Kelp Forests in Alaskan Waters Support Numerous Species of Fish

Kelp forests in Alaskan waters support numerous species of fish and invertebrates.Giant kelp, the dominant producer in these communities, can be completely decimated by the grazing of sea urchins, which consume the kelp and create "urchin barrens" devoid of marine life.Urchins are a preferred food of sea otters.By keeping urchin numbers low, otters help ensure the viability of the kelp forest community.The first response to removal of sea otters from this community would likely be

A) extinction of the kelp forest community.
B) formation of a coral reef community.
C) formation of an ecological community with increased efficiency.
D) initiation of a trophic cascade that increases kelp abundance.
E) initiation of a trophic cascade that decreases kelp abundance.

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