Optimistic View on Moon Jelly Population Growth
What factors could have influenced the increase in moon jelly population size?
The algae, walleye pollock, and orca populations could have all affected the moon jelly population. What additional evidence do you need to determine which of these populations might have caused the size of the moon jelly population to increase?
Answer:
I'd need the data from the population sizes of the algae, walleye pollock, orca, ocean sunfish, and sea turtles. And I'd also need water temperature data, levels of dissolved oxygen.
Explanation:
The jellyfish population may have increased because of an increase in phytoplankton. This leads to an increase in zooplankton; a decrease in walleye pollock, leading to an increase in zooplankton; or an increase in orcas, leading to a decrease in sea turtles. Sea turtles are the main predator keeping the jellyfish population in check.
Also, if there are more red algae, jellyfish polyps have less place to grow. Without it, the polyps can attach themselves to every surface.
Information regarding the population:
- There should be a balance of resources, shelter, and the number of species that occurred inside the region.
- While the moon jelly's population might increase due to the lack of presence.
- Moreover, there is a decrease in the number of predators.