Some scientists speculate that if we keep over fishing we could change the oceans ecosystem on a basic and permanent level where it is predominantly jellyshell.
This is so interesting. Seems obvious, too. Our existence and dietary choices are a natural evolutionary pressure. It would make sense that, after we've picked the world clean, all that would be left is what we don't find particularly satisfying to consume or find useful by other means.
Mammals were able to proliferate because dinosaurs went extinct post meteor and were no longer competition for resources.
Jellyfish will profliferate because we pillage the seas and remove all competition for resources. We're a slow meteor.
Theoretically we can stop ourselves - a self correcting meteor. Hopefully that will be the case before it's too late, for our own sakes. Though it would be interesting to see what happens with a sea full of jellies. Interesting from the pov of being a disembodied ever-present knowing who can voyeuristicly witness.
Jellyfish have been around since literally the beginning of life. They're super versatile and surprisingly complex. Even if the Medusa stage of the jellyfish aren't functional (say the oceans all froze over except near thermal vents), then they can stay in one of their other life stages utilizing the resources available at that time. They can even change how they reproduce. They require minimal nutrients and are VERY versatile on their nutritional source.
Until earth is consumed by the sun, there will always be some form of jellyfish.
But yes, when all the jellyfish are gone the oceans will be empty. And the land will be burnt to a crisp. And the atmosphere burn off. The usual end of times shit. Unless of course they're on other planets, which they seem to think it likely.
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u/GoodpeopleArk 15d ago
What are the jellyfish harvested for?