Question

Removal of the sea otter, a top predator also had an impact on two other species, the gull and the eagle. how did the gull diet change with the removal of the otter from the ecosystem? how did the eagle diet change with the removal of the otter from the ecosystem? choose 1 of the case studies provided and write a summary of what happens when the top predator is present, including direct, indirect, positive and negative effects. complete what happens when the top predator is removed.

Answer 1

The role of the top predator is to maintain the balance between the population of secondary consumers, primary consumers and the producers. The removal of the sea otters, a top predator will lead to the increase in the number of the secondary consumers that include the creatures like the crabs, frogs, fishes, etc. These creatures are also eaten by the gulls and the eagles. This will lead to increase in the number of the gulls and the eagles as they have more food for themselves. The removal of sea otter decreases the competition over food with the gulls and the eagles. This is an indirect benefit to them.