Question

based on the passage, would you expect a kelp forest or an urchin barren to have greater biodiversity? choose the best answer and explanation. an urchin barren likely has greater biodiversity than a kelp forest because it is home to a large number of sea urchins. a kelp forest likely has greater biodiversity than an urchin barren because its kelp provide both food and a protective habitat for many different species. a kelp forest likely has greater biodiversity than an urchin barren because kelp depend on light for photosynthesis. an urchin barren likely has greater biodiversity than a kelp forest because it is home to fewer predators.

Explanation:

Kelp forests serve as food - sources and habitats for numerous species, which increases biodiversity. In contrast, urchin barrens are mainly dominated by sea urchins and have less variety of species due to the over - grazing by urchins that can reduce the complexity of the ecosystem. The fact that kelp depend on light for photosynthesis is not directly related to biodiversity comparison here. Having fewer predators in an urchin barren does not necessarily mean higher biodiversity as the ecosystem is relatively simple.

Answer:

A kelp forest likely has greater biodiversity than an urchin barren because its kelp provide both food and a protective habitat for many different species.