This food chain is from a coastal marine ecosystem.
giant kelp⟶sea urchin⟶sea otter⟶orca \text{giant kelp} \longrightarrow \text{sea urchin} \longrightarrow \text{sea otter} \longrightarrow \text{orca} giant kelp⟶sea urchin⟶sea otter⟶orcaName the primary consumer in the food chain.
Name the tertiary consumer in the food chain.
Suggest how the following features help the sea otter to survive and feed:
dense, water-repellent fur
use of rocks/stones as tools
highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae)
Kelp forests in many coastal regions are under threat from marine deforestation caused by rising ocean temperatures and overgrazing. Explain the consequences of removing giant kelp on the balance of atmospheric gases.
