Kind of a cross between an aquarium and a science experiment, Ecosphere is an actual miniature world that pretty much develops on its own in a glass bowl that is convenient for watching. Watch evolution take place on your desk.

Whether it's art or science or both...the ecosphere is a completely self contained and self-sustaining miniature world. Great gift idea for the curiousity-minded.

I saw one of these at an Anthropologie store and I was mesmerized. How did they get those little creatures inside the sphere? How do you get them out once they die? =/ (via Eco-Sphere)

Aquariums seem at first to be a low maintenance hobby, but it turns out that you need to clean them every week to avoid a foul-smelling room. This delightful little ecosphere is entirely self-sustaining and requires no cleaning. Algae and bacteria provide a food source for small shrimp, which in turn provide you with hours of viewing pleasure.

A harmonious balanced world- what more could you ask for? Oh, and it fits in the palm of your hand!

An entire little ecosystem thrives in this glass sphere. I think it would look cool on a modern desk.