Unbelievable Facts About Biosphere 2, The Largest Contained Experiment Ever

Biosphere 2 was a large-scale ecological experiment aimed at simulating a self-sustaining environment for space colonization. Initiated by John P Allen and Ed Bass, it faced numerous challenges, including oxygen loss, food shortages, and internal conflicts. Despite its eventual failure, the project provided valuable insights into closed ecological systems.

What was the primary goal of the Biosphere 2 project?

• To simulate and study human life in extraterrestrial environments

• To create a sustainable agricultural system on Earth

• To test the effects of isolation on human psychology

• To develop new energy sources for urban areas

Who were the key figures behind the creation of Biosphere 2?

• Buckminster Fuller and Steve Bannon

• John P. Allen and Ed Bass

• Abigail Olling and Mark Van Thillo

• Jane Poynter and Roy Walford

What was unique about the construction of Biosphere 2?

• It was the first structure to use solar panels

• It was built entirely underground

• It was constructed in a desert environment

• It used high-performance glass for temperature regulation

What was a major dietary challenge faced by the bionauts during the first mission?

• High-calorie diets leading to weight gain

• Low-calorie diets causing hunger and weight loss

• Inability to grow crops inside the biosphere

• Lack of variety in food options

What psychological issue arose among the bionauts during the first mission?

• Lack of communication with mission control

• Formation of two opposing factions

• Over-reliance on external supplies

• Complete harmony and cooperation

What environmental problem significantly affected the Biosphere 2 experiment?

• Uncontrolled plant growth

• Invasion of large mammals

• Rapid oxygen depletion

• Excessive rainfall inside the dome

How did the bionauts attempt to control the cockroach population?

• Baiting traps with papaya and KY Jelly

• Introducing natural predators

• Using chemical pesticides

• Sealing off infested areas

What was a significant event during the second mission of Biosphere 2?

• The successful completion of the mission

• The discovery of a new plant species

• A management change involving Steve Bannon

• The introduction of new biomes

What was the outcome of the legal dispute involving Steve Bannon?

• He continued to manage the project

• He was awarded a large settlement

• The plaintiffs won and received $600,000

• The case was dismissed

What is the current status of the research data from Biosphere 2?

• All data has been fully analyzed

• Much of the data is believed to be lost

• The data is used in ongoing experiments

• The data is stored in a public archive