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Sea Otters
Sea otters are so important to the survival of other species that they are identified as a keystone species. They are considered keystone species because of their ability to exert a trophic cascade. Sea otters are responsible for maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. Without sea otters there would be a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem and could even cause it to crumble. Here are some examples of the sea otters roll in the ecosystem:
Maintaining Kelp Forests
Kelp are the foundation species in the Sea Otter's ecosystem, and the "base" that holds everything together. Kelp are at the bottom of the food chain and are primary producers (autotrophs). They take energy from the sun and convert it into food for other species, such as sea urchins. The presence of sea otters also helps keep the kelp population healthy. With the kelp being richer and healthier from sea otters it attracts a wide variety of fish.
Maintaining sea urchin population
Sea urchins are primary consumers (herbivores) whose top prey is kelp. They are classified as primary consumers because they are eating the producers. Sea urchins are important to keep the kelp population under control. Moving up the food chain, sea otters eat the sea urchins, so they don't overpopulate and kill the kelp.
Maintaining crab population
By maintaining the crab population sea otters are able to help seagrass beds such as eelgrass recover. Seagrass beds are essential habitats for many marine species but have been in decline because of an overabundance of crabs. Too many crabs on the seafloor doesn't allow oxygen to get to seagrass so it can grow. Without seagrass growing the ocean floor becomes mucky and makes it hard for other species to survive. With sea otters present they are able to help maintain a balance of species in the ecosystem to improve the overall health of the ecosystem.
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