Closed Ecological Systems
Closed ecological systems are self-sustaining environments where all necessary resources, such as air, water, and nutrients, are recycled without external input. They function like miniature ecosystems, allowing plants, animals, and microorganisms to interact and support one another. An example is a sealed terrarium, where plants produce oxygen and food through photosynthesis while providing habitat for small creatures. Researchers study these systems to understand ecological balance and to explore possibilities for sustainable living, especially in space exploration where reliance on Earth's resources is limited.
Additional Insights
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Closed ecological systems are self-sustaining environments where all essential life processes occur without external inputs. They mimic Earth’s ecology by recycling air, water, and nutrients among living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microbes. In these systems, waste from one organism acts as a resource for another, creating a balanced ecosystem. Examples include experiments in space habitats or sealed mini-ecosystems like a terrarium. These systems help scientists understand life support systems necessary for long-duration space missions and provide insights into environmental sustainability on Earth.