Tropical Terrarium: Welcome to the Jungle
February 14, 2020
Environmental Science
Submitted to: Curca
Professor Ali Mehran
Prepared by:
Amber Dolin, Anna Watkins, Brianna Carrera, Emily Ashworth,
Katherine Cook, Jackie Velazquez, Matthew Hernandez, and Delaney Waters
Welcome to the Jungle: A Tropical Terrarium
A self-sustaining ecosystem is an environment comprised of biotic and abiotic components. A terrarium is a great example of a self-sustaining ecosystem, and a great way to observe the natural systems of life up close. There are various types of terrariums, and together we have chosen to build a tropical environment. A self-sustaining terrarium needs to be functionally independent, allowing organisms to adapt and survive in a non-native environment. A closed terrarium can thrive based on sunlight and the water cycle conducting itself inside. What makes a terrarium tropical is the types of flora placed inside the terrarium, and the humidity the plants need to thrive. A tropical terrarium provides an ample level of humidity that most homes cannot provide, due to their dry air. In order to create a functioning terrarium, we will need a glass container, rocks, charcoal, soil, plants, and insects. Some plants we will be using include types of cacti, ferns, ivy, moss, pothos, and other greenery. Insects we have discussed using are beetles, worms, crickets, millipedes, and centipedes. Through research, we will determine what flora and fauna can coexist to create a symbiotic habitat, and allow our terrarium to thrive for years to come.