They can cause problems for the kelp by sticking to it and feeding off there energy source. Also by not letting go and causing the kelp to sink to the bottom and not get the sun light it needs.
sea urchins eat kelp.
When sea urchins are not present in the ecosystem kelp forests thrive.
Purple sea urchins live in close association with kelp forests. Kelp is their primary food.
Sea urchins live in the sea, rock pools, kelp forests, and coral reefs
Some animals use these forests as feeding ground. The Otter for one. Some birds even dive down for food in these forests. And fish of course. They both find food and protection here.
Sea otters are considered a keystone species because they have a significant impact on the health and balance of their ecosystem. They play a crucial role in controlling the population of sea urchins, which are herbivores that feed on kelp forests. By preying on sea urchins, sea otters help maintain the health and diversity of kelp forests, which in turn provide habitat and food for many other species in the ecosystem. Without sea otters, the unchecked population growth of sea urchins can lead to the destruction of kelp forests and disrupt the entire ecosystem.
The predators of bull kelp are sea urchins.
They are a vital part of the ocean's ecosystem. Without otters, sea urchins would have no predators and would overpopulate and likely destroy kelp forests, which are a food source for urchins.
The kelp uses the sea urchins to keep it in check, from growing too much. However, the sea urchins eat kelp, so they destroy kelp growth. Also, sea otters eat urchins, and they live in the kelp forest.
Yes stingrays live at the bottom of heavy kelp forests (or just plain kelp forests).
No, atually they live in massive groups, searching for kelp and other sea grasses to munch on. A large mass of urchins can clear massive kelp forests in a short amount of time. Most urchin groups live in shallows, but some species prefer deeper waters.
Yes they smash them on their chest with stones and eat the insides, which is also eaten by humans. If you ever eat Uni at a Sushi restaurant that is sea urchin