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MESOCOSM
INÉS BRET 4ºB
Index
ic justification…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
- What is a mesocosm?.......................................................................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
les……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
y flow…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
evious research………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Type of ecosystem……………………………………………………………………………………………..….
Elements of the mesocosm……………………………………………………………………………..…….
Plant species………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Abiotic factors……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
thod design………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
Container………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Environment………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Results measurement……………………………………………………………………………………………
- Unexpected foresight….. …………………………………………………………………………………………… …
- Bibliography. …………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..
Topic justification
I chose this topic because when I looked up information about the different options for my long- term project topic, I found this one extremely interesting. It is fascinating how all the components in an ecosystem interact between each other in perfect harmony and how a minimum change in any factor of the ecosystem can change drastically the course of things. I thought that it would be amusing to check this myself.
The second reason reason that made me choose this topic is that I think that creating my own enclosed ecosystem, not only would be interesting to study, but it would be beautiful to create.
What is a mesocosm?
An artificial enclosed ecosystem that can survive on its own. No substance can enter or exit the mesocosm, however energy can.
Rrestrictions: at least two plants of different species, prohibited the use of animals and it must be a closed system in which only energy will enter, no matter. In addition, it must survive at least one month.
The basic aspects that the mesocosm needs to be optimum are:
- The plants need soil, sand or water in order to get nutrients (such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.), to feed and carry out photosynthesis. They also need to be exposed to solar energy.
- Decomposing organisms (such as saprotrophs) are needed for closing the cycle of matter when some fragment of the plants fall to the substrate and maintain the flow of energy. I will not ad this saprotrophs deliberately however; I will take the soil and surface from another already existing ecosystem, which will most likely already have the elements needed in the soil for my mesocosm to work.
Goals
- Achieve the survival of a closed mesocosm, in which only non-matter energy enters and leaves, at least one month, without any intervention.
- Creating two terrestrial mesocosms with at least two plant species each.
- In an academic aspect, to fully understand the functioning of a balanced ecosystem.
Variables
- Dependent: sustainability of the mesocosm, whether it survives or not.
- Independent: Light, temperature and position. This ones can be modified.
- Controlled: Variable fixed at the beginning of the experiment and can’t be changed. Size of the mesocosm, substratum, species and quantity of water.
Energy flow
The sun's rays enter through the transparent walls providing light to perform functions such as photosynthesis. There are no consumers, so the producer’s remains will directly be decomposed by the decomposer. This decomposer will decompose nutrients in such form that the producer will be able to take it in again as an energy source and perform photosynthesis.
Echevera agovoides: Can store water for long periods of time and resist very high levels of lighting and extreme temperatures. I think it would work well with the cactus cereus.
Adiantum raddianum fragrantissimum: This plant survives until 5 °C (41 °F), so it must be grown indoors in temperate places. It requires high humidity, well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and a fairly constant temperature. I chose this one because I have found out a way that creates high humidity that I will explain later.
Fittonia verschaffeltii: Relatively easy to maintain. Although it can endure well in poorly lit areas, it is best to place it in a well-lit place, avoiding, at all times that the sun's rays hit the plant as they would burn it. You need frequent watering, preventing the substrate from drying out. This plant complements well with the Adiantum raddianum fragrantissimum.
Abiotic factors
The abiotic factors are the non-living parts of the environment that can often have a major influence on living organisms. They include water, sunlight, oxygen, soil and temperature.
The plants need an internal irrigation system:
- I will introduce a small container (a bottle cup) that will contain water. In this way, a small “water cycle” will be carried out within the mesocosm. When the temperature inside the system is very high, (when the plants need to hydrate) the bottle cup water will evaporate, concentrating on the container´s cover. When the temperatures drop again, this water will condense and fall on the individuals supplying them with water throughout the experiment.
- If you water your mescosm generously before closing it condensation will occur a lot more. Therefore, in my cactus ecosystem, I won’t water it before closing it however, I will in the other one which needs humidity.
Sunlight:
- Cactus ecosystem: I will put them it in a place that is directly struck by the sunlight however, if too much condensation appears I will put it somewhere else to lower the temperature and avoid this.
- “Fragile plants” ecosystem: I will put it somewhere were they are not hit directly by sunlight since this species wouldn´t survive. If there isn´t enough condensation putting them under straight sunlight isn’t an option so I thought maybe moving to somewhere were the temperature is higher (example: close to a radiator)
Temperature and oxygen:
- I cannot control this two factors, specially the oxygen. However, although temperature is not under my control, I will try to analyze as far as I can were inside my house the temperatures are the most optimum, as I said above.
Soil:
- Will be taken from an already existing ecosystem and therefore will be rich in nutrients to feed properly the palnts.
Method design
Container
I will use two tupperwares with at least 2 liters capacity each. Before closing them I will put transparent plastic over the top and I will tape it properly to the container. Then I will close the container and tape the edges of the tupperware cap. Finally I will tape (with transparent tape) any spot open that I find.
Environment
- Cactus mesocosm: will be in my siter’s room that has a huge window and a lot of illumination and is never cold.
- “Fragile mesocosm”: will be in my room. It’s usually a bit cold but if I see condensation is needed I will turn on the radiator. It has a smaller window and is a partially illuminated room.
Results measurements
In the following table, I show the parameters that I will be measuring. I have tried to include all the anomalies I could think of, however, I am very likely missing something.
Condensation appears I will try to measure the area condensated.
Condensation disappears
Plants appear Other smaller plants may appear
Plants disappear
Animals appears Aparition of organisms such as sanails
Animals disappear
Moho appears
Moho disappears
Descompsition Minimum, partial, total. I will specify the area of the plant
decomposed with a drawing or counting the leaves if polsible.
Ubication change
Plant grows I will measure it by counting leaves and by marking
centimeters on the sides of the box.
Roots appear I will probably see them on the sides of the container.
Leaves fold
Warts appear I will specify part of the plant where it occurs.
Water changes Colour, quantity…
Plant remains survive This would show a lack of decomposers. When a plant remain
appears I will count the days it takes to decompose.
Temperature A thermostat will be placed in each room. I will mark the
temperature of the room three times a day:
- When waking up
- After lunch
- Before going to sleep
Unexpected foresight
▲ Too many clouds blocking the Sun’s rays.
▲ Too much condensation or not enough. This would be linked with my internal irrigation system not working.
▲ Not enough space in the container for the plants growth.
