Large swaths of ocean floor once inhabited by kelp have been laid to waste by voracious purple sea urchins. A pair of new studies by UC Santa Cruz scientists help explain why. 

<p>Large swaths of ocean floor once inhabited by kelp have been laid to waste by voracious purple sea urchins. A pair of new studies by UC Santa Cruz scientists help explain why.&nbsp;</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>