A marine biologist reports that a genetically engineered coral species grows at a rate of 1.4 times per year, compared to 0.8 times for natural coral. If a reef starts with 200 mature fragments of each, what is the positive difference in population after 2 years?

["Marine Biologist Discovers Genetically Engineered Coral Grows 75% Faster Than Natural Coral: Population Growth After Two Years", "A groundbreaking study by a leading marine biologist reveals a transformative advantage in genetically engineered coral species—showing it grows 1.4 times per year, significantly faster than the 0.8 times annual growth rate of natural coral. This accelerated growth holds promising implications for reef restoration efforts, especially as climate change threatens marine ecosystems worldwide.", "According to the research, both natural and engineered coral start with an initial population of 200 mature fragments. Over a two-year period, the difference in growth rate leads to a striking divergence in coral abundance.", "Natural Coral Growth\nWith a growth rate of 0.8 times per year, the population after two years is calculated as:\n[ 200 \ imes (1.8)^2 = 200 \ imes 3.24 = 648 \ ext{ mature fragments} ]\n(Note: Growth factor 0.8 means the population multiplies by 0.8 annually, representing a decline—not increase—but in this context, researchers interpreted "grows at a rate of 0.8 times" as doubling every 1.3 years via compounding efficiency; however, the standard interpretation here is exponential growth. Clarifying: if “grows at 0.8 times per year” means it increases by 80% annually, then the multiplier is 1.8.)\nCorrect annual multiplier: ( 1 + 0.8 = 1.8 )\nSo, natural coral after 2 years:\n[ 200 \ imes (1.8)^2 = 200 \ imes 3.24 = 648 ]", "Genetically Engineered Coral Growth\nWith a faster growth rate of 1.4 times per year:\nAnnual multiplier: ( 1 + 1.4 = 2.4 )\nPopulation after two years:\n[ 200 \ imes (2.4)^2 = 200 \ imes 5.76 = 1,152 ]", "Population Difference After Two Years\n[ 1,152 - 648 = 504 ]", "The genetically engineered coral produces 504 more mature fragments than natural coral after two years, highlighting a significant 75% increase in growth efficiency under controlled conditions.", "This rapid enhancement demonstrates the potential for biotechnological interventions to accelerate coral reef recovery, offering renewed hope in the fight against reef degradation and ocean biodiversity loss.", "Key Takeaway:\nGenetically engineered corals growing at 1.4× per year outpace natural corals by 1.75× over two years—demonstrating a major leap forward in marine conservation and restoration strategies."]