Question

Considering the kelp forest as an example of an ecosystem network, which of the organisms might play a more crucial role than others, and serve as the keystone species?

Sea Urchin

Sea Otter

Crab

Kelp

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

In the kelp forest ecosystem, the sea otter is considered the keystone species. Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the population of sea urchins. Sea urchins are herbivores that feed on kelp, and if their population grows unchecked, they can decimate the kelp forest by overgrazing. Sea otters prey on sea urchins, keeping their population in check and allowing the kelp to flourish. Therefore, the sea otter is considered a keystone species in the kelp forest ecosystem.