Science Project: Gibbsecsu Closed Terrarium Conditions

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Construct a scientific project centered around a closed terrarium, involving detailed documentation of its setup, conditions, and original site parameters. The project involves setting up a terrarium with specific conditions, monitoring its environment, and maintaining a balance between various ecological components such as water, soil, plants, and animals. Details include the type of water used, temperature conditions, sunlight exposure, soil type, plant and animal species involved, and their respective conditions.

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Introduction

Terrariums serve as miniature ecosystems that allow observation of ecological interactions within a controlled environment. This project focuses on constructing a closed terrarium that mimics a natural aquatic and terrestrial habitat, combining elements such as pond soil, local aquatic plants, and fauna like pond snails and fish. The goal is to observe and understand the dynamics of such ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, organism interactions, and environmental stability. The setup aims to simulate a natural habitat to study ecological principles such as biotic-abiotic relationships, energy flow, and biological succession.

Design and Construction of the Terrarium

The terrarium was constructed using a transparent container designed to be airtight, simulating a closed ecosystem. Its base was layered with pond soil, which provides essential nutrients and a substrate for plant roots. Water was sourced as freshwater and maintained at temperatures varying with the seasons, but generally kept at a consistent room temperature of approximately 70°F (21°C) to optimize conditions for aquatic and terrestrial life. Lighting was provided by a desk LED lamp emitting full-spectrum light similar to sunlight, ensuring photosynthesis in plants and maintaining natural circadian rhythms for animals.

Environmental Conditions and Monitoring

The environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, water quality, and light exposure were meticulously monitored and recorded regularly. The temperature was maintained at around 70°F, reflecting typical indoor conditions, with seasonal variations noted for experimental purposes. Sunlight exposure was maximized through placement near a window or supplemented with LED lamps to provide full-spectrum lighting, which is crucial for the health of aquatic plants and homeostasis of aquatic animals. Soil conditions were maintained with pond soil, which supports the growth of native aquatic plants, such as local macrophytes, providing habitat and food sources for the inhabitants.

Biotic Components

The primary plants used included native aquatic species, which thrive in pond soil and freshwater conditions. These plants are essential for oxygen production, nutrient absorption, and providing habitat for invertebrates and fish. The animal inhabitants comprised pond snails and freshwater fish, which contribute to biological filtration and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. These species were selected because of their compatibility with the environment and their roles in maintaining ecological balance. The pond snails help control algae and detritus, while the fish contribute to nutrient redistribution.

Ecological Dynamics and Observations

Throughout the experiment, observations focused on water clarity, plant health, animal activity, and overall ecosystem stability. The interactions among organisms, such as grazing, waste production, and plant growth, created a dynamic system. The pond snails facilitated the breakdown of organic matter, which supported bacterial populations aiding in decomposition. The fish's metabolic waste contributed nutrients, which, in turn, promoted plant growth. Monitoring these interactions offered insights into nutrient cycling and energy flow within a closed environment.

Challenges and Adjustments

Maintaining the balance of such an ecosystem posed challenges, including controlling algae proliferation, preventing water stagnation, and ensuring appropriate oxygen levels. Regular watering, partial water changes, and adjusting light exposure helped maintain stability. In some cases, additional aeration or filtration was considered but minimized to preserve the naturalistic aspect of the setup. Such challenges demonstrated the delicate nature of closed ecosystems and the importance of precise environmental control.

Conclusions and Educational Significance

This project highlighted the intricate interactions within a small-scale ecosystem, illustrating fundamental ecological concepts such as homeostasis, succession, and organism interdependence. The successful maintenance of the ecosystem over an extended period underscored the potential of terrariums as educational tools for understanding environmental science and biology. It also demonstrated how natural ecological processes can be observed in a controlled setting, fostering greater awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

References

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