Life support systems are usually one of three types: re-circulating, flow-through, or ____________________.

Life support systems in laboratory settings for aquatic or terrestrial organisms typically fall into three main categories: re-circulating, flow-through, and static.

Static systems are designed to maintain a fixed volume of water or another medium without continuous water movement or replacement, making them ideal for certain types of experiments or species that do not require active water flow. In these systems, the quality of the environment must be carefully monitored and managed; parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels are essential to ensure the viability of the organisms being housed.

The other types of systems, like re-circulating and flow-through, involve the continuous movement or replacement of water, providing a dynamic environment that can better support the needs of aquatic species. Re-circulating systems filter and treat water before it is returned to the habitat, while flow-through systems introduce fresh water directly. However, static systems serve a specific purpose where stability and low disturbance are prioritized.

This nuanced understanding of static systems helps those involved in IACUC administration recognize the diverse requirements for housing and maintaining different biological species in laboratory settings.