Terrarium : an ecosystem in a bottle!

Terrarium is a self sustaining ecosystem capable of independent existence by interactionsbetween it's biotic and biotic components. 

It is made by placing a layer of soil in a closed glass container.  A layer of compost or peat is added to this layer.  Some small plant/s (usually succulents which require very less water)  is planted in the soil. Moss is placed on the soil top,  for aesthetic and functional purposes. A living small animal,  like an insect,  may be placed as an indicator.

No water needs to be added from outside. The water of the soil evaporates and transpiration occurs from the green plants, which condense on the glass walls of the bottle. A mini water cycle is thus set up.  Green plants photosynthesize and provides oxygen to the animals,  while the carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis comes from respiration. 

Thus we have a mini ecosystem in a bottle capable of self sustaining!

(Biology project on "Ecosystem", class 8A.) 

Posted On : 20/09/2019