Which one of the following statements about the trophic cascade in the sea otter and sea urchin-kelp communities along the West Coast of North America are true? Check all that apply.
A)Increased sea otter populations are linked to more profuse growth of the kelp forests.
B)Increased orca (killer whale)predation on sea otters is linked to more profuse growth of the kelp forests.
C)Increased sea otter populations are linked to increased sea urchin populations.
D)Increased orca (killer whale)predation on sea otters is linked to increased sea urchin populations.
E)Increased sea urchin populations are linked to less profuse growth of the kelp forests.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Sea otters eat sea urchins, controlling their population. With fewer sea urchins to eat the kelp, kelp forests can grow more profusely.D) Increased orca predation on sea otters reduces their population, leading to fewer sea urchins being eaten. This allows sea urchin populations to increase, which can negatively impact kelp forests.E) Sea urchins feed on kelp. When their populations increase, they can significantly reduce the growth of kelp forests by eating them.

Which One of the Following Statements About the Trophic Cascade