1).In the scenario described here, identify the keystone and foundation species.
A keystone species - sea otter
foundation species - giant kelpkeystone species - sea otter foundation species - giant kelp
B keystone species - sea urchin
foundation species - sea otterkeystone species - sea urchin foundation species - sea otter
C keystone species - giant kelp
foundation species - sea urchinkeystone species - giant kelp foundation species - sea urchin
D keystone species - sea urchin
foundation species - giant kelpkeystone species - sea urchin foundation species - giant kelp
2).Infer what might happen if the keystone species was greatly reduced.
A If the kelp is reduced or destroyed then the basis for the entire ecosystem is destroyed as is the ecosystem.If the kelp is reduced or destroyed then the basis for the entire ecosystem is destroyed as is the ecosystem.
B If the urchin population is reduced or destroyed due to lack of food, the sea otter population would eventually die out as well due to starvation.If the urchin population is reduced or destroyed due to lack of food, the sea otter population would eventually die out as well due to starvation.
C Sea otters, playing a critical role in containing the urchin populations, prey on urchins and thus control the numbers of kelp grazers to maintain the forest.Sea otters, playing a critical role in containing the urchin populations, prey on urchins and thus control the numbers of kelp grazers to maintain the forest.
D If the sea urchin species is greatly reduced by an increase in the sea otter population, the kelp beds would continue to grow unchecked and other populations of herbivores would grow.
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