In 1960, David Latimer created a self-sustaining ecosystem by sealing a spiderwort plant in a large glass bottle with some water. He opened it once in 1972 to add more water, after which it remained closed. This "bottle garden" has thrived for over 60 years due to its self-regulating processes:

-Photosynthesis: The plant uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

-Decomposition: Bacteria in the soil break down dead plant matter, releasing carbon dioxide back into the system.

This cycle mimics Earth's natural processes, creating a miniaturized, balanced environment where water, air, and nutrients are recycled within the sealed bottle.