Maintaining very small ecosystems

> Moreover, according to the story, the number of people (8) was not decided
> on by the maximum number of people the Biosphere could comfortably
> support, but as an ideal team size for a group of people entering
> "extreme" conditions. While it's true that the team lost a lot of weight
> due to not enough food, it seems likely that the biosphere could undergo
> considerable tweaking to support more people if required or desired.

In particular Biosphere II had one huge problem that massively reduced
their yield: not enough sunlight due to bad weather, and they
also found the windows blocked quite a bit of light.

That reduced the level of photosynthesis:
a) reduced the amount of food that grew
b) raising CO2 levels

In space there's no weather; but the amount of light blocked
by the windows might be some concern; being above the earth's
atmosphere helps some.

Also there is another factor- it is possible to control
the length of the day in space, but it wasn't in Biosphere II;
doesn't more daylight == more photosynthesis == more food?

> --Justin

civilization?"