Sea Otters

A recent study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the tools used by sea otters, particularly their ability to use rocks and other objects to break up tough prey.

About Sea Otters:

1. Sea otters, aquatic mammals belonging to the weasel family, inhabit the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia.
2. Although they spend most of their time in the water, sea otters may come ashore in some places to sleep or rest.
3. Physical Characteristics: Sea otters have webbed feet for efficient swimming, water-repellent fur to maintain dryness and warmth, and noses and ears that can close when submerged in water.
4. Diet: They eat about a quarter of their body weight per day while foraging in kelp forests and seagrass beds.

5. Ecological Significance:
   a. Keystone Species: The well-being of sea otters indicates the health of nearby species and ecosystems.
   b. Ecosystem Balance: Sea otters play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by hunting sea urchins and controlling their populations.

c. Kelp Forest Protection: Without otters, sea urchins could proliferate in excessive numbers and destroy kelp forests, which provide shelter and sustenance to many marine species.

d. Biodiversity Support: The presence of sea otters contributes to the biodiversity and health of underwater kelp forests.

6. Conservation Status: Sea otters are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

​​​​​Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi