Kelp Beds and Sea Otters: An Experimental Approach

摘要: In Torch Bay, Alaska, USA, sea urchins structure shallow subtidal communities by consuming most macroscopic algae. Experimental removal of leads to the development, within 1 yr, a kelp association high biomass and diversity. 2nd however, these attributes decrease as single species, Laminaria groenlandica, becomes dominant. Additional field experiments confirm competitive superiority this kelp. These manipulations lead predictions regarding ecological role otters, once common (but now absent) urchin predator. The are tested verified examining areas into which otters have recently been transplanted. As expected, rapid extensive modification algal species composition dramatic increase in follow return otters. See full-text article at JSTOR