Sea Otters and Marine Ecosystems

Sea Otters and Marine Ecosystems

Assessment

Interactive Video

Biology

6th - 8th Grade

Hard

Created by

Patricia Brown

FREE Resource

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.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

50%

25%

15%

10%

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What adaptation helps sea otters locate their prey?

Sensitive whiskers

Sharp claws

Large eyes

Strong tails

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary role of kelp in marine ecosystems?

Attracting fish

Filtering water

Providing oxygen

Acting as a primary producer

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

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

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens when sea urchins overgraze kelp forests?

Fish populations increase

An urchin barren forms

The ecosystem becomes more productive

The kelp grows faster

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