Loggerhead Sea Turtle/California Condors/Sea Otters

biology!!

What habitat do sea otters primarily inhabit?

Sea otters are found along the coasts of the Northern Pacific Ocean, particularly in kelp forests, bays, and coastal waters.

What role do sea otters play in marine ecosystems?

As apex predators, sea otters help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the population of sea urchins.

What type of relationship do sea otters have with kelp forests?

Sea otters have a mutualistic relationship with kelp forests; their predation on sea urchins promotes kelp growth.

What is the diet of sea otters?

Sea otters eat a variety of marine invertebrates and fish, including:

crabs, sea urchins, mussels, clams, octopus, snails, and abalone.

They are omnivores.

What threats do sea otters face in their natural habitat?

Sea otters face threats such as oil spills, habitat loss, and entanglement in fishing gear.

How does the current population of sea otters trend?

The current population of sea otters is increasing and plateauing.

What is the primary diet of the California condor?

The California condor primarily feeds on carrion as a scavenger.

What type of habitat do California condors reside?

California condors reside in open and semi-open spaces like mountains, forests, and grasslands.

What symbiotic relationship do California condors have with other scavengers?

California condors coexist with other scavengers, contributing to an ecosystem where multiple species rely on carrion for food.

What is the significance of carrion in the diet of California condors?

Carrion is essential for California condors as it provides a primary food source, supporting their survival and population recovery.

How is the current population of California condors trending?

The current population of California condors is going up.

What are the current conservation efforts made for California Condors?

Public outreach - educating public on lead regulations on ammo.

Veterinary Care - helping these species by vaccinations for the West Nile Virus

What are the preferred nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles?

Loggerhead sea turtles prefer sandy beaches for nesting where they dig nests to lay their eggs.

What type of ecological role do loggerhead sea turtles fulfill?

Loggerheads play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey, maintaining the population balance of jellyfish and other marine organisms.

What is the trend of the current population of loggerhead sea turtles?

The current population of loggerhead sea turtles is going down.

What habitats do loggerhead sea turtles often utilize for foraging?

Loggerhead sea turtles utilize various foraging grounds including sea grass beds, coral reefs, and the open ocean.

What is the significance of sea otters in controlling sea urchin populations?

Sea otters help prevent overgrazing of kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations, which can devastate the ecosystem if left unchecked.

How does carbon concentration in the atmosphere affect the sea otters?

By increasing atmospheric CO2 levels (ocean acidification) may pose a

serious threat to marine organisms, particularly calcifying organisms, many of which are important prey for sea otters.

What is the primary diet of Loggerhead Sea Turtles?

Loggerheads eat a variety of marine invertebrates and fish, including:

jellyfish, floating items, & plants. They are omnivores.

What conservation efforts are being implemented to protect loggerhead sea turtles?

Conservation efforts for loggerhead sea turtles include nesting site protection, reducing bycatch in fisheries, and habitat restoration.