Question
Read the passage - "Kelp Forest Food Chain' - and answer the question below:
5B. In the the North Pacific, seals and sea lions are in short supply. According to UCSC
marine biologists, killer whales are now feeding on sea otters, causing an abrubt decline
in the sea otter population. What effect would this have on the ecosystem?
The sea otters and the killer whales will compete for the sea urchins which will
reduce the sea urchin population.
The kelp population will decrease drastically creating a sea urchin barren (area
without kelp) due to over grazing by sea urchins.
C. The kelp population will increase and create a thick kelp forest.
D. The ecosystem will become more diverse the long run.
Answer
C. The kelp population will increase and create a thick kelp forest.