Question

An ecosystem, such as an aquarium is self-sustaining if it involves the interaction between organisms, a flow of energy, and the presence of
a. Equal numbers of plants and animals
b. More animals than plants
c. Materials cycles
d. Pioneer organisms

Answer 1

Hint: It may, basically, be called Closed Ecological Systems (CES). These are ecosystems that are not dependent on the exchange of matter with any component outside the system. To define small man made habitats, the word is most commonly used.

Complete answer:
The key biological importance of these objects lies with the fact that they will be substantially closed ecological systems that over a period of time are self-sustaining. The algae produce oxygen which maintains the shrimp and bacteria at room temperature, and with only low light inputs. Bacteria split down the waste from the shrimp. The breakdown products offer nutrients to both the algae and bacteria by which the shrimp feed. So, for an average of 2 to 3 years, shrimps live in the EcoSphere and are known to live over 10 years.

So with this we can conclude that, Materials such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen must be able to recycle between species if an environment such as an environment is to be self-sustaining.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
The word ecosystem describes the interactions that take place within a given space between biological and non-biological elements. Biocenosis is the biological component of the environment and represents all its living organisms; all its abiotic components (i.e. gas, minerals, elements in general) are represented by the non-biological component and is called the biotope. Interactions, both internal as well as external, occur and grow between the biocenosis and the biotope, and it is these interactions which define the ecosystem. Therefore, an aquarium can be characterised as an artificial closed ecosystem in which fish and plants can find a environment where they can grow and develop in a safe and balanced manner.

Note: A closed aquatic environment is close to an aquarium, except it is closed to the outside world in such a way that the plants and animals inside the system must satisfy all the needs of life.