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Sea otters adapt to changing food sources by using tools to find new favorites

“Survival of the Fittest: How Sea Otters Use Tools to Thrive in Monterey Bay”

Sea otters in Monterey Bay, California, are using tools like rocks and even glass bottles to crack open tougher prey in order to survive in an environment where their preferred food sources are declining, according to a new study published in the journal Science.

Sea otters are large marine mammals that forage in kelp forests, diving to the bottom to grab their favorite foods, such as urchins and abalone. However, in areas like Monterey Bay where there is intense competition for these prey items, otters are turning to alternative food sources that require tools to access.

Chris Law, a biologist at the University of Texas and the University of Washington, explains that in areas with an over-abundance of urchins, known as “urchin barrens,” otters are forced to eat alternative foods like snails that are low in calories and require external force to break into. This has led to an increase in tool use among otters in the region.

The study analyzed data on 196 otters in California, finding that frequent tool users were able to consume harder and larger prey, particularly benefiting female otters who are smaller and have less biting force than males. Using tools also protected the otters’ teeth from damage, allowing them to continue feeding on these novel food sources.

Rob Shumaker, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo and co-author of Animal Tool Behavior, emphasizes the importance of this research in understanding the impact of tool use on animal survival. While tool use in sea otters has been documented for decades, studies like this one are shifting the focus towards how tool use affects an animal’s life rather than just describing the behavior itself.

Overall, the study highlights the adaptive nature of sea otters in response to changing environmental conditions, showcasing their ability to innovate and thrive in the face of food scarcity.

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