Dynamic Aquaria: Building Living EcosystemsDynamic Aquaria is the outgrowth of years of research aimed at studying how to accurately model and construct living ecosystems in mesocosms, microcosms, and aquaria. It is a unique book, presenting scientifically sound information for a growing new area of science--synthetic ecology, or the construction of living ecosystems. At the same time, the authors present thoughtful perspectives on how knowledge gained by creating these smaller ecosystems helps us to understand our wild ecosystems and biosphere as a whole. For the scientist: n This book presents an array of new approaches, some revolutionary, to the development and operation of experimental ecosystems For the professional aquarist: n This book demonstrates the ever-expanding possibilities for creating functioning ecosystems for educational display For the hobbyist: n The book demonstrates the practical potential for building and operating true, "natural" ecosystems, rather than artificial habitats that house a few selected organisms |
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abundant Adey algae algal algal scrubber amphipods aquaria aquarist aquarium aquatic bacteria benthic biological biomass blue-green bottom carbon dioxide carnivores cells Chapter chemical Chesapeake Bay coastal Color Plate copepods coral reef crabs detritivores detritus developed diatoms difficult discussed dominant earth’s ecological elements energy environment estuary Everglades feeders feeding Figure filter first fish flat flow fresh water freshwater function glass grass grazing herbivores intertidal invertebrates kelp lagoon lakes larger levels light Maine coast mangrove marine marsh mesocosm microcosm model ecosystems nitrogen nutrient ocean organisms oxygen particularly photosynthesis Phylum plankton plants and animals polychaete predators primary problem production protozoans pumps range reef tank relatively Reprinted by permission rocky salinity salt scrubber sediment shore simulate Smithsonian snails species structure Subkingdom substrate sufficient surface tank temperature terrestrial tidal tide tion tropical typically wave action worm zone