Question

James wants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, or vivarium. Which method would most likely result in an ecosystem that is viable for the longest amount of time with no additional care?
Put a few plants, water, sand, and a heat lamp inside a clear glass aquarium and seal the top. Place it in a sunny location.
Put water, fertilizer, soil, plants and insects in an open, clear glass aquarium. Place it in an area that has some sunlight and some shade.
Put rocks, water, and many plants in an open, dark-colored plastic tub. Place it in an area with direct sunlight.
Put soil, water, many plants, and a few insects in a sealed, clear plastic aquarium. Place it in an area with indirect sunlight.

Answer 1

Put soil, water, many plants, and a few insects in a sealed, clear plastic aquarium. Place it in an area with indirect sunlight.

Why: a sealed, clear container with soil, plants and a few decomposers can form a self‑contained water and nutrient cycle (transpiration → condensation → precipitation; insects/decomposers recycle organic matter). Indirect light supplies energy for photosynthesis without overheating; the sealed top prevents evaporation and keeps the system stable. The other options either overheat, lose water by evaporation, or lack the necessary decomposers and nutrient cycling to remain viable long‑term.