Multiple Choice
Which of Earth's spheres contains the majority of life on Earth?
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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In an ecological food chain, what is a tertiary consumer?
A
An organism that feeds directly on producers
B
An organism that feeds on secondary consumers
C
An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis
D
An organism that decomposes dead organic matter
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a food chain: A food chain represents the flow of energy and nutrients through different levels of organisms in an ecosystem, starting with producers and moving through various consumer levels.
Define the roles in a food chain: Producers (autotrophs) create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Primary consumers feed directly on producers, secondary consumers feed on primary consumers, and tertiary consumers feed on secondary consumers.
Identify the role of a tertiary consumer: A tertiary consumer is typically a carnivore or omnivore that preys on secondary consumers, occupying a higher trophic level in the food chain.
Clarify what tertiary consumers are not: They are not producers (organisms that make their own food), decomposers (organisms that break down dead organic matter), or primary consumers (organisms that feed directly on producers).
Relate the definition to the options provided: The correct description of a tertiary consumer is 'An organism that feeds on secondary consumers,' as it aligns with the ecological role of tertiary consumers in the food chain.
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