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Date:
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IB ESS

1.2 Systems and

Models
Signifcant Ideas:
A systems approach can help in the study of complex environmental issues

The use of systems and models simplifes interactions but may provide a more holistic
view without reducing issues to single processes

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 What is a system
1.
a) Compare reductionist and systems approaches to scientifc research.
A reductionist approach divides systems into ports or components and each part is studied
Separately but a system can also be studied separately. But a system can also be studied as a
Whole, with patterns and processes described for the whole system. This is the holistic approach.

b) Describe what is meant by the term “emergent properties”.

An emergent property is a property which a complex system have, but which the individual
Members do not have. It also means “whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Sodium and
Chlorine both are harmful but sodium chloride is edible.

2. There are several components that are present for most systems. Match the words below
with the descriptions
Flow Input Output Storages Boundary

storages
The stock of matter or energy within a system.

flow The movement of matter or energy from one storage

to another, or into/out of the system.
boundary The designated area separating the system from
its surroundings.
input
Matter or energy entering the system.

output
Matter or energy exiting the system.

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 3. Flows can be categorized into two distinct types, depending on whether the matter/energy
is changed or just moved. State and describe what they are. (Pg 19-20)

Type of fow: transfers

Transfers occur when energy or matter flows and changes location but does not change its state or
Chemical composition. E.g. water moving from a river to sea.

Type of fow: transformations

Transformations occur when energy or matter flows and changes its state or chemical composition
e.g. energy to energy (light to energy to heal energy by a bulb)

4. Draw a systems diagram to represent:

a) A supermarket

oxygen waste (goods)

heat energy

matter/ goods Supermarket

proft (money)

electricity

carbon dioxide

capital

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 b) A fsh farm
(The fish are in the ocean but contained within the farm by a net until caught and sold. They
are provided with food and medicine, and produce waste products, sometimes polluting the
surrounding water. Bacteria/pathogens will also feed on the food and may cause infections in
the fish.)

faeces

Oxygen

Carbon dioxide

Fish farm
food

heat energy

medicine

solar energy

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 Types of System
1. Systems can be categorized depending on whether or not energy and matter are able
to enter/exit the system. Outline what is meant by the following in terms of energy and
matter:
Open system
Open system exchanges matter and energy with their environment
e.g. all ecosystems

Closed system
Closed systems exchange energy but not matter with its environment e.g. earth,
biosphere 2

Isolated system
An isolated system exchanges neither matter nor energy with its surroundings e.g. the
universe

2. State whether the following are open, closed or isolated systems.

Type of Descriptio
system n

open A natural forest ecosystem

Closed A closed zip-lock bag

open A fshbowl

An adiabatic* drinks flask

isolated
(This is only theoretical – not physically possible)

* “Adiabatic” means it is a perfect insulator – if you put hot tea in it, it would never cool down. Ever.

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 Models
1. Defne the term “model”.
A model is a simplifed version of real thing

2. There are a number of types of model such as:

• Physical models
• Computer simulations
• Mathematical models (often using computers if they are very complex)
• Diagrams (e.g. systems diagrams)

a) Describe a physical model you have seen or used recently.

A globe. I have used it to fnd location of countries.

b) If you have ever checked the weather forecast, you have used (or seen the results of)
a computer simulation model. Explain why weather forecast tools are considered models.
Weather forecast tools use current observations of weather and processing these data with computer Models to forecast the future

state of weather. Current weather observations serve as input to the Numerical computer models through a process known

as data assimilation to produce outputs of Temperature, precipitation and hundreds of other meterologgical elements from the
oceans

c) Explain why a systems diagram is considered a model.

Systems diagrams are simplified version of a real thing

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 3. Models are very useful but also have their limitations and disadvantages.
a) Using the table, summarise the advantages and disadvantages of using models.
Use the headings to guide your answers

Advantages

Simplifying a complex reality

To be simplified and much information and it is easier and understand relation between
relation
Predicting future changes
They allow predictions to be made about future events e.g. inputs can be changed to see
their effects without having to wait for real events
Identifying patterns

Provides a more holistic view, helping us to see patterns rather than focusing on individual
processes
Visualizing small or large systems
Can be used at a range of scales biosphere 2 is a big model, a terrarium in my class is small

Limitations

Simplifcation vs accuracy
Models are simplified with some approximation as environmental factors are very complex
or interrelated.
Specialist knowledge (or lack of)
Models accuracy depends on the expertise of people making it.
Quality of input data
Models depend on the quality of the data avalabale, different inputs will lead to
different predictions.

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 4. Evaluate the following model of a sheep farm system.

Advantages:
 Complex system is simplifed.
 Allows to predict what will happen if there are changes to the inputs , outputs, or storages.
 Can be applied to other similar situations.
Disadvantages:
 Many assumptions are made, there might be more inputs, outputs and storages model
might not be Accurate.
 it doesn’t tell you the size of the flows (inputs and outputs).
 model is over simplifed no output of energy is shown.
 size of storage is not given.

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