The researchers studied aphid populations to understand how evolution and ecology affect their growth and survival. They used data from field and lab experiments to estimate vital rates like growth and reproduction. Different aphid clones had varying rates, with some prioritizing reproduction over survival. Population growth was influenced by plant size and changes in clone composition. The study showed that density, predators, and competitors affected aphid vital rates. The researchers used a complex method called inverse modeling to analyze the data and found that multiple factors can lead to the same population dynamics.