kelp-Sea ottEr-Sea urchin
Kelp
Kelp is a type of algae that lives in the Pacific Ocean, and uses photosynthesis. It primarily grows along the eastern Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California in dense forests, much like the rainforests on land. Many animals make their homes and seek shelter in these kelp forests, especially when there is a storm. Kelp is anchored to the ocean floor with holdfasts, a root-like structure, and has long, flat leaves. Kelp requires shallower, clear water in order for the sun to reach the leaves, so it can photosynthesize. Urchins, bristle worms, scud, prawn, snails, and brittle stars all feed on kelp. Also, many primary consumers feed on kelp, which in turn, are consumed by secondary consumers.
Sea Otter
Sea otters are mammals that feed on sea urchins, as well as mussels, clams, crabs, and many other organisms. Sea otters are crucial in controlling the population of sea urchins, which could potentially kill an entire kelp forest. They prevent the urchins, as well as other animals, from overeating the kelp forests.
Sea Urchin
Sea urchins are spiny invertebrates that feed on other animals and kelp, as well as the thick layers of organic matter on rocks, so they are consumers as well as decomposers. This process recycles the organic matter into smaller pieces for bacteria to break down to put back into the ecosystem as something different. Sea urchins can also graze an entire kelp forest into nothing.
Kelp is a type of algae that lives in the Pacific Ocean, and uses photosynthesis. It primarily grows along the eastern Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California in dense forests, much like the rainforests on land. Many animals make their homes and seek shelter in these kelp forests, especially when there is a storm. Kelp is anchored to the ocean floor with holdfasts, a root-like structure, and has long, flat leaves. Kelp requires shallower, clear water in order for the sun to reach the leaves, so it can photosynthesize. Urchins, bristle worms, scud, prawn, snails, and brittle stars all feed on kelp. Also, many primary consumers feed on kelp, which in turn, are consumed by secondary consumers.
Sea Otter
Sea otters are mammals that feed on sea urchins, as well as mussels, clams, crabs, and many other organisms. Sea otters are crucial in controlling the population of sea urchins, which could potentially kill an entire kelp forest. They prevent the urchins, as well as other animals, from overeating the kelp forests.
Sea Urchin
Sea urchins are spiny invertebrates that feed on other animals and kelp, as well as the thick layers of organic matter on rocks, so they are consumers as well as decomposers. This process recycles the organic matter into smaller pieces for bacteria to break down to put back into the ecosystem as something different. Sea urchins can also graze an entire kelp forest into nothing.