Design an ecosystem in a glass container 12\" Times 12\" Times 12\". (Just descr

Question

Design an ecosystem in a glass container 12" Times 12" Times 12". (Just describe it and draw it, you don't have to build it. No shrimp please!) This is a closed system... no gas, liquid, or solid can enter or leave. Light can enter and heat can be transferred through the glass. You can add anything you want before you seal it. Describe what biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components are needed to make this a sustainable ecosystem. What does it mean to be sustainable? Describe the flow of a single carbon atom in the ecosystem you have created. How long might the carbon atom reside in each reservoir in your cycle?

Explanation / Answer

A biosphere is any closed, self-regulating system of ecosystems (or ecosystem). The earth is a very large biosphere. You need the below mentioned things to make your own ecosystem:

Abiotic components:

1. Glass container 12*12*12

2. Clean sand or clean gravel

3. Activated charcoal

4. Draining soil

5. Rock or piece of wood

6. Water

7. Sealant

Biotic components:

1. Small plants or mass

2. Small insects like cricket

Step 1: Clean the glass container to avoid fungal contamination

Step 2: Add a layer of about 1-2 inches of clean sand to the bottom of the jar.

Step 3: Then add 1-2 inches layer of activated charcoal on the top of the sand layer. This layer works as a filter to keep the ecosystem clean.

Step 4: Add 2-4 inches layer of draining soil.

Step 5: Add rock or piece of wood

Step 6: Add some slow growing plants that can tolerate humid and warm conditions.

Step 7: Add one or two insects. These insects also provide carbon dioxide to the plants.

Step 8: Add some water.

Step 9: Close the container with a sealant.

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