If southern sea otters went extinct, then we would predict that ____.
A) there would be minimal effects on other species
B) the effects on other species would be unpredictable
C) many other species would be affected, especially sea urchins and kelp
D) sea urchin populations would dramatically decrease
E) abalone populations would dramatically decrease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Southern sea otters play a significant role in the kelp forest ecosystem by controlling the population of sea urchins, which graze on kelp. Without sea otters, the population of sea urchins would increase, leading to overgrazing of kelp forests, which would negatively impact the food web and several other species that rely on kelp for survival. Therefore, many other species would be affected, especially sea urchins and kelp.

If Southern Sea Otters Went Extinct, Then We Would Predict