Question

The diagram shows a partial East Texas food web. Which lists correctly classify these organisms? Select THREE that apply.
Select all correct options
Primary consumers: Field sparrows, white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, beetles, ants
Top predators: Great horned owls, red-tailed hawks
Primary consumers:
Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes
Secondary consumers: Field sparrows, Eastern gray squirrels, beetles
Secondary consumers: Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes

Answer 1

To classify the organisms in the East Texas food web correctly, let's review their roles:

**Primary Consumers:** These are typically herbivores that feed directly on plants. In the options provided:
- Field sparrows (birds that may eat seeds and grains)
- White-tailed deer (herbivores)
- Eastern gray squirrels (they eat nuts and seeds, making them primary consumers as well)
- Beetles (many beetles are herbivorous, feeding on plants)
- Ants (often eat plant material or seeds)

**Secondary Consumers:** These are typically carnivores that eat primary consumers. In the options provided:
- Field sparrows (they can eat insects, which makes them secondary in some contexts)
- Eastern gray squirrels (they also eat seeds but may consume insects, making them secondary in some contexts)
- Striped skunks (omnivores that may consume insects and small animals)
- Louisiana milk snakes (carnivores that feed on smaller animals)

**Top Predators:** These are at the top of the food chain and typically have no natural predators. In the options provided:
- Great horned owls (top predator)
- Red-tailed hawks (top predator)

Based on the categories, the correct classifications would be:

1. **Primary Consumers:**
- White-tailed deer
- Eastern gray squirrels
- Beetles
- Ants

2. **Top Predators:**
- Great horned owls
- Red-tailed hawks

3. **Secondary Consumers:**
- Striped skunks
- Louisiana milk snakes

Given the options from your question, the correct selections that classify the organisms are:

- **Primary Consumers: Field sparrows, white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, beetles, ants** (all of these can be classified as primary consumers)
- **Top predators: Great horned owls, red-tailed hawks**
- **Secondary consumers: Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes**

You can select these three options:

1. Primary Consumers: Field sparrows, white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, beetles, ants
2. Top predators: Great horned owls, red-tailed hawks
3. Secondary consumers: Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes