The reading and lecture are both about the causes of the decline the number of sea otters,

which live
western coast of North America from California To Alaska. The author of the reading claims that the
number of sea otters has declined and provides several reasons. However, the lecturer questions the
points raised in the passage and thinks that the predator hypothesis is the most practical explanation.

Firstly, the author notes that otters' resistance to infection is reduced by increased chemical exposure.
He asserts that specific causes of pollution can be found along the coast. The lecturer disagrees, stating
that the theory is weak because no dead sea otters have been spotted along the beaches. She suggests
that predators would consume the captured otters right away. Dead ones can not, therefore, wash up on
the beaches.

Secondly, the author contends that several other marine mammals, particularly orcas, are adversely
impacted by environmental pollution in addition to sea otters. These creatures, according to him,
altered their diet and preferred whale hunting. The lecturer challenges this claim. She asserts that as a
result of human involvement, whale populations declined, leading orcas to choose to target smaller
animals like otters.

Lastly, the passage states that environmental factors explain the uneven pattern of the sea otter
population. On the other hand, the lecturer believes these sea mammal populations have declined in
locations accessible by orcas. Moreover, she feels that the uneven pattern of the sea otter population is
due to predators.

In conclusion, the reading and listening chapters discuss the theory of the sea otter's supposed decrease.