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

Sep 16, 2021

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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