PHY Rayuth - HW1 - DEV321

University of Cambodia (UC) Environment and Development (DEV-321)
College of Social Sciences Lecturer: Mey Sithin, PhD(c)
Name: Phy Rayuth

ID: 602202024
Chapter 1,2 & 3
The Environment and the Nature of Scientific Enquiry
Biosphere and the Science of Ecology
Atmosphere, Climate, and Organisms
Chapter 1: The Environment and the Nature of Scientific Enquiry
1. Define “Environment” P.3

environment is understood to mean the specific physical and biological conditions in a given space
(spatial) and time (temporal) that support the development, growth, and reproduction of a particular
species or group of species. Any human-induced change in the environment of an organism that causes an
irreversible, adverse effect on its survival must be recognized as an environ mental problem. Further, it
may be useful to point out that the terms “environment” and “environmental problems” are used at a
hierarchy of spatial and temporal scales.
2. Mention about the 2 forms of Environment mentioned in this chapter. P.3

- physical environment — comprise the incoming radiant energy of the sun, air, water, and soil
without which life simply would not be possible.
- The biological environment encompasses the physical resources, circumstances, conditions,
and events that affect the existence and survival of an organism or groups of organisms and their
relationships to each other, including humans.
3. What caused Environment changes mentioned in this chapter? Briefly mention changes and its adverse
impacts that can be seen? P.3 & 4
The chapter discusses environmental changes and their adverse impacts as follows:
• Causes of Environmental Changes
- Sunlight, Water, Air, and Soil**: Drastic changes in these fundamental resources, such as irreversible
climate change, can endanger most life forms on a global scale.
- Terrestrial and Oceanic Systems**: Each has its own unique environments and biota. Significant
changes in local or regional environments can endanger the biota of those systems.
• Adverse Impacts
- Coral Reefs: A significant change in the temperature or chemical composition of waters can render
coral reefs lifeless and incapable of regeneration, leading to other changes in the associated biota.
1
- Local vs. Global Impact: Adverse impacts may not be reflected in other biota of the same region that
have different requirements or broader adaptability.
4. What Environmental Science? Briefly explain impacts that can be seen? P.3 & 4
Environmental science is the scientific study of the dynamic relationships and processes that occur
among the biological and physical components of nature and their impact on economic and social systems
at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Thus, environmental science is, by its nature, an interdisciplinary
area of study, addressing some of the most pressing questions of modern times as well as some of the
oldest questions about our relationship to the environment (Botkin 1990). become obvious.
5. What Environmental Management? How to manage it well? P. 4
Environmental management is the act of applying ecologically sound principles and practices to
manage natural resources and solve environmental problems in order to assure the well-being of all life,
including humans. It is these principles that we address first in this book. Their indispensability in
environmental management will
6. List down environmental problems from Page 8 to Page 10.
− Population growth
− Resource loss and pollutant gain
− Loss of habitat and biodiversity
− The greenhouse effect and climate change
− Air quality and the loss of stratospheric ozone
− Quantity and quality of water
− Transportation and urbanization
− Mining for coal and minerals.
− Forest resources.
− Food and fodder production
7. What are the three attributes of scientific inquiry in Scientific Method? Page 12
The three attributes of scientific inquiry in scientific methods are
− Experiment
− Observation
− inference.
−
2
8. What are the Three types of Scientific investigations? Briefly explain each one. P. 14
Three types of Scientific investigations are
− Observational approaches aim at identifying, describing, and following the possible causes, effects,
and controls associated with events or organisms for a given period of time in a given area without
manipulating the system.
− Experimental studies are designed to determine causal relationships and extract conclusions using
experiments that manipulate a single factor or multiple factors (called treatments) about the
hypothesis being tested.
− Modeling studies are used extensively to understand the complexity of environmental systems.
9. Briefly explain “The two Cultures and Environment”. P. 15
The complex nature of ecological-environmental science necessitates the incorporation of

philosophical and ethical principles. C.P. Snow's book, The Two Cultures, explores the tension
between scientists and literary intellectuals. Nonscientists view scientists as optimistic and
unmindful of human conditions, while scientists believe they lack foresight and scientific
experimentation. This tension now pervades environmental issues, with some believing all
problems can be solved by human ingenuity and technology, while others believe Earth's
resources are limited and must be protected. Contemporary historians note that global forces for
change are causing social organizations to be unequal to the challenges posed by overpopulation,
environmental damage, and technology-driven revolutions.
10. Briefly explain “The Urge to Live, Live Well, and Live Better”. P. 15
Alfred North Whitehead's concept of reason and living in the environment highlights the
importance of understanding the interplay between organisms and the environment. Humans,
particularly in less developed countries, have a threefold urge to live, live well, and live better.
Adopting scientific knowledge can help sustain a living for humans and support systems.
Understanding the environment's processes and problems can guide us towards a better future.

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University of Cambodia (UC) Environment and Development (DEV-321)

College of Social Sciences Lecturer: Mey Sithin, PhD(c)

Name: Phy Rayuth

Chapter 1: The Environment and the Nature of Scientific Enquiry

1. Define “Environment” P.3

2. Mention about the 2 forms of Environment mentioned in this chapter. P.3

Three types of Scientific investigations are

9. Briefly explain “The two Cultures and Environment”. P. 15

The complex nature of ecological-environmental science necessitates the incorporation of

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