What is a system?

A system is a set of components that function and interact in a certain way. Some key components of a system are:

• Inputs: These enter the system. (e.g. matter, energy)
  
• Outputs: These flow out of the system.
  
• Flows: These are materials passing through the system.
  
• Storages: These are where something, such as energy, is held in a certain part of the system.
  
• Sources: As its name states, it is where an input comes from (e.g. the sun is a source of energy)
  
• Sinks: This is where the output goes.
  

Studying the environment as a system helps us better understand the relationships between the different components and the causes and effects within that system.

Types of systems include:

• Open system: Both matter and energy are exchanged.
  
• Closed system: Energy is exchanged, but matter is not.
  
• Isolated system: Neither matter or energy are exchanged.
  

A common characteristic of all systems is synergy. It means that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This occurs when two or more components or processes interact in such a way that the result is greater than the individual effect. This can be seen in things as simple as table salt and in complex systems such as the digestive or circulatory systems.