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Questions and Answers
Southern sea otters prey on ___________.
Southern sea otters prey on ___________.
Sea otters depend on _______ to keep them warm.
Sea otters depend on _______ to keep them warm.
Sea otters are a keystone species controlling the population of ________.
Sea otters are a keystone species controlling the population of ________.
A relationship between two species where both benefit is known as _________.
A relationship between two species where both benefit is known as _________.
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A relationship between two species where both are negatively affected is known as _________.
A relationship between two species where both are negatively affected is known as _________.
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A relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is unaffected is known as _________.
A relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is unaffected is known as _________.
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Resource partitioning helps in _________ limited resources, allowing different species to utilize different parts of the resource.
Resource partitioning helps in _________ limited resources, allowing different species to utilize different parts of the resource.
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Kelp are large brown _________.
Kelp are large brown _________.
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Lampreys use their ________ to rasp away the fish's flesh and feed on its blood and body fluids.
Lampreys use their ________ to rasp away the fish's flesh and feed on its blood and body fluids.
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The relationship between anemonefish and sea anemones is _________.
The relationship between anemonefish and sea anemones is _________.
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Sea otters, whose numbers were once estimated between _________, were hunted extensively for their fur.
Sea otters, whose numbers were once estimated between _________, were hunted extensively for their fur.
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__________ occurs between members of different species.
__________ occurs between members of different species.
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_________ live in the body of their host.
_________ live in the body of their host.
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The relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous is _________.
The relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous is _________.
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One species benefits, and one is unaffected in a relationship called mutualism.
One species benefits, and one is unaffected in a relationship called mutualism.
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Competition is a relationship between two species where one benefits, and the other is unaffected.
Competition is a relationship between two species where one benefits, and the other is unaffected.
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Intraspecific competition occurs between members of different species.
Intraspecific competition occurs between members of different species.
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Southern sea otters prey mostly on marine vertebrates.
Southern sea otters prey mostly on marine vertebrates.
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Sea otters depend on thick fur to keep them warm.
Sea otters depend on thick fur to keep them warm.
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Sea urchins are keystone species that control sea otter populations.
Sea urchins are keystone species that control sea otter populations.
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Resource partitioning can help in competition between two species.
Resource partitioning can help in competition between two species.
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Kelp are yellow algae that live in cool, relatively shallow water close to shore.
Kelp are yellow algae that live in cool, relatively shallow water close to shore.
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Lampreys use their tongue to rasp the fish's flesh so they can feed on the host's blood.
Lampreys use their tongue to rasp the fish's flesh so they can feed on the host's blood.
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The relation between leguminous plants and bacteria is competition.
The relation between leguminous plants and bacteria is competition.
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Study Notes
Southern Sea Otter
- Southern sea otters, also known as California sea otters, live in the waters along the central California coastline.
- They use rocks to dislodge prey and open shellfish, making them one of the few mammals to use tools.
- Their diet consists primarily of marine invertebrates like sea urchins, mollusks, crustaceans, and some fish.
- Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters lack blubber and rely on a thick fur coat for warmth.
- Sea otters' high metabolic needs require consuming at least 20% of their body weight daily.
- They are a keystone species, controlling sea urchin populations.
- Historically, their population was estimated at 150,000-300,000 but was hunted extensively, reducing their numbers to 1,000-2,000 individuals.
- Their population increased between 1938 and 2009, rising from 50 to 2790, but they remain endangered.
Species Interactions
- Mutualism: A relationship where both species benefit. Examples include the partnership between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants, and the symbiotic relationship between anemonefish and sea anemones.
- Commensalism: A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. Examples include nurse plants offering protection to seedlings.
- Parasitism: A relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits, and the other (the host) is harmed.
- Competition: A relationship where both species are harmed because they compete for the same resources. Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species; interspecific competition occurs between members of different species.
- Predation: A relationship where one species (predator) benefits and the other (prey) is harmed.
Kelp Forests
- Kelp are large brown algae (Phaeophyta) that live in cool, relatively shallow waters near the shore.
- Kelp forests support a high diversity of plants and animals, providing shelter, food, and protection.
- Kelp forest environments are impacted by natural factors like predators and climate change, as well as human activities.
Competition for Resources
- Competition is a relationship between organisms that strive for the same resources in the same location (e.g., food, water, space).
- Competition may be intraspecific (between members of the same species) or interspecific (between members of different species).
Resource Partitioning
- Resource partitioning helps different species utilize limited resources by using slightly different parts of a resource, or by using the same resource at different times or in different places.
Bacteria
- Most bacteria are not harmful and some are helpful; such as gut bacteria which keep us healthy.
Parasitism
- Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits by deriving nutrition from its host, and the host is harmed.
Lamprey
- Lampreys use a rough tongue to consume prey's blood and body fluids.
Sea Otter Prey
- Sea otters prey on a variety of marine organisms, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Keystone Species
- Sea otters are keystone species that control sea urchin populations.
MCQ Answers
- (Note: The provided MCQ answers are not complete. You will need the full question to provide the best answer.)*
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Description
Explore the fascinating life of the Southern sea otter, including its unique behaviors, diet, and role as a keystone species. Find out about their history, population changes, and why they are considered endangered. This quiz delves into the ecological relationships involving these remarkable marine mammals.
