Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear Experts,

I am starting a project for my science class that requires that we design an ecosystem that can support itsself. There is a plant level that is in a 2 liter bottle that is watered and filtered and the nutrients are drained into the decomposers. From there, the water goes into a aqua chamber that has some kind of marine life and a plant. My question is, what animals would work the best with eachother to make the best survival chance? What plants? Also, we are allowed to make a terrestial level. I was thinking of selecting an animal that would survive off what ever plant I choose but it cant be a mammal. If you could help suggest ideas to me in any way that would be amazing.
Thanks RoRoYoBoat

Hi RoRoYoBoat,

This is an extremely interesting project. A 2 liter bottle is not very big, so I would not put very many animals in it. How about a slug or snail, an earthworm, or a few sowbugs? Snails and slugs eat soft, juicy plants and earthworms and sowbugs eat decaying vegetation. You should make sure to include decaying plant material in your terrarium. Whatever animal you select, be sure to do background reading and make sure you provide an optimum habitat. .

http://www.ca.uky.edu/ENTOMOLOGY/entfacts/ef439.asp

http://www.velvetdragon.com/cyberslugs/pets.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworm

I would avoid animals like beetles or caterpillars unless you know you are including the specific host plant in your terrarium.

Donna Hardy