4.4.

3 Lab: Investigate Cycling of Matter and Energy Dry Lab

Environmental Studies Sem 1 Name: Angelica Arellano

In this investigation, you will use a soda bottle to create a simple terrarium. You will then observe the cycles that

occur in your mini world and record your observations. Finally, you will cause a change in the environment and

observe how the cycles and organisms respond.

Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions (30 points)

1. Water Cycle: How was the water cycle demonstrated in the terrarium after the plants

sprouted?

In the terrarium, the water cycle was demonstrated after the plants sprouted by the process of
transpiration. As the plants underwent photosynthesis, they absorb water through their roots
and released water vapor into the air through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata.THis
water vapor then condensed on the walls of the terrarium and formed droplets, mimicking the
process of evaporation and [precipitation in the natural water cycle.

2. Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Cycles with Plants Only: . How did CO2 and O2 cycle in the

terrarium when it contained only plants?

When the terrarium contained only plants, the carbon dioxide and oxygen cycle were primarily
driven by photosynthesis and respiration. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide
from the air and convert it into oxygen, releasing it back into the terrarium. This process helps to
increase the oxygen levels in the terrarium. AT the same time, plants also consume oxygen
during respiration, releasing carbon dioxide. However, since the plants are the only source of
carbon dioxide and primary source of oxygen, the cycles remain relatively balanced.

3. Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Cycles with Plants and Animals: How did adding animals

change the cycles of CO2 and O2 in the terrarium? (3 points)

Adding animals to the terrarium would change the cycles of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Animals

consume oxygen during respiration and release carbon dioxide as a waste product. This would

increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the terrarium. Additionally, animals may also produce

small amounts of carbon dioxide through other metabolic processes. ON the other hand,

animals also contribute to the oxygen cycle as they consume oxygen from the air during

respiration. However the overall balance of the cycles would depend on the number and size of

animals in comparison to the plants in the terrarium. If there are too many animals, the oxygen

levels may decrease and the carbon dioxide levels may increase, disrupting the balance in the

terrarium.

4. Why did you have to start with live plants or wait until the seeds sprouted before adding the

animals? Describe your answer in terms of how the CO2 and O2 might be out of balance in your

terrarium.

It is important to start with living plants or wait until the seeds sprouted before adding animals

to the terrarium because planta are the primary source of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the

closed system. If animals were added before the plants had grown enough to produce sufficient

oxygen, the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide would be disrupted. This could lead to
a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase to carbon dioxide levels, which could harm the

animals or even cause them to die. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plants are

established and producing enough oxygen before adding animals to the terrarium.

5. Did the amount of water that condensed at the top of the terrarium change as the plants
sprouted and grew? Describe what you observed, using data from your experiment. Why do you
think this happened?

Yes, the amount of water that condensed at the top of the terrarium changed as the plants
sprouted and grew. Initially, after adding water to the terrarium, there were no water droplets on
the wall. However, as the plants sprouted and grew, water droplets began to appear on the walls
of the terrarium. This is because as the plants undergo photosynthesis, they release water vapor
into the air , increasing the humidity inside the terrarium. As the humidity increases, the water
vapor condenses on the cooler walls of the terrarium, forming droplets.

6. Think about whether it's easy or difficult to maintain life in a terrarium.

Maintaining life in a terrarium can be both easy and difficult. The closed system of a terrarium

cna sustain life for an extended period, as long as the balance between plants, animals, water,

and nutrients is appropriately maintained. However, it can also be challenging to maintain

balance, as any changes in one aspect can cause a ripple effect that disrupts the entire system.

For example, if there are too many animals in the terrarium, the oxygen levels may decrease and

the carbon dioxide level may increase, disrupting the balance between the plants and animals.

Additionally, the moisture levels and nutrient levels must also be monitored and maintained to

ensure the health and survival of the plants and animals. In all, I would say it would be very

difficult to maintain life in a terrarium.

Moon or Mars. Do you think building a giant, self-sustaining place somewhere else would be

realistic? Why or why not?

Building a giant, self-sustaining place on the Moon or Mars is certainly a wild idea. It would
require significant technological advancements and resources to create a habitable
environment in space, However, with advancements in space it’s not entirely unrealistic. With
all the new technology that NASA is developing this wild idea wouldn’t be impossible, but
rather very expensive.

Terri Swearingen, an environmental activist, once said, "We are living on this planet as if we had
another one to go to." What do you think about this quote? (1 point)

Terri Swearingen’s quote highlights an important issue regarding how we treat our planet. It
suggests that we often neglect the consequences of our actions because we assume we have
other options or places to go. This mindset can lead to irreversible behavior and a lack of
concern for the environment. It is crucial that we recognize the limitations of our planet and
work towards sustainable practices that prevent its resources for future generations.
Swearingen’s quote serves as a reminder to take responsibility for our actions and strive for a
more environmentally conscious lifestyle.