What Is Questions

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Outline a modern scientific worldview with respect to structure of universe, Earth, life, and humans, and to flows of energy and cycling of matter in biosphere.

  • 1. What general term do people who embrace a modern scientific worldview use to describe the "stuff" in the universe?
  • 2. What is the periodic table and what does it reflect about the “stuff” in the universe?
  • 3. What general term do people who embrace a modern scientific worldview use to describe the general framework within which we locate this "stuff"?
  • 4. If the smallest phenomenon we describe with a contemporary scientific worldview is 1 unit across, about how many units across is the largest? (Express as a power of 10.)
  • 5. What are the four fundamental forces according to those who espouse a modern scientific worldview?
  • 6. Which two of these may we observe readily in everyday phenomena?
  • 7. State a first law of thermodynamics and briefly explain its implications for human existence.
  • 8. State a second law of thermodynamics and briefly explain its implications for human existence.
  • 9. In what one or more ways can we use understanding of laws of thermodynamics to live better?
  • 10. What did Dawkins mean by "selfish gene"?
  • 11. In broad terms how does energy flows through the biosphere?
  • 12. What are three important ways humans are currently affecting the cycling of carbon?
  • 13. What are two important consequences of our growing impact upon the carbon cycle?
  • 14. What are two other elements that cycle through the biosphere?
  • 15. What is one way humans are affecting each of these cycles?
  • 16. Define carrying capacity in terms of population, environmental quality, and time.