SYSTEMS

OBJECTIVE Describe a system as a group of related

parts with specific roles that work together to achieve an observed result.

Explain the order in a system. Distinguish between system inputs,

system processes, system outputs, and feedback.

Distinguish between open loop and closed systems. Explain how components of natural and human-made systems play different roles in a working system.

DEFINITION OF A SYSTEM A system is a group of parts that work

together to do a job, perform a function, or produce a result.

Systems can be natural or human-made.

PARTS OF A SYSTEM All systems are made of parts that work

together.

Each part of a system has a specific function, or role in the system.

If one part of a system is missing or does not fulfill its role, the system may not produce the expected result.

PRACTICE QUESTION #1 Suppose all of the decomposers in an

ecosystem died. - A) Describe what would most likely happen to the producers.

- B) Describe what would most likely happen to the primary and secondary consumers.

ORGANIZATION IN SYSTEMS Most systems have some form of

organization.

Some systems happen in steps while others systems are organized into levels.

Each level is larger or more complex than the previous level.

PRACTICE QUESTION #2 Which of these gives the levels of

organization in the universe from smallest to largest?

A. galaxy, solar system, planet, universe

B. galaxy, universe, solar system, planet

C. planet, galaxy, universe, solar system

D. planet, solar system, galaxy, universe

PARTS OF A SYSTEM Most systems have inputs, processes, and

outputs. An input is something that goes into

the system. A system process is something that

happens within the system. An output is something that comes out

of a system.

2 TYPES OF SYSTEMS Systems can either natural or human-

made.

2 Types of SystemOpen Loop System Closed Loop System

OPEN LOOP In an open-loop system, the outputs of

the system do not become inputs to the system.

Materials can enter and leave the system.

A food chain is an example of an open-loop system.

In a closed-loop system, the output of the system goes back into the system as an input

Closed loop systems have two more parts:

Feedback and monitors

. The cycles of nutrients on Earth are closed-loop systems.

OPEN VS. CLOSED LOOP

ProcessInputOutput

MonitorFeedback

InputOutputProcess

PRACTICE QUESTION #3

PRACTICE QUESTION #4