IB ESS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS COMPILED

Model - a simplified description designed to show the structure or working of an object, system or concept. Open system - type in which both matter and energy are exchanged with its surroundings Closed system - type in which energy but not matter is exchanged with its surroundings Gaia h...

Ecocentric - pure ecology & nature is central to humanity and emphasizes a less materialist approach to life with greater self-sufficiency of societies Technocentric - believes that technological development can provide solutions to environmental problems Anthropocentric - believes humans m...

Environmental value system (EVS) - a world view or paradigm that shapes the way an individual or group of people perceive and evaluate environmental issues. This is influenced by cultural, religious, economic, and socio-political context. Ecocentric worldview - puts ecology and nature as centra...

Conservation - the act of preserving nature - attempting to save habitats, species and biodiversity in general 2/3 - the proportion of living species which are found in tropical rainforests Current extinction rates - approx. 100 species per million species per year Ecosystem complexity -...

Abiotic Factor - A non living, physical factor that can affect an organism or ecosystem Biochemical Oxygen Demand - A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen required to break down all of the organic matter in a set volume of water through aerobic biological activity. Biodegradable - Capa...

Natural capital - Source of supply of resources and services that are derived from nature (forests, mineral deposits, fertile soil, fishing grounds) Provisional services of natural capital - Food, fresh water, fiber Regulating services of natural capital - Climate regulation, disease Cu...

Abiotic Factor - A non-living, physical factor that may influence an organism or ecosystem; For example, temperature, sunlight, ph, salinity, precipitation. Biotic Factor - A living, biological factor that may influence an organism or ecosystem; for example, predation, parasitism, disease, com...

Environment - The external surroundings that act on an organism, population, or community and influence its survival and development. Environmental value(s system) - This is a worldview or paradigm that shapes the way an individual, or group of people, perceives and evaluates environmental issu...