Sea Otters and Marine Ecosystems

Sea otters, though small, have a significant impact on marine ecosystems, particularly kelp forests. They rely on dense fur for insulation and spend hours grooming to maintain it. Their high metabolism requires them to eat 25% of their body weight daily, hunting invertebrates like clams and urchins. Kelp forests, vital for marine life, are threatened by overgrazing from sea urchins, which sea otters help control. Human activities, such as hunting, have disrupted these ecosystems, leading to the extinction of species like the Steller's sea cow. The video emphasizes the interconnectedness of sea otters, kelp forests, and broader ecological systems.

What is the primary reason sea otters have a large influence on marine ecosystems?

• Their size

• Their grooming habits

• Their role as predators

• Their ability to swim fast

Why do sea otters spend a lot of time grooming their fur?

• To remove parasites

• To maintain warmth and buoyancy

• To look stylish

• To attract mates

How much food do sea otters need to consume daily relative to their body weight?

• 50%

• 25%

• 15%

• 10%

What adaptation helps sea otters locate their prey?

• Sensitive whiskers

• Sharp claws

• Large eyes

• Strong tails

What is the primary role of kelp in marine ecosystems?

• Attracting fish

• Filtering water

• Providing oxygen

• Acting as a primary producer

How do sea otters help maintain the balance in kelp forests?

• By providing shelter

• By fertilizing the water

• By controlling sea urchin populations

• By eating kelp

What happens when sea urchins overgraze kelp forests?

• Fish populations increase

• An urchin barren forms

• The ecosystem becomes more productive

• The kelp grows faster

What was a significant consequence of hunting sea otters to near extinction?

• Proliferation of sea urchins

• Decrease in ocean temperature

• Increase in fish populations

• Growth of kelp forests

What led to the extinction of the Steller's sea cow?

• Overhunting by humans

• Climate change

• Loss of kelp due to sea urchins

• Pollution

What does the quote by John Muir suggest about ecosystems?

• They are simple

• They are interconnected

• They are unpredictable

• They are isolated