Metabolism and Homeostasis

Abstract

The processes occurring in microcosms are the same as those found in ecosystems, but they are simplified since the system is enclosed and isolated. We consider in Chapter 2 the metabolic basis of microecosystems. The main processes are photosynthetic production, consumption, and the recycling of nutrients. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are produced, consumed, and exchanged with the atmosphere. Organic biomass is produced, accumulated, or used up, depending on conditions. There is a self-regulating homeostasis in the coupling of production and consumption, which makes microcosms remarkably stable. In this chapter, using models and simulations, we examine the metabolism of various types of microcosms and the patterns of diurnal variation, succession, and temperature change. Special emphasis is placed on the internal responses to external sources.