Question

Why did you have to start with live plants or wait until the seeds sprouted before adding the animals? Describe your answer in terms of how the CO₂ and O₂ might be out of balance in your terrarium.

Answer 1

To ensure a balance of CO₂ and O₂ in the terrarium, it is important to have thriving plants before introducing animals. Plants provide the necessary oxygen through photosynthesis and rely on animals for CO₂ through respiration, creating a sustainable ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

You needed to start with live plants or wait until the seeds sprouted before adding the animals to your terrarium to ensure a balance of CO₂ and O₂. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen (O₂) through the process of photosynthesis, which supplies the necessary oxygen for animals to breathe. Without the plants, the animals would deplete the oxygen too quickly and increase the levels of CO₂, leading to a harmful imbalance in these gases. Conversely, without the animals, the CO₂ levels would not be replenished through respiration, which plants need for photosynthesis. A careful balance of these gases is vital for the survival of both the plants and animals in a closed ecosystem like a terrarium.