Kelp forests support enormous biological productivity in temperate coastal waters. Their vertical structure provides shelter for hundreds of species, from microscopic invertebrates anchored to fronds to fish, seals, and sea otters that hunt within the canopy. Surveys consistently find biological abundance in healthy kelp habitats far above that of nearby kelp-free coastlines.
Which choice best describes the function of the second and third sentences in the text?
- A
They contradict the productivity claim made in the first sentence.
- Bcheck_circle
They support the productivity claim by describing the habitat's structure and citing comparative surveys.
- C
They introduce a different marine ecosystem.
- D
They define the term 'kelp'.
Explanation
Sentence two describes habitat structure; sentence three supplies comparative data — both support the opening claim. B is correct.