Exploring Coastal Food Webs and Ecosystem Dynamics

The video explores the intricate ecosystem of kelp forests near Monterey, California, highlighting the role of sea otters as keystone species. It discusses the food web dynamics, where energy flows from primary producers like kelp to top predators. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining biodiversity and balance in ecosystems, showing how the removal of a keystone species like the sea otter can have cascading effects. It also encourages citizen scientists to observe and understand these ecosystems to aid in conservation efforts.

What is the maximum height that kelp can grow in the Monterey region?

• Over 100 feet

• 50 feet

• 75 feet

• 30 feet

Which marine mammal helps control the sea urchin population?

• Dolphins

• Whales

• Seals

• Sea otters

What role do sea otters play in the kelp forest ecosystem?

• They eat kelp

• They have no significant role

• They provide nutrients

• They control sea urchin populations

What is a food web?

• A type of marine plant

• A fishing technique

• A map of energy transfer through species interactions

• A type of underwater structure

Who studies food webs at the California Academy of Sciences?

• Sylvia Earle

• Peter Reuben Rhine

• John Dabiri

• Rachel Carson

What can citizen scientists observe in the kelp forests?

• Shark migrations

• Plankton blooms

• Coral bleaching

• Sea otter activities

What happens to kelp populations when sea otters are absent?

• Increase dramatically

• Remain stable

• Decrease

• No change observed

What is the impact of removing sea otters on other species?

• Cascading negative effects

• No impact

• Negative impact on sea urchins

• Positive impact on all species

How does the removal of sea otters affect the energy flow in the ecosystem?

• Increases energy flow

• Disrupts the flow

• No effect on energy flow

• Stabilizes the flow

Why is it important to sustain diverse networks of life in marine ecosystems?

• To enhance water clarity

• To increase tourism

• To improve fishing yields

• To maintain ecological balance