SystemExchange of energy only.

10. Isolated SystemNo exchange of energy or matterDo not exist naturallyPossibly the universe?

11. EnergyEnergy in all types of systems follows the laws of thermodynamics.Energy is released in the form of light and heat.Energy can be “stored” in the bonds or organic molecules.

12. 1st Law of ThermodynamicsLaw of Conservation of EnergyEnergy can neither be created nor destroyed.Energy can only change forms.Cells cannot produce energy – they burn sugars to produce ATP (respiration).Plant cells convert the sun’s energy to sugar, which they burn for energy.

13. 2nd Law of ThermodynamicsEnergy flows from high quality to low quality.Energy is lost during every conversion between formsEnergy = Work + HeatAs systems lose energy they become more disorganized – more entropyThe sun supplies constant, high quality energy

15. Life and the 2nd LawLife is a struggle against entropy.Organization takes energy!

16. ENERGYis the foundationof all ecosystems

17. EquilibriumEcosystems are open systemsOpen systems tend to exist in a state of balance, or equilibriumStatic equilibriumComponents of the system stay unchangedEx: makeup of Earth’s crustDynamic equilibriumThe system is unstable on the short termStays unchanged over the long term

18. Regulation of SystemsSystems are managed by feedback loopsPositive feedback systemCause change in the same direction as the system

19. Regulation of SystemsNegative feedback systemsCause change in the opposite direction from the original systemLike a furnace/ thermostat in your house

20. Processes Within EcosystemsBoth materials and energy move through ecosystemsMaterials can be recycledEnergy cannot

21. Two Types of ProcessesTransfersRequire little energyChange in location of material or energyExamplesMovement of materials when one organism eats anotherMovement of water through runoffHeat energy moving in ocean currents, air masses

22. Two Types of ProcessesTransformationsChange in form of the energy or materialsRequires more energyExamples:Conversion of energy from glucose to ATP during respirationConversion of sun’s energy from light to organic molecules during photosynthesisEvaporation or condensation of waterBurning of fossil fuels

23. Diagramming SystemsStorageParts of a system where energy or materials accumulateDrawn as a box (think engine in a box)FlowsInputs – movement into the storageOutputs – movement out of the storageCan be transfers or transformations

24. Diagramming SystemsStorageINPUTOUTPUT

25. Systems Diagram: Energy in an Ecosystem