Sea Otter

Definition

The sea otter is a marine mammal native to coasts of northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. They play crucial roles in controlling sea urchin populations which would otherwise damage kelp forest ecosystems - making them a classic example of a keystone species.

Related terms

Kelp Forests: Underwater areas with high densities of kelp, where many fish find food and shelter.

Sea Urchins: Small spiny globular animals which sea otters prey on.

Trophic Cascade: An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators and involving reciprocal changes in the relative populations of predator and prey through a food chain.