Key Idea.
Section 1
Investigating the Explosion
Analyzing data from the Glacier Sea reveals a dramatic change: a massive explosion in the Moon Jelly population.
Understanding the population as a system of inputs and outputs, scientists conclude that this increase is not random. It must be driven by a specific change in the ratio of births to deaths.
Section 2
Inputs vs. Outputs
To explain the population explosion, we apply the rules of dynamics. Since the population increased, we know for a fact that the number of births was greater than the number of deaths for a sustained period.
The investigation now focuses on finding the cause: did births go up (more food?), or did deaths go down (fewer predators?)?
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Investigating the Explosion
Analyzing data from the Glacier Sea reveals a dramatic change: a massive explosion in the Moon Jelly population.
Understanding the population as a system of inputs and outputs, scientists conclude that this increase is not random. It must be driven by a specific change in the ratio of births to deaths.
Section 2
Inputs vs. Outputs
To explain the population explosion, we apply the rules of dynamics. Since the population increased, we know for a fact that the number of births was greater than the number of deaths for a sustained period.
The investigation now focuses on finding the cause: did births go up (more food?), or did deaths go down (fewer predators?)?