Angeles, Erika Danielle B.

BS PSY 2B

STS FINALS ACT #1

1. What is Information age?

-It refers to the present age, wherein the use of digital technology, computers, and the internet is
widespread. Rapid access to and exchange of information, transforming various aspects of
society, economy, and culture, are various things that are the effect of the information age.

2. Make a summary of how information age were developed

-With significant turning points like the development of computers in the middle of the 20th
century, which enhanced data processing power, the Information Age progressed. The
introduction of the internet in the late 20th century transformed international communication
and information exchange. A world that is digitally connected was made possible by
developments in personal computers, software, and telecommunications that further molded
the Information Age. This continuous progress has changed daily life, business, education, and
communication, characterizing the contemporary era as one characterized by quick access to
and exchange of knowledge.

3. What are the inventions and innovations of the Information Age?

- The Information Age has seen numerous inventions and innovations that have profoundly
shaped the modern world. Some key contributions include:

• Computers

-The development of computers, starting with early machines like ENIAC, laid the foundation for
information processing and storage.

• Internet

-The creation of the internet revolutionized global communication, enabling the instant
exchange of information.

• World Wide Web (WWW)

-Tim Berners-Lee's invention of the World Wide Web made the internet more accessible and
user-friendly.

• Personal Computers

-The introduction of personal computers, such as the IBM PC, brought computing power to
individuals and businesses.
• Smartphones

-The convergence of mobile phones and computing capabilities in smartphones transformed

personal communication and access to information.

• Software Development

-Advances in software, including operating systems and applications, have driven the
functionality and usability of digital systems.

• E-commerce

-The rise of online commerce platforms has reshaped how goods and services are bought and
sold.

• Social Media

-Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have revolutionized social interaction and
information sharing.

• Search Engines

-Tools like Google have made information retrieval efficient and accessible.

• Big Data and Analytics

-The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data has opened new possibilities in
various fields.

• Cloud Computing

-The advent of cloud technology allows remote storage and access to data and applications.

• Artificial Intelligence

-Advances in AI have led to automation, machine learning, and enhanced data analysis
capabilities.

4. What are the impacts of Information Age?

-The Information Age has had profound and wide-ranging impacts on society, economy, and
culture. Here are some impacts of information age

Global Connectivity- The world is more interconnected than ever, with instant communication
and information exchange across borders.
Access to Information- Information is readily accessible, empowering individuals with
knowledge and influencing decision-making processes.

Economic Transformation- The rise of e-commerce, digital business models, and remote work
has transformed traditional economic structures.

Social Media and Communication- Social media platforms have revolutionized how people
connect, share, and communicate, influencing public discourse and activism.

Education- The Information Age has reshaped education through online learning platforms,
making education more accessible globally.

Job Market Changes- Automation and digital technologies have impacted the job market,
creating new opportunities and requiring new skill sets.

Privacy Concerns- The collection and sharing of personal data raise privacy concerns,
prompting discussions about data protection and security.

Cultural Shifts- The way people consume media, entertainment, and cultural content has
changed with the digitization of content and the rise of streaming services.

Political Influence- Information Age technologies play a significant role in shaping political
landscapes, from online activism to the spread of information and misinformation.

Healthcare Advances- Information technology has improved healthcare through electronic

health records, telemedicine, and data-driven research.

Environmental Impact- Digital technologies contribute to both positive and negative

environmental effects, from energy consumption to innovations in sustainability.

Innovation Acceleration- The Information Age has accelerated the pace of innovation across
various industries, driving technological advancements.

1. What is Biodiversity and its levels?

-Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the variety within species, between
species, and of ecosystems. It encompasses the richness and variability of living organisms
and the ecological complexes of which they are part.

Levels of biodiversity

1. Genetic Diversity

- This level refers to the variety of genes within a species. It is essential for the adaptability and
resilience of populations to environmental changes. The greater the genetic diversity, the more
likely a species can survive and thrive.

2. Species Diversity

- This level involves the variety of different species within a particular region. It includes the
number of species present (species richness) and their abundance (species evenness). High
species diversity contributes to ecosystem stability and functionality.

3. Ecosystem Diversity

- This level refers to the variety of ecosystems in a given area. Ecosystems are dynamic
communities of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
Diverse ecosystems provide various ecological services and play a crucial role in supporting life
on Earth.

2. What are the role and benefits of biodiversity?

Role of Biodiversity

Ecosystem Stability- Biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

Diverse ecosystems are better able to withstand and recover from various disturbances, such
as extreme weather events or disease outbreaks.

Ecosystem Services- Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services, including pollination

of crops, water purification, nutrient cycling, and regulation of pests and diseases. These
services are crucial for human well-being and agricultural productivity.

Adaptation to Environmental Changes- Genetic diversity within species allows for adaptation to
changing environmental conditions. This adaptability is vital for the survival of species in the
face of climate change and other disturbances.

Medicine and Pharmaceuticals- Many plant and animal species have unique biochemical
compounds that are used in the development of medicines. Biodiversity is a valuable source of
pharmaceuticals and contributes to medical research.

Cultural and Aesthetic Value- Biodiversity has cultural significance, often playing a role in
traditional practices, rituals, and folklore. Additionally, diverse ecosystems contribute to the
aesthetic beauty of landscapes and natural environments.
Benefits of Biodiversity

Human Health- Biodiversity contributes to the development of medicines and provides a variety
of foods, helping to maintain human health and nutrition.

Economic Value- Biodiversity is a source of economic value through agriculture, forestry,

fisheries, and tourism. Many livelihoods depend on diverse ecosystems and the services they
provide.

Climate Regulation- Forests and other ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating climate by
sequestering carbon dioxide and influencing local weather patterns.

Soil Fertility and Productivity- Biodiversity in soil organisms enhances soil fertility and structure,
supporting plant growth and agricultural productivity.

Water Quality- Wetlands and forests contribute to the purification of water by filtering pollutants
and maintaining water quality.

Scientific Understanding- Biodiversity provides a vast array of species for scientific study,
contributing to our understanding of ecological processes, evolution, and the functioning of
ecosystems.

3. How does Society, Environment, and health interrelated?

- Society, environment, and health are intricately interrelated, and the well-being of one
significantly influences the others. Here's how they are interconnected:

Environmental Impact on Health

Air and Water Quality- Pollution of air and water can have direct impacts on human health,
leading to respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other health issues.

Climate Change- Environmental changes, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather
events, can affect health by influencing the spread of infectious diseases, heat-related illnesses,
and food security.

Human Activities and Environmental Changes

Industrialization and Urbanization- Rapid industrial growth and urbanization can lead to
environmental degradation, impacting air and water quality and potentially causing health
problems for nearby populations.

Deforestation and Habitat Loss Destruction of natural habitats can affect biodiversity and
may lead to the emergence of new diseases or the spread of existing ones.

Societal Practices and Environmental Sustainability

Consumption Patterns- Society's consumption habits, including resource use and waste
generation, contribute to environmental degradation. Sustainable practices are crucial for
preserving ecosystems and, in turn, human health.

Conservation and Preservation- Societal efforts to conserve natural areas and promote
environmental stewardship contribute to maintaining a healthy environment, which is essential
for overall well-being.

Social Determinants of Health

Access to Resources- Social factors, such as income, education, and access to healthcare,
influence health outcomes. Disparities in these social determinants can affect overall
community health.

Community Infrastructure- Well-designed and sustainable community infrastructure, including

green spaces and public amenities, can positively impact both societal well-being and the
environment.

Public Health Interventions

Environmental Regulations- Policies and regulations aimed at protecting the environment,

such as air and water quality standards, directly impact public health by reducing exposure to
harmful pollutants.

Disease Prevention- Understanding the environmental factors influencing disease

transmission (e.g., vector habitats, water sources) is essential for effective public health
interventions.

Recognizing these interconnections is crucial for developing holistic approaches to societal well
-being. Sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and health promotion go hand in
hand in creating a harmonious balance between society, the environment, and public health.
4. What are the roles of society in preserving Biodiversity?

-Society plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity through various actions and attitudes.
Here are key roles that individuals and communities can take:

° Conservation Awareness

Education- Promoting awareness and understanding of biodiversity, its importance, and the
threats it faces encourages a sense of responsibility among individuals.

°Sustainable Practices

Consumption Choices- Making environmentally conscious choices, such as supporting

sustainable products and reducing resource consumption, helps minimize the impact on
biodiversity.

Responsible Tourism- Choosing eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices, such as

supporting wildlife conservation and respecting natural habitats, contributes to biodiversity
preservation.

°Habitat Protection

Urban Planning- Advocating for sustainable urban planning that considers green spaces,
wildlife corridors, and the protection of natural habitats within and around cities.

Community Engagement- Participating in or supporting local initiatives that focus on

protecting and restoring natural habitats in communities.

°Wildlife Conservation

Anti-Poaching Efforts- Supporting and engaging in efforts to combat wildlife poaching and
illegal trade helps protect endangered species and their ecosystems.

Habitat Restoration- Participating in or supporting projects that focus on restoring degraded

habitats to provide a conducive environment for diverse species.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

 Environmental Advocacy- Participating in environmental advocacy efforts to influence policies
that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.

Policy Engagement- Engaging with policymakers to support and promote legislation that
protects ecosystems and wildlife.

Scientific Research

Citizen Science- Engaging in citizen science programs to contribute data and observations
that help scientists monitor and understand biodiversity trends.

Supporting Research- Supporting and advocating for scientific research on biodiversity, which
can inform conservation strategies and management plans.

Responsible Agriculture

Supporting Sustainable Farming- Choosing products from farms that use sustainable
agricultural practices helps reduce the impact of agriculture on biodiversity.

Promoting Agroecology- Encouraging and supporting agroecological practices that prioritize

biodiversity conservation within farming systems.

Waste Reduction

Recycling and Waste Management- Proper waste disposal and recycling efforts contribute to
minimizing pollution and its negative effects on biodiversity.

Collectively, these roles empower society to actively contribute to the preservation of

biodiversity, recognizing that individual actions can have a significant impact on the health of
ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.