Secondary consumers: ● A secondary consumer is also called a carnivore (or sometimes an omnivore, depending on the diet).
iv. Tertiary consumers: These are organisms that consume secondary consumers and are often at the top of the food chain. They are typically carnivores or omnivores.
v. Higher level consumers: Higher level consumers refer to organisms that occupy higher trophic levels, typically including tertiary consumers and apex predators.
vi. Consumers that feed on both plants and animals are called omnivores.
vii. What is the role of a detritivore in the food chain? Give an example of this organism.
- Detritivores are organisms that feed on dead organic matter, breaking it down into smaller particles. They play a crucial role in the nutrient cycling process by decomposing organic matter and enhancing soil fertility. An example of a detritivore is an earthworm.
viii. What is the role of a decomposer in the food chain? Give an example of this type of organism.
- Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic material and waste products, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by decomposing organic matter. An example of a decomposer is a fungus, such as a mushroom.