In the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, sea otters (Enhydra lutris) prey upon benthic herbivores (mostly sea urchins), which in turn prey upon benthic seaweeds. Detritus from these seaweeds fuels production in nearshore food webs, such that organisms at islands with otters and abundant seaweeds grow faster than do those at islands dominated by herbivores. See page 170. [Photograph copyright Jeff Foott]

[Table of Contents]

To Advertise   |   Find Products