Answer: B. The kelp population would decrease in size.
Step-by-step explanation: If sea otters were removed from the food web, it would likely have an effect on other trophic levels, specifically the kelp population and the population of sea urchins.
Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem they inhabit. They are known to be keystone species, meaning their presence has a disproportionate impact on the structure and function of their ecosystem.
Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which are herbivores that consume kelp. By preying on sea urchins, sea otters help control their population. Without sea otters, the population of sea urchins would likely increase since there would be no natural predator to keep their numbers in check.
With the increase in sea urchin population, they would consume more kelp. Kelp is a primary producer that forms underwater forests and provides habitat and food for various species. Increased grazing by sea urchins would result in a decrease in the size of the kelp population