Biosphere

Question 1

Biosphere 1

Answer 1

the earth’s biosphere

Question 2

Biosphere 2

Answer 2

“human experiment” to see if we can recreate Earth’s biosphere somewhere else

Question 3

Why did biosphere 2 fail?

Answer 3

“failed to generate sufficient breathable air, drinkable water and adequate food for just eight humans”

from The New York Times

Question 4

How can a biosphere be constructed?

Answer 4

Recreating all provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services as well as a stable exchange of energy and essential abiotic resources.

Question 5

How did biosphere 2 control natural services?

Answer 5

26 air handlers located in the technosphere

Question 6

What ecosystem services of Biosphere 1 must be recreated in Biosphere 2?

Answer 6

1. Oxygen Production (via photosynthesis)
2. Water Cycling (evaporation, precipitation)
3. Carbon Sequestration
4. Pollination and Seed Dispersal
5. Nutrient Cycling (decomposition)
6. Climate Regulation
7. Food Production
8. Waste Recycling

Question 7

Ecological Footprint

Answer 7

the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.

Oxford languages

Question 8

How can the overreach of an individual’s ecological footprint inform us about the ecosystem services required by Biosphere 2?

Answer 8

When ecological footprint is too large, it highlights the ecosystem services needed for sustainability. For biosphere two: More food, water; better recycling; Carbon absorption (e.g., trees, oceans); Pollination, biodiversity; air quality and climate control

Question 9

What reaction depleted the CO2 of Biosphere 2?

Answer 9

Excess carbon dioxide reacted with the calcium hydroxide in the walls to form calcium carbonate & water

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 –> CaCO3 + H2O