After reading the paragraph below, answer the questions that follow.
Consider the following marine community: Sea otters prey on sea urchins and therefore help maintain a healthy sea urchin population. Sea urchins prey on kelp. By helping to maintain viable sea urchin populations, the sea otters are also allowing enough kelp to grow and act as a habitat for other organisms.
-In this marine community, the sea otter is
A)a primary consumer.
B)a producer.
C)a keystone species.
D)a scavenger.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sea otter is a keystone species because its presence in the community affects the abundance and diversity of other species. By preying on sea urchins, it helps to maintain a healthy sea urchin population, which in turn allows enough kelp to grow and act as a habitat for other organisms. Without sea otters, the sea urchin population would grow unchecked and consume too much kelp, leading to a decline in the diversity and abundance of other species in the community.

After Reading the Paragraph Below, Answer the Questions That Follow