Since 2013, the population of sea stars along North America's Pacific Coast has been dramatically reduced. Microbiologist Ian Hewson believes a type of virus known as Sea Star Association Densovirus (SSaDV) is responsible. Due to the disease, sea stars eventually decompose into a white sludge. Surprisingly, though, hundreds of sea star babies appeared in the spring of 2016 along the Oregon coast. Researchers think that the massive reduction in adult sea stars has contributed to the baby boom. Fewer hungry adult sea stars means more food for hungry babies. In turn, more food has led to a greater survival rate for the youngsters.

Certainly! Here's a breakdown of the causes and their corresponding effects based on the information you've provided about the sea stars along North America's Pacific Coast:

Causes:

1. Reduction of adult sea stars due to SSaDV.
2. Presence of a disease that causes sea stars to decompose into sludge.
3. Fewer hungry adult sea stars.
4. Increased availability of food for sea star babies.

Effects:

A. Massive reduction in adult sea stars.
B. Notable baby boom of sea stars in the spring of 2016.
C. Greater survival rate for young sea stars.

Matching:

1. Reduction of adult sea stars due to SSaDV → A. Massive reduction in adult sea stars.
2. Presence of a disease that causes sea stars to decompose into sludge → A. Massive reduction in adult sea stars.
3. Fewer hungry adult sea stars → D. Increased availability of food for babies.
4. Increased availability of food for sea star babies → C. Greater survival rate for young sea stars.
5. Greater survival rate for young sea stars → B. Notable baby boom of sea stars in the spring of 2016.

In summary, the reduction in adult sea stars due to SSaDV had cascading effects that resulted in more food availability for the juveniles, ultimately leading to a baby boom and increased young sea star survival.