What exactly is a system? A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole. A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting.

What exactly is a system?• A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.

• A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network.

Created by The North Carolina School of Science and Math. Copyright 2012. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Images from iStockphoto from Microsoft Office

• All of a system's parts must be present for the system to carry out its purpose optimally.

• A system's parts must be arranged in a specific way for the system to carry out its purpose.

Every system has a purpose within a larger system.

Image from iStockphoto from Microsoft Office

• Systems change in response to feedback.

• Systems maintain their stability by making adjustments based on feedback.

Feedbacks -

Exposed to cold before moltingso produces more melanin to darken skin so that more heat Is absorbed.

Warmer exposure so post-molting color is lighter to reflect more light and prevent overheating.

Photo Credit: Myra Halpin

Image from iStockphoto from Microsoft Office

Marooned Part II – Island System

Image from iStockphoto from Microsoft Office

Problem: Distributing Limited Food

One Box Model

Fish caughtCave (fish stored)

Fish consumed

Island Scenario

• Flux in• Flow in

• Pool• Reservoir• Stock

• Out Flux• Out Flow

Other terms used to refer to components of one box models

Fish caughtCave (fish stored)

Fish consumed

Day Fishers

Fish/Fisher

Total Fish

Day People Fish/person

Total Fish Eaten

Fish in Cave(Total – Eaten)

Days

#

Days

#

Days

#

Four Scenarios

• Flux of fish into cave and out of cave is equal.

• Flux of fish into cave is greater than out of cave.

• Flux of fish out of the cave is greater than into the cave.

• Flux of fish into cave is a fraction of accumulated fish in cave