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If a large pod of orca whales moved into an area and stayed around for a while, what would you expect to happen to the density of the kelp forest? (c) Total kelp density it would increase it would decrease

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If a large pod of orca whales moved into an area and stayed around for a while,
what would you expect to happen to the density of the kelp forest?
(c) Total kelp density
it would increase
it would decrease

If a large pod of orca whales moved into an area and stayed around for a while, what would you expect to happen to the density of the kelp forest? (c) Total kelp density it would increase it would decrease

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RyanProfessional · Tutor for 6 years

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<p> c. Total kelp density</p>

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<p> The question discusses an ecological interaction that could occur if a large pod of killer whales (orcas) were to move into an area for an extended period of time. This movement of whales changes the dynamics of the ecosystem, affecting different levels of the food chain. Orca whales feed on sea otters, thereby acting as a population control mechanism. When the population of sea otters is regulated in such a manner, the populations of sea urchins which the otters feed on may increase. Sea urchins in turn feed on kelp, likely leading to diminished kelp density. Thus, the sudden appearance of orcas in an ecosystem can start a cascade that will eventually cause changes in total kelp density.</p>
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