Mesocosm

In contrast to laboratory experiments, mesocosm studies are normally conducted outdoors in order to incorporate natural variation (e.g., diel cycles).

By manipulating gradients (e.g., climate variables) mesocosm studies can extend beyond available data helping to build better models of the effects of different scenarios.

[2] When plants are placed in a growth chamber, the air, temperature, heat and light distribution can be manipulated and the effects of being exposed to different amounts of each factor can be observed.

[A] Mazzeo and colleagues examined the eating habits of Hoplias malabaricus fish when exposed to different amounts of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and competition.

[6] [B] Flanagan and McCauley tested the effects of climate warming on carbon dioxide concentration on shallow ponds by creating an eight-cylinder shaped in situ mesocosms.

Diagram of a small form closed system mesocosm.
Different components of a successful mesocosm
A tomato greenhouse in the Netherlands.
A tomato greenhouse in the Netherlands.
A Hoplias Malabaricus fish.
A Hoplias malabaricus fish.
The Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory (MERL) mesocosms are 8 metres (26 ft 3 in) deep and 7 cubic metres (250 cu ft) in volume. The mesocosm tanks were designed to match the average depth of the adjacent West Passage of Narragansett Bay, from which they draw their water. MERL is located at 41°29′30″N 71°25′14″W  /  41.491764°N 71.420651°W  / 41.491764; -71.420651 off South Ferry Rd. in Narragansett, Rhode Island.