1. Research the history of terrariums. Find out who developed the first terrarium. What did this particular scientist want to study?

2. What are the two different types of terrariums?

3. What are examples of the plant life and animal life that can be found in each type of terrarium? Be specific and include many types of life that could be found.

4. How is a terrarium different than an aquarium?

5. Each is a mini ecosystems and a representation of much larger ecosystems found on earth. Describe in detail including plant life and animal life what ecosystem each of these represents.

6. When the terrarium is sealed which geochemical cycle can be observed?

I know I should be doing this myself but the year is almost over and I have to do this.

The first modern form of terrarium was first invented sometime between 1827 and 1842 by Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. This botanist and London doctor made the invention since he kept ferns in his house that kept on dying due to the fumes from the city's factories. In addition, he also noticed that plants grew in the soil that was kept in a jar where he kept caterpillars and moths for studying. Different natural processes can be observed such as photosynthesis, respiration and the water cycle. Terrariums can be sealed (have a removable lid) or open (no removable lid). In closed terrariums, you could have mosses, orchids, ferns or small plants that are usually seen in the tropics. In the other hand, open terrariums are better for plants that like to be dry for example succulents, blue oat grass, and catmint. An aquarium is for aquatic pets and plants while a terrarium is for land animals and plants. The mini ecosystems that can be represented are tropical forest, desert ecosystem, and grassland ecosystems. The desert ecosystem can be represented in open terrariums where dry plants can be found. While grassland and forest ecosystems can be represented by closed ecosystems that require tropical fauna and animal life.