Question

1. how do sea otters help keep a balanced environment off the coast of california?

Explanation:

Sea otters are a keystone species. They feed on sea urchins, which otherwise would overgraze kelp forests. Kelp forests provide habitat for many marine species, regulate carbon, and protect coastlines. By controlling sea urchin populations, sea otters allow kelp forests to thrive, maintaining biodiversity and the health of the marine ecosystem off California's coast.

Answer:

Sea otters are a keystone species. They prey on sea urchins, which would otherwise overgraze kelp forests. Healthy kelp forests support diverse marine life, regulate carbon, and protect coastlines, thus maintaining a balanced coastal marine environment off California.