Editing Biotope (section)

== Artificial closed ecological systems ==
{{See also|Closed ecological system}}
[[File:Aquatic biotope.jpg|thumb|284x284px|An aquatic closed biotope containing ''egeria densa'' and thick algal mats, a number of unidentified aquatic snails can be seen living on the glass.]]
The term "biotope" can be also used to describe manmade [[Closed ecological system|closed ecological systems]], occasionally also referred to as CES systems. Examples of these include the [[Biosphere 2]] project and to a lesser degree the [[Eden Project]], which contain areas of uniform environmental conditions and house numerous species of plants, animals and fungi. Therefore these can be considered biotopes. Homemade ecological systems, often incorrectly referred to as [[Ecosphere (planetary)|ecospheres]] (due to the product, known as the [[Ecosphere (aquarium)|EcoSphere]]) or [[Jarrarium|jarrariums]] also fall under the definition of biotope. These homemade ecosystems (which also include closed [[Terrarium|terrariums]]) are often made by hobbyists in what are often jars (hence the name jarrarium) or sealed glass tanks with the intention of mimicking a larger ecosystem. They are often made by going out and collecting material (including soil, plants, small insects and water if an aquatic ecosystem) from said ecosystem and sealing it in an airtight container. These closed ecosystems are often made by hobbyists who enjoy the idea of having an entire ecosystem on their windowsill, or by those interested in studying the viability of small scale, closed loop ecological systems for the purpose potentially creating [[Controlled ecological life-support system|life support systems]].