Question
Why did sea urchin populations in kelp forests increase dramatically, consuming all of the kelp?
Responses
Water temperatures were favorable.
Water temperatures were favorable.
Sea urchins were introduced to the waters.
Sea urchins were introduced to the waters.
Sea urchins could defend against predators.
Sea urchins could defend against predators.
Sea otters that ate urchins were overhunted.
Responses
Water temperatures were favorable.
Water temperatures were favorable.
Sea urchins were introduced to the waters.
Sea urchins were introduced to the waters.
Sea urchins could defend against predators.
Sea urchins could defend against predators.
Sea otters that ate urchins were overhunted.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The dramatic increase in sea urchin populations in kelp forests, leading to the consumption of all the kelp, is primarily attributed to **sea otters that ate urchins being overhunted**. When sea otter populations decline due to overhunting or other factors, there are fewer natural predators to keep sea urchin populations in check. This results in unchecked sea urchin growth, which can lead to significant destruction of kelp forests, as sea urchins feed heavily on kelp.
Other options, such as water temperatures being favorable or sea urchins having defenses against predators, may contribute to population dynamics but are not the primary cause of the dramatic increase in sea urchin populations in this context.
Other options, such as water temperatures being favorable or sea urchins having defenses against predators, may contribute to population dynamics but are not the primary cause of the dramatic increase in sea urchin populations in this context.