Ecospheres
Instead of seeing a world in a grain of sand, how about holding a complete ecosystem in the palm of your hand?
Glass enclosed and captivating, the fragility and resilience of ecosystems are captured within ecospheres – self-sustaining, sealed miniature worlds inhabited by tiny shrimp, algae, and bacteria. Interactions among these organisms, swimming in sea water, and a bubble of air keep the ecoengine running for years.
Ecospheres are available in multiple shapes and sizes (prices vary) from such sites as eco-sphere.com. And if you find yourself anywhere near, say, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, go check out their gigantic ecosphere!
Photo: Ecosphere Associates, Inc.
