Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A mesocosm is an experimental tool that simulates natural environmental conditions in a controlled setting. It bridges the gap between small-scale laboratory experiments and large-scale field studies.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Mesocosms are used to study ecological processes, interactions, and dynamics in a semi-natural environment.
They can vary in size and complexity, ranging from small tanks to large outdoor enclosures.
Mesocosms allow researchers to control variables such as temperature, light, and nutrient levels while observing natural behaviors and interactions.
These systems are instrumental in studying the impacts of pollutants, climate change, and other anthropogenic effects on ecosystems.
Results from mesocosm experiments help predict how real-world ecosystems might respond to various stressors and management strategies.
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Related terms
Microcosm: A smaller scale experimental system used to simulate natural environments under controlled conditions.
Ecosystem: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Biotic Interactions: The relationships between living organisms within an ecosystem, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis.