Keystone species such as the sea otter in kelp forest ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food web by controlling the population of sea urchins, which feed on kelp. Sea otters are considered a keystone species because their presence directly affects the abundance and diversity of other species in the ecosystem.

Question

Rephrase this sentence in 8th grade

Answer 1

Sea otters are very important in kelp forests because they help keep the balance by eating sea urchins, which can harm the kelp. They are called a keystone species because they have a big impact on other animals in the ecosystem.