What is the Biosphere?
The Biosphere is the area of the Earth where the effects of life activities occur and are felt; it is the general term for surface organisms, including microorganisms, and their bottom-up environment; and it is the ring unique to Planet Earth. It is also the space where humans are born and survive. The Biosphere is the largest ecosystem on Earth. It is the leading site of natural disasters derived from environmental-ecological disasters.
A short introduction to the definition and terminology of the Biosphere will be presented in three minutes.
Five Ecosystems Under One Roof
Montreal Biosphere is dedicated to raising citizen awareness and involvement in environmental issues. This architectural masterpiece, home to the United States Pavilion during World Expo 67, was designed by renowned American architect Buckminster Fuller.
The building contains over 5,000 plant and animal species spread throughout a South American rainforest, a North American maple forest, and an estuary. The building contains over 5000 plant and animal species spread throughout a South American rainforest, a North American maple forest, an estuary modeled on the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, and a sub-polar region divided into Arctic and Antarctic habitats.
Here visitors can walk through replicas of five ecosystems in the Americas. Let's watch the video and take a virtual tour to awaken your inner eco-citizen!
Craft Class: Biosphere in a Jar
By this point in the Biosphere module, you probably have a comprehensive understanding. Next, we will make a miniature ecosphere with our hands.
Experiment Supplies
-Find a clear glass jar (a spaghetti sauce jar works great)
-Collect four main items: natural water from outside, soil/soot, plants, moss/algae
Step by Step
1. Fill the bottom of the jar with soil or soot. Try not to fill it more than halfway.
2. Bury the roots of the plants in the soil.
3. Place moss and algae plants on top of the soil.
4. Add the muddy water you found outside. This step is to keep the soil moist. Please don't completely submerge your plants!
5. Seal the jar and place it near a window. Observe your jar over the next few weeks. Your plants will come to life!
*Attention: Use muddy water from nature. Because it contains bacteria, insect eggs, etc., these will add inhabitants to your biosphere.
Reflection Questions
Why is it that plants can still survive in sealed jars that don't look like they have enough fresh air?
Answer: Exactly, bacteria breathe oxygen and release carbon dioxide, while plants do the opposite, they breathe carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This cycle guarantees the survival conditions and circulation of the ecosystem.