Closed ecological system
Closed Ecological Systems (CES) are ecosystems that do not rely on matter exchange with any part outside the system.
Although the Earth itself fits this definition, the term is most often used to describe much smaller manmade ecosystems. Perhaps confusingly, a closed ecological system is not a closed system in the usual sense, because energy (especially light and heat) is able to enter and leave the system, provided matter does not.
Such systems are scientifically interesting and can potentially serve as a life support system during space flights, in space stations or space habitats, or in submarines.
In a closed ecological system, any waste products produced by one species must be used by at least one other species. If the purpose is to maintain a higher life form, such as a mouse or a human, waste products such as carbon dioxide, faeces and urine must eventually be converted into oxygen, food, and water.
A closed ecological system must contain at least one autotrophic organism. While both chemotrophic and phototrophic organisms are plausible, almost all closed ecological systems to date are based on a phototroph such as green algae.
History
List of major closed ecological systems
Ecosphere
An ecosphere is a glass enclosed, self-contained and self-sustaining closed ecosystem sold primarily as a gift or experiment. It can include tiny shrimp, algae, gravel, decorative shells, and gorgonia.
See also
Sources
- "Manmade Closed Ecological Systems." I. I. Gitelson, G. M. Lisovsky and R. D. MacElroy. Taylor & Francis (2003) ISBN 0-415-29998-5.
 | This ecology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This space- or spaceflight-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |