Sea otters help control the populations of other species by ________.
A) building dams that result in ponds and habitat for other species
B) helping to maintain food and habitat sources for other species by reducing kelp numbers
C) preying on key lower trophic level predators
D) helping to protect spawning grounds from predators

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sea otters help maintain food and habitat sources for other species by reducing kelp numbers. Kelp forests provide food and shelter for a variety of marine life, but when kelp populations become too dense, they can block out sunlight and prevent other species from thriving. Sea otters prey on sea urchins, which eat kelp. By reducing the number of sea urchins, sea otters help to keep kelp forests healthy and productive.

Sea Otters Help Control the Populations of Other Species by ________