The Glass Ark : The Story of Biosphere Two

Describes Biosphere 2, a huge greenhouse in which eight scientists will live for two years, investigating Earth's ecosystems by studying 3,800 plant and animal species contained under various environmental conditions inside

Grade 5-8-- A noncritical account of some technologists' search for solutions to environmental degradation. Gentry and Liptak describe Biosphere 2's attempt to reproduce Earth's natural ecosystem under human control in the hope of developing self-contained environments for sustaining habitation in space and other hostile situations. They briefly outline the web of life, the idea of learning from life by imitating it, the design and construction of a sealed greenhouse, the major experiments to be conducted, conditions for the humans living inside, and prospects for the future. The excitement generated among scientists and futurists working on this project or awaiting its results is successfully conveyed in the clear and lively text that presents complex ideas in a well-digested fashion. Since the only coverage thus far has been in periodicals or adult books, this is a welcome addition for young readers. (Most periodicals have been quite critical of the participants' credentials; others have questioned the scientific validity of the experiment.) Although the introduction doesn't introduce the topic, the first chapter does and the rest of the story follows logically. Full-color photographs flesh out the narrative considerably. Despite the heavy cheerleading, this overview presents a look at an intriguing area of research. --Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.