What role do sea otters play in their ecosystem?

What role do sea otters play in their ecosystem?

Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. By maintaining healthy kelp forests, sea otters also indirectly help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a prevalent greenhouse gas, as kelp absorbs and sequesters carbon.

Why are sea otter populations wiped out?

By 1911, hunting for the animal’s luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. Populations in some areas are now thriving, and the recovery of the sea otter is considered one of the greatest successes in marine conservation.

How have sea urchins likely been affected by the change in the sea otter population?

The decline in sea otters has allowed their primary prey, sea urchins, to increase in number and strip coastal kelp forests over large areas. Overexploitation of certain North Pacific and Bering Sea fisheries may have initiated this cascade of ecological effects, Estes said.

What adaptations does a sea otter have to survive?

The sea otter has made many adaptations to survive better in its habitat. First, the sea otter uses their feet to reduce or maximize heat loss when water temperatures are too hot or too cold. When the water temperatures are too cold sea otters reduce heat loss by floating on their backs with their feet out of the water.

What are four adaptations of a river otter?

Physical Adaptations. River otters have waterproof,velvety coats that act as insulation.

Swimming and Diving. To travel better in water,river otters developed adaptations such as four webbed feet and a propeller-like tail.

Traveling on Land.

Thermoregulation and Metabolic Rate.

What is a behavioral adaptation for an otter?

Behavioral adaptations. A behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival. One thing the river otter must do is care for that warm, waterproof coat. It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. Like many other mammals, otters make use of sheltered spaces to keep warm. Old beaver lodges are a popular choice.

What are adaptations giant otters have?

The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur , a wing-like tail , and webbed feet . The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs.