Rain forests provide oxygen as well as foods, fibers and medicines. Researchers selected 300 species of plants to be placed inside the rain forest. Biosphere 2 is unique facility with unlimited potential for global research. We are learning about the interconnectedness of Earth's processes, the role of humanity in environmental research and the role of humanity as stewards of our fragile planet. Scientists and research institutions from around the world have expressed interest in working with Biosphere 2 on expanded environmental research programs.
Several programs are already in place.
Biosphere 2 is also growing as a learning laboratory with expansion of educational programs. An artificial biosphere could be a very inexpensive miniature ecosystem or a full-scale closed ecosystem like Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 is not the only man-made biosphere. Bios 3, in remote northern Siberia, near the city of Krasnoyarsk, was put into operation by Soviet researchers in 1972. They attained closure for up to six months with a crew of three people.