Sea otters play an important role in maintaining the kelp forests of the Pacific coast. Otters maintain the sea urchin population, preventing the sea urchins from overgrazing the kelp beds. If the kelp beds are overgrazed, a multitude of other species will decline as a result. Identify the chain of events that could occur if the sea otter population were reduced along the Pacific coast.

Sea otters play an important role in maintaining the kelp forests of the Pacific coast. Otters maintain the sea urchin population, preventing the sea urchins from overgrazing the kelp beds. If the kelp beds are overgrazed, a multitude of other species will decline as a result. Identify the chain of events that could occur if the sea otter population were reduced along the Pacific coast.

Concepts of Biology

1st Edition

ISBN:9781938168116

Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise

Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise

Chapter20: Ecosystems And The Biosphere

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 5RQ: Which term describes the process whereby toxic substances increase along trophic levels of an...

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