mesocosms
MESS-oh-kah-zumz
Definition
Controlled, outdoor experimental enclosures used to study how organisms interact within a simplified but realistic environment that mimics a natural lake.
Etymology
The word is a blend of the Greek prefix 'meso-', meaning middle, and the Greek word 'kosmos', meaning world. It was coined in the mid-20th century to describe experimental systems that bridge the gap between small-scale lab tests and large-scale natural ecosystems.
In the news
Researchers used these outdoor tanks to observe how goldfish influence aquatic life, showing they are not just quiet pets but powerful drivers of environmental change. These controlled setups were vital for tracking the fish's impact in a way that replicates real-world conditions.
Do You Know What Happens to a Goldfish Once It’s Released Into the Wild?
Read the full article ↗Yahoo