Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2: An Inspiring Tale of Isolation and Resilience

The Biosphere 2 team was a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and educators. They came from different backgrounds and had different perspectives, but they were all united by a common goal: to study the interactions between humans and their environment.

The team members were:

• Mark Nelson, a physician and engineer who served as the project's director
• Jane Poynter, a biologist who served as the project's deputy director
• Marc Van Thillo, a biogeochemist
• Abigail Alling, a marine biologist
• Linda Leigh, an environmental scientist
• Taber MacCallum, a psychologist
• Roy Walford, a physiologist
• Layla Fortier, a social anthropologist

The Biosphere 2 experiment was designed to study the interactions between humans and their environment. The experiment took place in a sealed, 3.14-acre glass and steel structure located in the Arizona desert.

The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2

by Jane Poynter

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5916 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages

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The Biosphere 2 structure was divided into seven different biomes, including a rainforest, a desert, a savanna, an ocean, a marsh, a mangrove forest, and a human habitat. The biomes were connected by a series of tunnels and walkways.

The Biosphere 2 team lived and worked in the structure for two years and twenty minutes. During that time, they conducted a variety of experiments, including:

• Agricultural experiments to study the productivity of different crops in a closed ecosystem
• Biological experiments to study the interactions between different species in a closed ecosystem
• Physiological experiments to study the effects of living in a closed ecosystem on human health
• Psychological experiments to study the effects of isolation on human behavior

The Biosphere 2 team faced a number of challenges during their two-year stay in the structure. These challenges included:

• The loss of oxygen. The Biosphere 2 structure was sealed to prevent the exchange of air with the outside world. This led to a gradual decline in oxygen levels inside the structure.
• The buildup of carbon dioxide. The human body produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. This carbon dioxide can build up to dangerous levels in a closed ecosystem.
• The failure of the agricultural system. The Biosphere 2 team was responsible for growing their own food. However, the agricultural system failed to produce enough food to sustain the team.
• The outbreak of insect pests. The Biosphere 2 structure was home to a variety of insects. These insects multiplied rapidly and became a major pest problem.
• The psychological stress of living in isolation. The Biosphere 2 team was isolated from the outside world for two years. This isolation led to a number of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Despite the challenges, the Biosphere 2 experiment was a success. The team learned a great deal about the challenges and opportunities of living in a closed ecological system. Their work has helped us to better understand the importance of sustainability and the need to protect our planet.

The Biosphere 2 experiment has also had a lasting impact on the field of environmental science. The experiment has helped to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect our natural resources.

The Biosphere 2 experiment is a reminder of the importance of science and the power of human ingenuity. The experiment has helped us to better understand the complex interactions between humans and their environment.

The legacy of Biosphere 2 will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. The experiment has shown us that it is possible to create sustainable closed ecological systems. This knowledge will be essential as we face the challenges of climate change and overpopulation.

The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2

by Jane Poynter

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5916 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages

FREE