Question

Removal of the sea otter, a top predator also had an impact on two other species, the gull and the eagle. how did the gull diet change with the removal of the otter from the ecosystem? how did the eagle diet change with the removal of the otter from the ecosystem? choose 1 of the case studies provided and write a summary of what happens when the top predator is present, including direct, indirect, positive and negative effects. complete what happens when the top predator is removed.

Answer 1

The removal of sea otters from an ecosystem can lead to an increase in sea urchins, causing a decline in kelp forests. This has a negative impact on the gull and eagle populations as their food sources are affected. Gulls may need to find alternative food sources, while eagles may have to compete for limited resources.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the sea otter, a top predator, is present in an ecosystem, it helps maintain a balance by preying on sea urchins. Sea urchins are herbivores that eat kelp forests. With the otter's presence, the sea urchin population is kept under control, preventing overgrazing of kelp. This allows diverse near-shore marine communities to thrive. However, if the sea otter is removed, the sea urchin population can increase, leading to overgrazing of kelp, which negatively impacts the other species that depend on the kelp as habitat and food.

For example, gulls rely on the kelp forest as a source of food, such as fish and invertebrates. If the kelp forest is depleted due to the increase in sea urchins, the gulls would have less food available. They may need to change their diet and search for alternative food sources or move to other habitats where food is more abundant.

Similarly, eagles are also affected by the removal of sea otters. Eagles feed on fish that are present in kelp forest ecosystems. If the kelp forest is degraded due to the increase in sea urchins, the fish population may decline, reducing the food available for eagles. This could force eagles to compete with other predators for limited resources or seek food elsewhere.

Answer 2

The role of the top predator is to maintain the balance between the population of secondary consumers, primary consumers and the producers. The removal of the sea otters, a top predator will lead to the increase in the number of the secondary consumers that include the creatures like the crabs, frogs, fishes, etc. These creatures are also eaten by the gulls and the eagles. This will lead to increase in the number of the gulls and the eagles as they have more food for themselves. The removal of sea otter decreases the competition over food with the gulls and the eagles. This is an indirect benefit to them.