Investigate how environmental factors and population dynamics in New England forests drive the spread of Lyme disease. Observe the multi-year ripple effect starting from an "Oak Mast" (a year of overabundant acorn production) all the way to human infection risk.
Harsh winters decrease mouse and tick survival.
Foxes control the white-footed mouse population.
Deer are crucial for adult tick mating and reproduction.
Simulate a massive drop of acorns.
Formulate a hypothesis before triggering an Oak Mast, then record your observations.
Oaks drop massive amounts of acorns (food).
Mice thrive on acorns and population spikes.
Larvae feed on infected mice, becoming infected nymphs.
Infected nymphs seek new hosts, including humans.