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Jelly Fly-By |
Jennifer Rodriguez, DVM |
| 2007 |
Currently Madison, WI; by July, 2010, Minneapolis, MN USA |
| Gouache on black matte board, 22 x 15" |
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This is a is a fly-by depiction illustrating the extreme variety of sizes, shapes, colors and conformation found in the pelagic invertebrate community known as "jellies." Diverse methods of propulsion, reproduction, camouflage, neural systems and especially catching and ingesting specific prey embody the premise of form following function. These distinct niches have led to research on many of these species involving investigations of symbiosis, regeneration, wound healing, antioxidants, and even insulin therapy. Population blooms, decreased nutrient uptake and distribution changes have been attributed to sensitive reactions to changes in environmental conditions, making them potentially ideal bioindicator species.
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