Biosphere 2: Challenges and Discoveries

Miss Patty introduces the final unit on matter and energy in ecosystems, focusing on Biosphere 2, an experiment to replicate Earth's ecosystems in a closed system. The video discusses the challenges faced by the inhabitants, such as food scarcity and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. It also introduces a biodome investigation to understand why a similar system failed, emphasizing the importance of energy storage molecules for ecosystem health.

What materials are suggested for the lesson on matter and energy in ecosystems?

• A textbook and a notebook

• A laptop and headphones

• A calculator and a ruler

• A piece of paper and a pencil

What was the primary goal of Biosphere 2?

• To study marine life in isolation

• To see if people could live in a closed system

• To create a new type of plant species

• To develop new agricultural techniques

Which of the following biomes was NOT part of Biosphere 2?

• Mangrove marsh

• Arctic tundra

• Savanna

• Tropical rainforest

What was one of the main challenges faced by the crew in Biosphere 2?

• Insufficient food production

• Overpopulation

• Excessive rainfall

• Lack of sunlight

Why was Biosphere 2 expected to remain closed for 100 years?

• To prevent contamination from outside

• To conduct a long-term experiment

• To develop new species of plants

• To study the effects of isolation on humans

What was the main outcome of the closed mission era of Biosphere 2?

• Development of new agricultural techniques

• Discovery of new plant species

• Understanding the difficulty of replicating Earth's systems

• Creation of a sustainable food source

What issue did the biodome face that led to its shutdown?

• Organisms getting sick and failing to reproduce

• Overpopulation of species

• Excessive plant growth

• Lack of water resources

What is an energy storage molecule?

• A molecule that stores water

• A molecule that organisms use to release energy

• A molecule that provides structural support

• A molecule that captures sunlight

What was the role of Dr. Khoury in the biodome investigation?

• To provide medical support

• To manage the plant growth

• To lead the investigation team

• To design the biodome

What did the equinox realize about the biodome?

• It was producing too much energy

• It was not producing enough energy storage molecules

• It was too cold for plant growth

• It was overpopulated with animals