ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEM
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Large near-shore kelp forests serve as important habitats for a number of animal species. Kelp also increases the productivity of the near-shore ecosystem through the addition of large quantities of secondary production. Sea otters protect kelp forests from damage by sea urchins by predating on them. In the absence of sea otters, sea urchins increase in abundance and rapidly consume near-shore kelp, which can have a devastating effect on lobster, rockfish and abalone populations. In this scenario:
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the sea urchins and otters are competitors.
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the sea otters and the kelp have a mutualistic relationship.
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the sea otters are a keystone species.
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the sea urchins and kelp are interacting as commensals.
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Explanation:
Detailed explanation-1: -Kelp forests provide food, nursery areas, and shelter-including protection from predators and storms-for hundreds of commercially and recreationally important fish species as well as West Coast marine wildlife.
Detailed explanation-2: -Many animals, including seals, sea lions, and grey whales, use the thick kelp blades to shelter their young and hide from storms or predators. Sea otters wind themselves in kelp to keep from drifting away while they sleep.
Detailed explanation-3: -Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and devour the kelp forests that provide cover and food for many other marine animals.
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