Question

nit 1 - earth and space introduction study guide

1. a system is a group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
2. the earth is a ____________ system, meaning that it is constantly changing.
3. the earth is an ____________ system, meaning a change in one part, changes other parts.
4. in the space below, identify one organism that was impacted by the removal of the wolves from yellowstone national park. describe how they were impacted.
5. in the space below, identify one way removing the wolves impacted the park other than living things.
6. for each of the following, label whether they are part of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, or biosphere.

a. a sunflower -
geosphere
b. a cloud - atmosphere
c. a rock you find in your yard - geosphere
d. you - biosphere
e. the air you breathe - atmosphere
f. a dew drop on your lawn in the morning - hydrosphere

1. in one complete sentence, describe one way that you affect or contribute to the hydrosphere.
2. which of the following do you use to make observations:

a. sight
b. hearing
c. touch
d. all of the above

Explanation:

1. A system is defined as a group of interacting parts forming a complex whole.
2. The Earth is a dynamic system as it is constantly changing due to geological, meteorological and biological processes.
3. It is an open - system where matter and energy can flow in and out, and a change in one part affects other parts through various feedback mechanisms.
4. When wolves were removed from Yellowstone, elk populations increased as there was less predation. This led to over - grazing of vegetation, especially willows and aspens.
5. The removal of wolves led to soil erosion in some areas of Yellowstone. With over - grazing by elk, the vegetation cover that held the soil in place was reduced.

6.

• a. A sunflower is part of the biosphere as it is a living organism.
• b. A cloud is part of the atmosphere as it is a collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in air.
• c. A rock in the yard is part of the geosphere as it is a solid part of the Earth.
• d. Humans are part of the biosphere as we are living organisms.
• e. The air we breathe is part of the atmosphere.
• f. A dew drop is part of the hydrosphere as it is water.

1. Pouring water into a drain can contribute to the movement of water in the hydrosphere, eventually reaching water bodies or the groundwater system.
2. Sight, hearing, and touch are all senses used to make observations.

Answer:

1. System
2. Dynamic
3. Open
4. Elk; Their population increased due to less predation and they over - grazed vegetation.
5. Soil erosion occurred in some areas due to over - grazing by elk after wolves were removed.

6.

• a. Biosphere
• b. Atmosphere
• c. Geosphere
• d. Biosphere
• e. Atmosphere
• f. Hydrosphere

1. Pouring water into a drain can contribute to the hydrosphere's water movement.
2. d. All of the above