Multiple Choice
In ecology, the total number of organisms that an ecosystem can support is known as its:
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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In a typical marine food chain, which trophic level does the yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) primarily occupy?
A
Primary consumer
B
Secondary consumer
C
Tertiary consumer
D
Primary producer
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of trophic levels: Trophic levels represent the position an organism occupies in a food chain. The main levels are primary producers (autotrophs like algae), primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores that eat herbivores), and tertiary consumers (carnivores that eat other carnivores).
Identify the role of yellowfin tuna in the marine food chain: Yellowfin tuna are large predatory fish that primarily feed on smaller fish and squid, which are themselves secondary consumers.
Determine the trophic level of the prey: The prey of yellowfin tuna (e.g., smaller fish and squid) are secondary consumers because they feed on primary consumers like zooplankton.
Assign the trophic level to yellowfin tuna: Since yellowfin tuna feed on secondary consumers, they occupy the tertiary consumer level in the food chain.
Conclude that yellowfin tuna are tertiary consumers: This is because they are at the top of the food chain, feeding on organisms that are already carnivorous.
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