Question

1. which of the following is an example of a keystone species? seagulls in coastal areas. caterpillars in a garden. squirrels in city parks. sea otters in kelp forests.

Explanation:

A keystone species has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Sea otters in kelp forests are keystone species as they control sea urchin populations. Sea urchins graze on kelp, and without sea otters to keep their numbers in check, sea urchins can over - graze and destroy large areas of kelp forest, severely disrupting the ecosystem. The other options (seagulls, caterpillars, squirrels) do not have such a critical and far - reaching impact on their respective ecosystems.

Answer:

Sea otters in kelp forests.