Chaparral self contained ecosystem

[Rory]

This is actually a project, but..

I have to make a small self contained ecosystem modeling the chaparral biome, and once I set it all up I leave it sealed for 3 days before adding organisms, then I can go ahead and add the organism but seal it once again for 2 weeks.

 

I know chaparral is kinda an inbetween of grassland and desert and is generally the result of destroyed forest so it has poor soil, and during most of the year it is pretty dry.

So what are some suggestions of autotrophs I can place and let grow and in these poor conditions? And would I need to add any insects(I want to avoid large animals) or bacteria to keep stable cycles like water/carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus/oxygen in check?

 

The container will most likely be part of a two liter and maybe a plastic bag if that helps knowing the space.

Edited May 15, 2009 by Rory

[prodigenius]

I'm not positive, but I think you're best off just using native plants found in chaparral, like mustard or something. With insects, that will keep the water and oxygen cycles going. Unless this is a very long-term ecosystem, you shouldn't have to worry about the carbon, nitrogen, or phosphorus cycles for now.