Terrarium

A true ecosystem terrarium is a small, enclosed environment that replicates a natural ecosystem, allowing plants and microorganisms to thrive independently without constant care. This type of terrarium is designed to self-regulate and maintain a stable balance, where biological and chemical processes complement each other. Here are the main characteristics that distinguish it from commercial terrariums:

1. Self-Sufficiency: An ecosystem terrarium requires minimal or no human intervention after setup, as the plants and organisms inside create their own cycles of oxygen, water, and nutrients.
2. Closed Environment: It is typically kept fully enclosed, allowing a natural water cycle to occur that mimics evaporation and condensation.
3. Living Soil: The soil often contains microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which are essential for breaking down organic material and maintaining soil fertility.
4. Balance of Flora and Fauna: Some true ecosystem terrariums may contain small organisms, such as mosses, algae, or even small insects, that play a role in the natural balance.

These characteristics set an ecosystem terrarium apart from a commercial terrarium, which is often meant purely for decoration and lacks the biological complexity of a true ecosystem.