General Knowledge
This term describes a species whose impact on the ecosystem is larger than its population size would suggest.
Keystone Species
This type of relationship benefits both species involved, such as kelp crabs sheltering in kelp.
Mutualism
This large brown plant like organism creates habitat and supports biodiversity in coastal marine ecosystems.
Kelp
Which two species are involved in a predator-prey interaction that controls sea urchin populations and protects kelp forests?
Sea otter and sea urchin
Organisms that make their own food are called this.
Producers
When two species compete for the same limited resource, this interaction occurs.
Competition
Name a primary consumer in the kelp forest that feeds on kelp.
Sea Urchin
Which two species have a mutualistic relationship where one shelters in the other and helps keep it healthy by cleaning algae?
Kelp crab and kelp
A food web is more complex than this simpler model that shows energy flow through one path.
Food Web
This is the term for a close relationship where one species benefits and the other is harmed.
Parasitism
The loss of this species can cause a shift from kelp forest to urchin barren ecosystem.
Sea Otter
Which two species compete for algae as a food source in the kelp forest ecosystem?
Sea urchin and abalone
The process by which producers convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis
This type of competition happens between members of the same species, like sea urchins competing for algae.
Intraspecies Competition
The sea otter is called this type of species because it controls sea urchin populations and protects kelp forests.
Keystone Species
Which two species interact through predation where a star-shaped predator helps regulate herbivore populations?
Sea star and sea urchin
When a native species like sea urchins overpopulates and disrupts the balance of the kelp forest ecosystem, the species can be considered a(n)
Invasive Species
The sea otter feeding on sea urchins is an example of this ecological relationship.
Predation
The primary source of energy for kelp forests and most ecosystems.
Sunlight
Which two species are involved in a decomposer-producer relationship where one recycles nutrients that support the growth of the other?
Bacteria and kelp