Climate Change

What is a keystone species, and why do they matter?

Sea otters float on their backs in the waters of Prince William Sound near the town of Valdez, Alaska

Without the sea otter, which prevents sea urchins from overbreeding, kelp forests would be severely depleted. Image: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Jatinder Sidhu
Writer, Formative Content
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A one day old wild sea otter pup lies with its mother inside the Great Tide Pool at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, December 21, 2015. It is not uncommon for sea otters to give birth in the tide pool's protected basin. The newborn pup is estimated to weigh a couple of pounds according to aquarium staff. REUTERS/Michael Fiala - TM3EBCL1FTL01
Sea otters play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems. Image: REUTERS/Michael Fiala
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Climate ChangePlastics and the EnvironmentNature and Biodiversity
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COP28 agrees to establish loss and damage fund for vulnerable countries

Cristen Hemingway Jaynes

December 1, 2023

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